Gym Addicts » Supplements & Vitamins

Diet Tips to Remove Stress and Reduce Pain

Gypsy — Tue, 22 Dec 2009 18:41:06 +0000

Are you feeling down and sluggish all day? Then you need some motivation! Well, to get your hype back isn’t always easy, but you can actually find a shortcut towards getting back your energy by means of fixing your diet. Below are some quick tips:

Drink and smell the juicy pulp! Drinking a glass of fresh fruit juice or smelling its aroma can make a big change in your aura. Citrus fruits such as oranges and lemons can get you back on track even while in the midst of a stressful day. This is because their scent and taste activate the hippocampus, which in turn wakes up your senses. You then feel the drive to live and enjoy life again!
Practice aromatherapy. Just like drinking fresh citrus juice, it is also helpful that you engage in aromatherapy regardless of you being stressed or not. Lemon scent is known to be an effective antidepressant and as well lowers your blood pressure, making you immune to stress and not get affected by it.
Alter your diet. Sometimes you lose strength and energy because you are getting tired of doing the same things everyday, and that includes your diet. Try changing your meal plan every other day, so that you senses would look forward to consuming something new.
Avoid heavy dairy and sweets. There are certain foods which, due to their effect on your body’s digestion process, get you depressed, tired and lonely. These include yogurt, sour cream, cocoa, white bread and processed meat.

Lastly, drink plenty of fluids! These include water, tea, and decaf coffee. They keep you hydrated and relaxed all day. You can also munch on foods which are high in magnesium such as sweet potatoes, millet, artichoke hearts, brown rice and whole grains. Foods with omega-3 fatty acids meanwhile keep your heart functioning well and not be bothered by the surrounding stress.

Olive Oil: A Cure to Ulcers

Gypsy — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 18:37:34 +0000

In every salad recipe, you can find olive oil present. Olive oil has been around for ages, even as far back to the Greek civilization. During that time it has been used not only as a sauce and flavoring ingredient for various dishes, but also as a cure to ulcers.

The use of olive oil as a cure to ulcers may have been forgotten for centuries, until 30 years ago when the condiment was taken into a special medical study involving ulcers. According to the study, ulcers are caused by H. pylori bacteria, which damage the stomach lining. The antioxidant nature of olive oil is meanwhile effective in removing the various strains of the said bacteria from the stomach and prevent them from settling in, thus protecting the person from stomach ulcers.

But where can you get olive oil?

While olive oil is available in almost any grocery store, it is also quite important to know where it actually comes from. Olive oil is derived from, where else, but the olive tree. Fresh olive oil (more popularly known as virgin or extra virgin) is high in healthy monounsaturated fats and contains antioxidants which not only work to protect the stomach lining from the bacteria, but also regulates and even lowers LDL cholesterol in the body.

When using virgin or extra virgin olive oil, it is best to mix them in low heat cooking or no heat meals, as they easily evaporate on high flame.

Are Vitamins Supplements and Real Meals Equal?

Gypsy — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 18:33:45 +0000

Today’s fast-paced generation has led us to creating time-saving alternatives to our usually time-consuming activities, including eating meals. Since most people are busy with work and other affairs, they no longer have enough time to eat, and in turn they don’t get enough of the vitamins and nutrients they need. Because of this supplements of all sorts have been developed to support man’s health needs. But can vitamin supplements actually take place real meals?

The answer is NO. Here are the reasons why:

Supplements are not equal to real meals, as they have their own set of shortcomings which make them less than real meals. It is true that they contain adequate vitamin and mineral content, but their sources are not as reliable as those from fresh produce.
Vitamins need to work along with other elements such as proteins and fats in order to be absorbed by the body. Consuming supplements alone could not be properly assimilated by the body system, as they have missing components in order to be recognized as genuine nutrients, otherwise they end up as free minerals that exit without being absorbed.
Fresh meals contain fresh nutrients. Remember that supplements get their nutritional content by means of artificial manufacturing, thus it takes time for the human body to recognize and absorb them fully. Actually, the absorption rate for supplements is only around 10 to 20%. Meanwhile, real meals such as freshly cooked meat and vegetables have higher, more soluble amounts of nutrients which easily pass through the body and be used for man’s daily sustenance.

Remember, vitamin supplements are not wonder drugs or magic pills. They just help in supplying the missing nutrients in order for man to stay healthy all day.

Spice Up Your Life (and Health) with Garlic!

Gypsy — Tue, 01 Dec 2009 18:22:39 +0000

You may hate its smell and taste, but garlic is one herb that you shouldn’t miss. It not only saves you from being bitten by vampires, it also has a lot of benefits that would sure keep you in very good health.

