Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Coenzyme Q-10, also known as ubiquinol-10 or simply Co Q10, is a strong antioxidant that is manufactured by the human body. Studies show that B vitamins (niacin, vitamin B6 and vitamin B12) and vitamin C help convert the amino acid tyrosine to ubiquinol-10, which is stored in heart, kidneys and liver. Coenzyme Q-10 participates in numerous chemical reactions, providing energy to tissues and vital organs. It plays a vital role in the metabolism of fat and aids tissue repair in adults.

Co Q10 has been shown to boost the immune function and prevent the accumulation of fatty acids within the heart muscle. The increased levels of ubiquinol-10 in the body minimise the risk of cardiovascular disease such as congestive heart failure, angina, atherosclerosis, cardiomyopathy, hypertension and mitral valve prolapse. Coenzyme Q-10 slows the breakdown of mitochondrial DNA, thus preventing the premature aging. It acts as a powerful antioxidant against free radicals, which damage tissues and interfere with the enzymatic reactions. Ubiquinol-10 helps keep other antioxidants in their active states and helps improve brain function.

The levels of Co Q10 deplete with the stress and growing age. If you are over the age of 35, then make sure that you regularly take a dietary supplement that contains coenzyme Q-10 in its formulation. HealthAid CoQ-10 120mg is a popular brand on the market that is specially formulated for rapid absorption and efficacy. CoQ-10 is utilised by mitochondria to help release energy from food. It makes a wonderful gift for those people who suffer from low energy levels due to cardiovascular disease, those who have hypertension or are diabetic, those who want to improve athletic performance, those who want an energy boost and those who lead busy stressful lives.

A ganglion, also known as a Baker cyst, is a cyst (sac-like swelling) formed from the tissues that line joints. It can form around any joint, but elbows, wrists and ankles are the most affected joints. Ganglion can cause local trauma to the joints and is an early sign of arthritis. A ganglion often resolves on its own.

The typical symptoms include formation of a cyst that is filled with a thick jelly-like fluid and localized pain. However, there is no inflammation and redness. When a ganglion is formed behind the back of knee, it causes a sense of tightness and fullness in the knee area.

Treatment options for ganglions include aspiration (removal of the fluid with a needle and syringe with an injection of cortisone medication) or surgery.

There are numerous dietary supplements on the market that help maintain the health of bones and joints. HealthAid Glucosamine Sulphate 500mg is a popular brand that makes use of glucosamine in its formulation. Glucosamine helps make up the glucosaminoglycines, a chemical substance that helps repair and renew the connective tissue in the spinal discs, cartilage, ligaments and tendons between the joints. The rate of formation of glucosaminoglycines determines the rate of repair of tissue damage to the body.

This supplement also contains vitamin C and calcium to increase the rate of assimilation and absorption. HealthAid Glucosamine Sulphate makes an excellent gift for those people who are suffering from symptoms of arthritis, particularly of the knee, those who play sport, or those who wish to maintain current bone health.

Aortic Dissection is a medical condition in which a small tear occurs in the inside layer of the aortic wall. The aorta is a large blood vessel that carries blood from the heart to the vital organs. Aortic Dissection is more common in men than women and it usually affects people aged 50 and above.

There are numerous factors that may lead to the aortic dissection. Over 60% cases are associated with high blood pressure. Other factors might include depression, physical trauma to chest, congenital abnormalities of the aortic valve, Turner syndrome, Marfan’s syndrome, pregnancy, syphilis, use of drugs especially cocaine and surgical complications.

The common symptoms of aortic dissection include chest pain, abdominal pain, abnormal pulse, nausea, vomiting, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, night sweats, paraplegia, stroke, myocardial infarction, and congestive heart failure. Aortic Dissection is diagnosed with a chest x-ray, electrocardiogram, tomography aortic angiogram of the chest, echocardiography and magnetic resonance imaging.

Treatment options include beta blocker medications for lowering the blood pressure and a surgical procedure for repairing the damaged part of aorta. Aortic Dissection can be avoided by consuming heart-healthy foods and diets low in sodium, performing a regular physical activity, avoiding stress, and taking a dietary supplement that helps maintain the normal blood pressure.

HealthAid Cod Liver Oil 550mg is a popular brand on the market that contains DHA & EPA, which are omega 3 oils. These are beneficial for reducing the blood pressure and serum cholesterol levels, and maintaining the health of cardiovascular system, bones and flexible joints. Moreover, they also help reduce the symptoms associated with depression. HealthAid Cod Liver Oil also contains vitamins A & D, which play an important role in nourishing the skin, gums, hair and are also good for eye vision.

The hamstrings are the tendons at the back of the knee that help bend the knee and extend the hip. Hamstring muscles play an important role in performing power activities such as climbing, walking, running and jumping. Physically active individuals and athletes are prone to the hamstring injuries, which range from a minor strain to a major rupture.

Hamstring injuries occur with jerking pulls on the tissues of hamstring muscle. The typical symptoms include severe pain, tiredness, tenderness, inflammation and a bruised appearance around injured hamstring tissues. The treatment aims at reducing the inflammation, preventing scar formation and restoring muscle function. Anti-inflammatory medications, physical therapy compression, ice, stretching and rest help control pain and swelling. A surgery is performed to treat the grade III injuries.

Sufferers of hamstring injuries should use a dietary supplement that helps in healing. HealthAid L-Arginine with L-Ornithine 300mg is a popular brand on the market that contains vitamins B6, L-Arginine and L-Ornithine in its formulation. These amino acids play an important role in enhancing collagen synthesis and speeding up repair time and tissue injury. They help produce growth hormones that are required for muscle tissue synthesis, muscular energy, muscle growth and repair. Moreover, they help maintain the liver function, help flush toxins from the body and optimize fat metabolism. Vitamin B6 helps absorb energy from food, boosts immune system and maximises absorption rate of the individual amino acids. Make sure that you take 2 capsules daily after main meal. Do not exceed the recommended dosage.

Inflammatory bowel disease or IBD is a painful condition that occurs due to inflammation of small or large intestine. It is neither a contagious disease nor is a form of cancer. There are two types of inflammatory bowel disease: 1) Crohn’s Disease 2) Ulcerative Colitis. Crohn’s Disease can start anywhere in the gut, while Ulcerative Colitis starts in rectum and spreads upward.

IBD is characterized by symptoms such as diarrhoea, nausea, vomiting, fever, abdominal cramps, intestinal obstruction and rectal bleeding. Diagnosis is made on the basis of X-ray, family history, current medications and colonoscopy. The exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease is still unknown and a lot of research is being carried out in this regard.

Treatment options include medications to reduce inflammation and consumption of soft food items to eliminate intestinal swelling. However, severe cases of IBD often need a colon surgery.

It makes a good idea to regularly consume a dietary supplement that helps maintain the health of gastrointestinal tract. HealthAid Acidophilus Plus 4 Billion is a popular brand that is formulated using special strains of probiotics cultures. Fructo-Oligosaccharides help support the growth of bacterial strains in the intestinal tract. People suffering from yeast infections, indigestion or stomach discomfort should include Acidophilus Plus in their daily dietary routine.

Moreover, it also makes an excellent gift for people who regularly suffer from trapped wind or bloating problems and those with persistent bowel discomfort. Take one capsule daily to maintain the general health of the digestive tract or overcome momentary stomach disorders.