Garlic has been one of the oldest herbs known in history, and yes, it is one of the most pungent. It first gained prominence as a flavoring agent, but more than that, its sulfur compounds also function as antioxidants and block the onset of carcinogens in the human body, and even inhibit the growth of tumors. Below are some of the better known benefits of garlic:

Its antibiotic properties have been used to treat diseases such as typhus, cholera and dysentery.
It is also a good agent against diabetes as it controls blood pressure and blood sugar and blood lipid levels.
It also helps fight fungi from settling into the skin, and even gets rid of fungal infections.

Indeed, while garlic provides us with a lot of benefits, many people don’t like consuming the herb because of its smell and taste. Its strong odor can be very overwhelming, especially when its cloves are freshly cut. However, garlic can still be consumed, particularly when served properly on the dish.

The best way to consume garlic is by eating it cooked. Raw garlic can be too strong for the stomach and may cause inflammations, thus cooking it first and eating it as chips can be a better alternative. Garlic oil is also available and can be cooked with other dishes. Lastly, garlic supplements have grown equally popular nowadays, just be sure that they contain active ingredients such as S-allycysteine and allicin, the elements that make the herb truly effective on one’s health.

Boost Your Glutathione Levels Naturally!

Gypsy — Tue, 24 Nov 2009 16:19:04 +0000

If you are planning to follow a glutathione rich diet, then here are some of the dietary sources which you have to consider consuming:

Herbs. Glutathione sources thrive greatly on herbs, such as milk-thistle and silymarin. These two herbs have great effects in keeping the liver strong and healthy, as they contain various antioxidants such as vitamins C and E. Silymarin is known for protecting the liver against damage as it keeps toxic agents from entering the said organ and causing problems, such as the unstable compounds amanita toxin, galactosamine, carbon tetrachloride, as well as prasaedymium nitrate.

Sylimarin is also effective in generating detoxification in the liver, thus preventing the reduction and wastage of glutathione pools present in the organ. It is important for the liver to be able to detoxify as the more it is able to cleanse itself from harmful chemicals, the greater ability it has to generate glutathione. A healthy liver supported by silymarin benefits can boost glutathione synthesis by up to 35%.

Another useful agent in generating glutathione is curcumin. Circumin works by altering EpRE and AP-1 binding complexes and increases glutamate-cysteine ligase gene expression. Aside from curcumin, alpha lipoid acid also has abilities in elevating glutathione amounts and as well perform antioxidant activities based on various studies.

Vitamins and minerals. Aside from vitamins C and E, vitamins B6, selenium and riboflavin take important roles in generating glutathione synthesis, and these nutrients can be found in various meat and vegetables.

The above-mentioned vitamins, minerals and enzymatic compounds can be found in meat, vegetables, fruits and dietary products. Raw meat is usually packed with glutathione-enhancing nutrients, but these nutrients are greatly reduced once cooked. Human breast milk meanwhile is also rich in glutathione sources, however it should be consumed immediately to prevent loss of glutathione content for up to nearly 80%.

Fruits and vegetables rich in glutathione boosting content include bell peppers, potatoes, carrots, onions and broccoli. It should be understood however that cooking and heating reduces the content of glutathione in these produce, thus it is important to consume them either fresh or at raw servings. Other sources of glutathione include avocadoes, asparagus, squash, cauliflower, okra, spinach, walnuts, tomatoes and garlic.

What are the Benefits You Can Get from Glutathione?

Gypsy — Tue, 17 Nov 2009 16:08:15 +0000

Glutathione is among the most powerful antioxidants in the human body. It is way more powerful than other common nutrients such as Vitamin C and E, and it provides a wide variety of benefits to a person’s overall health. By having sufficient amounts of glutathione in the body, a person can not only be protected against diseases, but also stay young, vibrant and radiant even as the years go by.

While glutathione is naturally produced by the cells in the human body, there are actually a lot of ways in raising the nutrient’s levels. Unlike other vitamins which can be directly acquired by means of feeding on specific fruits and vegetables, glutathione meanwhile is not directly absorbed but rather its components have to be obtained in order to start synthesis.

A person can acquire higher amounts of glutathione by raising the body’s levels of intracellular glutathione, which is found in various types of cysteine.

N Acetyl Cysteine is a nutriceutical compound is one of the nutrients that help in producing glutathione. It is usually extracted from the undenatrured whey protein nutraceutical Immunocal, and together with bonded cysteine, the two nutrients take part in generating glutathione synthesis in the cells.

Increasing the levels of glutathione has a huge impact in a person’s health. One of its main benefits is boosting the strength and performance of the immune system, thus making the person resistant to various diseases, including the most dreaded ones such as cycstic fibroris, hepatitis, cancer and HIV. Glutathione is also considered to be a key to finding the fountain of youth, as it can greatly slow down the process of aging; a person with sufficient levels of glutathione tends to have more strength and vitality, has retentive memory, has less wrinkles and saggy skin, and is still capable of doing tasks with less flaws and even enhanced performance.

While N Acetyl Cystein and bonded cysteine can be purchased in pharmaceutical stores, glutathione content in the body can also be increased safely and naturally by means of keeping the liver strong and healthy. The liver is the organ in which most glutathione pools originate, and by keeping a healthy liver, glutathione enzymes remain to be present and can easily be replaced.

Proper diet, exercise and avoidance of food, drinks and activities which can be harmful to the liver are necessary in order to maintain sufficient glutathione levels in the body. A diet consisting of nutrients that strengthen the liver are also recommended, such as green leafy vegetables and sylimarin. Sylimarin is a special herb that has high amounts of various nutrients including vitamins C and E which help keep the liver functioning normally. By doing this regularly, not only will glutathione levels be increased, but as well be utilized properly and be kept from being wasted.

How Is Glutathione Used by the Body?

Gypsy — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 15:58:58 +0000

Glutathione is a non-essential nutrient, as it can be derived from synthesizing amino acids such as L-cysteine, L-glutamic acid and glycine. It is synthesized in two adenosine triphosphate procedures, beginning with:

Gamma-glutamylcysteine synthesis- L-glutamate and cysteine are synthesized by means of a chemical reaction, which serves as the rate-limiting step in the overall glutathione synthesis process.
Glycine is then combined with the gamma-glutamylcysteine through its C-terminal by using the enzyme glutathione synethetase.

Glutathione plays a big role in catalytic efficiency of glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), a heterodimeric enzyme that generates all enzymatic activities in the body. The lack of GCL in animals and insects can cause instant death of newborns and increased sensitivity to incoming toxins.

Around 90% of reduced form glutathione (GSH) is found in healthy tissues and cells, while around 10% is present in disulfide form (GSSG). According to studies, an increased GSSG-to-GSH level of glutathione in the body indicates increased levels of oxidative stress.

While human cells are capable of synthesizing glutathione, the said nutrient is also produced by means of artificial processes which come in the form of dietary supplements. The nutrient’s antioxidant properties not only aid in providing skin and organ rejuvenation in humans, but as well increase vitality and radiance. At present, glutathione is used as supplement to prevent the signs of aging, boost a healthier immune system, and reduce a person’s risk to illnesses even as he or she grows older. Glutathione supplements are currently available in different forms, such as oral pills and intravenous injections.

The Science of Glutathione

Gypsy — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:45:03 +0000

Glutathione is a form of tripeptide that provides a lot of benefits to the human body. It has grown to be popular supplement for people of different ages due to its effects that slow down the oxidation process and revitalize the body systems both inside and out.

A form of antioxidant, glutathione contains a special peptide linkage which connects the amine group of cysteine and the carboxyl group in the glutamate side chain. Its main function is to help protect cells from acquiring reactive oxygen species like peroxides and free radicals. It attacks electrophilic conjugate acceptors and is nucleophilic at sulfur.

Glutathione is member of the Thiol group and is kept in a reduced state at approximately ~5 mM found in animal cells. Because of this, it has the ability to reduce disulfide bonds that had been created inside the cytoplasmic proteins and transform them into cysteines by serving as electron donors.

Glutathione has a number of uses in the body. First, it acts as an antioxidant and participates in removing free radicals from the body, and at the same time it helps collect exogenous antioxidants such as the vitamins C and E. It also detoxifies foreign compounds such as organic and inorganic carcinogens and is essential factor in unleashing the full powers of the immune system.

Glutathione also helps increase the presence of lymphocytes in the bloodstream, which in turn kill cytotoxic T cells and NK cells. Glutathione also functions in maintaining metabolic and biochemical activities such as DNA repair and synthesis, as well as protein synthesis and enzyme activation.

Prescription Weight Loss Pills

Gypsy — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 23:02:00 +0000

Prescription weight loss pills, as they are called, are highly effective in combating massive weight gain. Unlike diet and exercise in which you yourself take the effort in eliminating the fat and retained fluids to reduce your weight, these medications meanwhile trigger special actions which alter specific processes happening inside your system. They alter the behavior of hormones or send different signals to the brain so it will be programmed to a different mindset which rather tells you to stop eating or speed up your metabolism. Other pills meanwhile reconfigure your hormones in such a way that the fats are used and burned faster and easier.

But not all overweight individuals are entitled to use prescription weight loss pills, even when they have already consulted a nutritionist or physician. Why? Because these pills not only help you lose weight faster, they also provide certain changes which your system may not be able to handle. Medications such as these have their own side effects, and when you’re not equipped to handle these side effects, you may be at greater risk to illnesses which can only put your life in real danger.

Are prescription weight loss pills safe? Yes, they are, despite the presence of side effects. However, they only become safe and effective when consumed by the right patients. Also, since the struggle towards weight loss has grown to be a trend, weight conscious individuals have the tendency to become addicted to these pills even if they really don’t need to consume them in the first place. Thus, before taking prescription weight loss pills, visit your doctor first.

When visiting your doctor regarding your weight gain problem, you will be subject to a number of tests to prove that you are qualified to be provided with such prescription medication. It is always best to follow your doctor’s advice when taking these pills, as they can affect not only your weight but your overall health.

Prescription weight loss pills only work at their best when you consume them along with a well-balanced diet and regular exercise. As these pills can affect your nutritional requirements, it is then important for you to sustain your body’s need for vitamins and minerals as well as other nutrients. Most of all, weight loss prescription pills only help you get over your weight gain problem-but it’s still you who will take the effort in pulling off your weight. No matter what kind of prescription weight loss pill you consume, if you are not consistent and determined to lose those pounds, they will still come back to you after a period of time.

Muscle Building Breakfasts

Gypsy — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 22:33:25 +0000

Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Because of this you should have full breakfast meal before heading on to work, school or doing your daily activities. Breakfast is also important for bodybuilders because the food they eat in the morning provides them with the most amount of energy in order to last for day’s bodybuilding workout routine.

However, not all breakfast meals served in the diner or at home are healthy. Most of them contain grease and sodium which can affect your diet and exercise routines. Thus, in order to be sure that you are eating vitamin and mineral enriched foods which you will use on workouts then here are some morning recipes which you can do:

1. Strawberry Protein Shake

Ingredients

1 cup ~ strawberries, fresh or frozen
2 scoops ~ 100% premuim whey protein mix
1 cup ~ fat free milk
10 ~ Ice cubes

Directions

Just put it all in the blender and blend to the consistency you would like it and then drink the yummy treat you worked hard for. Number of Servings: 2

Nutritional Info

Servings Per Recipe: 2
Amount Per Serving
Calories: 169.5
Total Fat: 2.2 g
Cholesterol: 50.0 mg
Sodium: 104.4 mg
Total Carbs: 13.0 g
Dietary Fiber: 1.7 g
Protein: 30.6 g

2. Oatmeal Banana Muffins

Ingredients

3 c. Whole Wheat Flour

3/4 c. Rolled Oats

1 Tbs. Baking Powder

1/2 Tsp. Ground Cinnamon

1/4 Tsp. Ground Nutmeg

1 Tbs. Sugar

1 Egg

2 Tbs. Vegetable Oil

1 1/2 c. Low fat Milk

1 sm. Banana, cubed

1/4 c. Sunflower Seeds, toasted

Directions

Combine the flour, oats, baking powder, cinnamon, nutmeg and sugar in a bowl. Add the remaining ingredients and blend. Spoon into oiled muffin tins or paper muffin cups. Bake in a 375-degree oven for 15 to 20 minutes. Makes 12.

Nutritional Info:

Calories: 180
Carbohydrates: 29
Protein: 5
Fat: 5
Sodium: 91
Potassium: 221
Cholesterol: 23
Exchange Value: 1 Bread Exchange + 1 Fruit Exchange + 1 Fat Exchange

3. Granola Gorp

Ingredients

3 c. Granola (any flavor)

3 oz. Chow mein noodles

1 c. Salted peanuts

1/2 c. Dates; cut up

1/2 c. Dried apricots; cut up

1/2 c. Raisins

1/4 c. Margarine; melted

6 oz. Semisweet chocolate chips OR butterscotch chips

VARIATIONS: 1 1/2 c. Oyster crackers

3/4 c. Roasted pumpkin kernels

3/4 c. Flaked -OR- shredded coconut

3/4 c. M and M’s

3/4 c. Salted cashews

3/4 c. Dried banana chips

1/2 c. Salted sunflower nuts

1/2 c. Dried apples; cut up

Directions

Heat oven to 350. Mix granola, noodles, peanuts, apricots and raisins. Pour margarine over granola mixture; toss until evenly coated. Spread in 9×13 ungreased pan. Bake uncovered stirring occasionally 15 minutes; cool. Stir in the chips. Store in tightly covered container.

VARIATIONS : Add any combination of the above variations with the granola. If using M and M’s add with the chips.

Gym Addicts » Supplements & Vitamins

Diet Tips to Remove Stress and Reduce Pain

Popular:

Olive Oil: A Cure to Ulcers

Popular:

Are Vitamins Supplements and Real Meals Equal?

Popular:

Spice Up Your Life (and Health) with Garlic!

Popular:

Boost Your Glutathione Levels Naturally!

Popular:

What are the Benefits You Can Get from Glutathione?

Popular:

How Is Glutathione Used by the Body?

Popular:

The Science of Glutathione

Popular:

Prescription Weight Loss Pills

Related:

Muscle Building Breakfasts

Related: