Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

To obtain peak health and performance our body requires many different vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fish oils.
Vitamins help the body turn food into energy and tissues. There are 13 vitamins in all: vitamin A; the vitamin B complex, which includes thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, vitamin B6, folic acid, vitamin B12 pantothenic acid, and biotin; and vitamins C, D, E, and K.
There is a wide array of daily essential nutrients for improving areas such as joint health and with some being integral to assisting bodily functions such as the circulatory, digestive, immune and nervous systems.

Glossary

Antioxidants
Antioxidants are chemical compounds or substance that inhibits oxidation of molecules. Although oxidation reactions are crucial for life, they can also be damaging.
Low levels of antioxidants, or inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes, cause oxidative stress and may damage or kill cells. Diets high in fruit and vegetables, which are high in antioxidants, promote health and reduce the effects of ageing however, most diets still require a daily antioxidant supplement to maintain sufficient levels.
Antioxidant supplementation is particularly important for those engaging in physical activity where increased oxygen consumption and production of oxidants results in damage that contributes to muscular fatigue during and after exercise.

Calcium
Calcium is predominately stored in the bones and teeth where it remains as a vital component of maintaining their structure and overall health.
Calcium is found in some foods, especially dairy products but can also taken as a daily supplement to meet the recommended daily allowance (RDA) of approximately 1000mg for the average adult.

For those engaging in athletic activity, the consumption of adequate Calcium is especially important and is a key mineral when sports supplements are being considered.

Cod Liver Oil
Cod liver oil is a nutritional supplement derived from the liver of cod fish. It has high levels of the omega-3 fatty acids, EPA and DHA, and very high levels of vitamin A and vitamin d.
These fish oils are essential for the healthy function of the brain, heart, joints, and digestive system. The benefits of these nutritional supplements are clear not only for those involved in regular physical activity but for anyone looking to improve their overall health and vitality.

Evening Primrose Oil
Evening primrose oil is derived from the seeds of the evening primrose flower which is then purified and then encapsulated ready for consumption by swallowing.
The essential fatty acids in the oil are found to be beneficial to the growth and development to the body. Evening primrose oil has also shown to significantly ease the symptoms associated with pre-menstrual syndrome, the menopause and arthritic pain. Evening primrose oil helps to maintain hormonal balance and healthier skin from its rich source of omega -6 GLA (gamma-linolenic acid) and its precursor to prostanglandins which regulates these functions.

Garlic
Garlic highly beneficial nutrients include Allicin, Selenium Germanium.
Allicin gives garlic its distinctive aroma and has anti-inflammatory and antioxdiant properties. Selenium, which is an essential micronutrient, acts as an antioxidant and plays a positive role in thyroid function, hormones and its metabolites. Germanium has the ability to improve immune system function and has grown in popularity after its noted affect on cancer patients.
Garlic is also beneficial in reducing cholesterol, slowing the formation of blood clots and assists the body in fighting infection.

Iron
Iron is an important micro-mineral that helps boost energy levels and produces red blood cells. RBCs carry oxygenated blood to working muscle fibres, thus enabling them to perform strength training exercises with intensity and vigour which help burn more calories
Iron supplementation is also important for those showing symptoms of iron deficiency such as Anemia.

Jointcare
Maintaining healthy joints throughout the ageing process and after repeated strenuous activity can be extremely difficult. Supplementing a healthy diet and active lifestyle with glucosamine, chondriotin, EPA and DHA (eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid – found in cod liver oil) and omega 3 fatty acids will support the longevity and health of the body’s joints.

Multivitamins
Multivitamins combine a variety, or all of the essential 13 vitamins required by the body to function efficiently and at optimum levels. Consuming enough food that will supply your body with the recommended daily amount (RDA) of nutrients your body needs is possible, but not easy.
The use of daily multivitamin supplements is an effective solution to combat deficiencies even in a varied and well-balanced diet.

Omegas
Omega-3-6-9 fats are needed for the growth and regeneration of every single cell in the body which is why they have such wide-reaching effects.
These fish oils are essential for the healthy function of the brain, heart, joints, and digestive system. The benefits of these nutritional supplements are clear not only for those involved in regular physical activity but for anyone looking to improve their overall health and vitality.

Probiotics
Probiotics are also called ‘beneficial bacteria, and have been shown to boost immune function via their effects on increasing white blood cell numbers, activity, & effectiveness.
The best-known probiotic is Lactobacillus acidophilus, which is found in yogurt, acidophilus milk, and supplements. Probiotics counter the decimation of helpful intestinal bacteria by antibiotics.

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A recent research has revealed that fermented dairy products may relieve constipation in adults. Fermented products contain a specific bacterium known as a probiotic. Probiotics are live microorganisms that are also known as “friendly bacteria”. The study examined 200 adults with constipation for at least one month with a defecation rate of less than four times per week. They were given fermented dairy products twice daily for 4 weeks. 143 adults found relief by taking probiotics as they increased the stool frequency and promoted a smooth bowel movement.

Probiotics help support the digestive system to cope with problems like constipation, diarrhoea, and irritable bowel syndrome. Fermented dairy products make rich dietary sources of probiotics and they should be consumed on a regular basis to maintain the health of your gut. You can also take a dietary supplement that makes use of probiotics in its formulation.

Seven Seas Multibionta Probiotic Multivitamins is the first complete multivitamins with probiotics and minerals which supports the healthy digestive and immune systems. Probiotics nutrients are natural friendly bacteria, which are similar to bacteria inside your gut. Probiotics maintain a natural balance of bacteria in colon, work in harmony with your body, maintain a healthy immune system and support the digestive system to help you cope with common gastrointestinal problems. Advanced formula Multibionta contains a comprehensive balanced formula to help you stay healthy, fit and full of energy. Take one tablet a day with a cold drink. Make sure that you do not exceed the recommended intake. Do not chew or take a tablet with hot drinks.

Stomach bloating is characterized by the abdominal swelling that may cause abdominal pain. This condition usually occurs due to trapped wind in the gastrointestinal tract that is a result of irregular digestive processes which produce gases at a much faster rate than normal. A sufferer often experiences an increase in the diameter of the abdominal area with a tight and full stomach.

There are numerous causes that may lead to stomach bloating. They include consumption of too much alcohol, carbonized drinks, diets rich in salt, processed foods, fatty foods and too little protein. Moreover, certain diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), Crohn’s disease and intestinal inflammation may also cause abdominal bloating. Pre-menstrual tension, food allergies, lactose intolerance and less water intake may also lead to abdominal distension.

The most common symptoms of stomach bloating are pain in the abdominal cavity, indigestion, abdominal fullness and excessive gas after eating. Chronic patients may experience chest pain, nausea, constipation, diarrhoea and darkened stools.

Over the counter medications are used to treat abdominal distension. Patients are also prescribed with products that contain food enzymes to break down the sugars found in vegetables, grains and dairy products. Consumption of low-fibre diets and herbal tea and taking a walk after a meal also help relieve pressure in the stomach.

It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement that supports digestion and promotes a comfortably flat stomach. Optibac Flat Stomach Probiotics & Prebiotics makes a wonderful gift for those people who suffer from bloating due to food intolerances, trapped wind, PMS or stress. It makes an expert blend of probiotics such as acidophilus and prebiotics. This supplement helps support a healthy probiotic balance in the gastrointestinal tract to promote a flat stomach. Each sachet provides 5 billion live probiotic cultures.

Probiotics, also known as “friendly bacteria” or “good bacteria”, are live microorganisms that confer a health benefit on their consumers. They are similar to beneficial bacteria found in the human gut. Probiotics help support general wellness, promote a healthy digestive system and treat certain illnesses. They are available mainly in the form of foods and dietary supplements.

Recent studies have showed that probiotics help treat diarrhoea especially from rotavirus. They help reduce the symptoms of irritable bowel syndrome and treat infections of the urinary tract. Moreover, they help reduce the recurrence of stomach and bladder cancer and treat infections of the female genital tract.

Rich dietary sources of probiotics include yogurt, tempeh, soy beverages, fermented milk and miso. In probiotics supplemetents, the bacteria are added during preparation. There are two groups of bacteria that are used, Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus.

Prebiotics, on the other hand, are nondigestible food ingredients that stimulate the activity and growth of beneficial bacteria already in one’s colon. A synbiotic supplement is one in which prebiotics and probiotics are mixed together to achieve the maximum health benefits. Prebiotics provide food for the probiotics to flourish and probiotics help maintain overall digestive health.

Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System is an expert formula of 6 different probiotic strains including acidophilus to help maintain the health of digestive tract, boost immunity and improve energy levels on a daily basis. This supplement promotes a healthy balance of bacteria throughout the intestinal tract and improves absorption of nutrients in the different parts of the small and large intestine. Take 2 capsules daily with food.

Acidophilus is a general name for a group of gut-friendly bacteria that help in the digestion and play a very important role in maintaining the well-being of digestive system. This group contains probiotics such as Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus casei, Streptococcus salivarius and Lactobacillus Bulgaricus.

Lactobacillus acidophilus, also known as “acid-loving milk-bacterium” is a true species of acidophilus family that ferments sugars into lactic acid. L.acidophilus occurs naturally in animal as well as human gastrointestinal tract. This species is known to exhibit healthy probiotic characteristics. Not only does it facilitate small intestine to complete the natural process of digestion effectively, but it also protects against diarrhoea and constipation.

Moreover, it also helps in the production of vitamin K and lactase. A recent research has revealed that Lactobacillus acidophilus helps produce bacteriocins such as acidophilin, acidolin and lactocidin. Bacteriocins are proteinaceous compounds produced by a particular strain of bacteria to inhibit the growth of closely related bacterial strains. L.acidophilus is added to many dairy products and supplements to enhance the nutritional value.

Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System is an effective probiotic supplement on the market that makes an expert formula of six different probiotic strains particularly Lactobacillus acidophilus, combined with food for the probiotics to flourish (prebiotics). It helps maintain immunity, overall digestive health and energy levels on a daily basis. This supplement promotes a healthy balance of acidophilus bacteria throughout the entire intestinal tract. Optibac promotes a healthy digestion in the different parts of the small and large intestine or colon.

Stomach makes a very important organ of your body as it helps digest food and absorb nutrients. However, an upset stomach requires a doctor’s diagnosis to find the underlying possible cause. The symptoms of an upset stomach usually include a taste of bile in the mouth, stomach pain, occasional heartburn, nausea and indigestion. In severe cases, one might experience constipation, irregular bowel movements, tar-like stools, vomit containing blood, fatigue, paleness and sharp pains in abdomen.

Certain food items and drinks such as citrus fruits, chocolate, onions, fatty foods, alcohol and coffee can make the pain worse. However, milk makes an excellent natural remedy to relieve the stomach pain.

The possible causes of an upset stomach include Crohn’s disease, irritable bowel syndrome, ulcer, ulcerative colitis, reflux oesophagitis, acidity, indigestion and obesity.

As far as the treatment is concerned, ulcers and reflux oesophagitis can be treated with antibiotics and medicines for excess stomach acid. However, healthy changes to dietary habits and consumption of fibre-rich foods such as fruits and vegetables can prove quite effective to treat an upset stomach.

Consumption of a dietary supplement that contains “Gut-Friendly” bacteria in its formulation can also relieve symptoms or even cure an upset stomach. Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System contains 6 different probiotic strains such as acidophilus to help maintain overall digestive health, energy levels and immunity. This supplement promotes a healthy balance of friendly bacteria in the different parts of small and large intestine. Wellbeing Probiotics makes a great gift for those people who frequently experience stomach blotting, indigestion, constipation and gas problem.

Phytochemicals are chemical compounds that occur naturally in plant sources. Although they are not recognized as essential nutrients, they may positively affect health. They are widely used in medicines and dietary supplements due to a variety of benefits they have to offer to users.

According to a recent research, fruits and vegetables contain phytochemicals that may help reduce risks of cardiovascular problems and cancer, possibly due to polyphenol antioxidants, dietary fibres, fermentable dietary fibres and anti-inflammatory effects. Brassica vegetables such as cabbage, broccoli, kale, cauliflower and Brussels sprouts contain a phytochemical known as diindolylmethane that is known to reduce the risk of prostrate cancer and respiratory papillomatosis tumours.

Black berry and spinach contain lutein that inhibits muscular degeneration and positively affects visual performance. Garlic and onions contain a phytochemical known as allyl sulfide that maintains the health of cardiovascular system and promotes healthy cholesterol levels and blood pressure.

Blueberries contain phytochemical, anthocyanin, which is known to have anti-cancerous properties. Similarly, fruits, chocolate, red wine and tea contain flavonoids that lower the elevated cholesterol levels and minimise the risk of a heart attack.

Citrus fruits contain limonoids where as cruciferous vegetables are rich in sulforaphane. Both phytochemicals exhibit anti-tumour and anti-inflammatory characteristics. Tomatoes are rich in a phytochemical known as lycopene. It protects against the risk of prostrate cancer, breast cancer and colorectal cancer.

Along with consuming phytochemicals-rich diets, make sure that you take a supplement which contains probiotics in its formulation. Probiotics are friendly bacteria that help in proper digestion and promote a healthy immune system.

Optibac Flat Stomach Probiotics & Prebiotics makes an excellent blend of prebiotics and probiotics such as acidophilus. Prebiotic is the food that is necessary to maintain the healthy population of probiotics.

This supplement promotes a comfortably flat stomach and supports digestion. Moreover, it also supports a healthy probiotic balance in the intestinal track. It makes a wonderful gift for those people who suffer from abdominal bloating due to food intolerances, PMS, trapped wind or stress.

A healthy balanced dietary routine plays an important role in maintaining your good health and overall well-being. It provides you with essential nutrients that help strengthen your bones and maintain a great cardiovascular health. Moreover, it protects you against numerous diseases because it helps improve your immune system. There are plenty of fresh unadulterated foods that you can incorporate into your daily meals especially lunch to maintain your good health.

Green leafy salads make a good choice to eat because they contain beta carotene, folic acid, roughages, vitamins especially vitamin C and carbohydrates. Some vegetables such as spinach make a rich source of antioxidants called carotenoids. A regular consumption of green leafy salads may reduce the risks of cardiovascular problems, muscular degeneration, neuropathy, type-2 diabetes, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels and even cancer.

Sprouts are a wonderful choice to incorporate into lunch because they make concentrated sources of vitamins, minerals, plant enzymes and phytochemicals which may help combat the harmful effects of free radicals within your body.

Make sure that you consume salmon, sardine, mackerel and tuna as they make rich dietary sources of omega-3 fatty acids which help maintain normal cholesterol levels in the blood and prevent your blood from clotting.

It is also a good idea to use bean salads because they are naturally low in fat and contain macro-minerals and trace elements. Moreover, beans have a low Gl which helps maintain a stable blood glucose level. Another benefit of consuming a bean salad is that it contains soluble fibre which keeps you feeling fuller for longer after lunch.

Tomatoes are great dietary sources of beta-carotene and vitamin C. Furthermore, they contain an antioxidant known as “Lycopene” which helps reduce the risk of cancer. Tomatoes contain other phytochemicals as well that protect against premature aging and certain health conditions.

Make sure that you use probiotic yoghurt in lunch because it contains lots of friendly bacteria which promote healthy digestive and immune systems. Another benefit of consuming probiotic yoghurt is that it contains very little saturated fats.

In order to supply your body with different probiotic bacteria, you can also use a dietary supplement such as Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System. It contains 6 different probiotic strains such as acidophilus, combined with prebiotics to help maintain overall immune system, digestive health and energy levels on a daily basis. Moreover, this supplement promotes a healthy balance of friendly bacteria throughout the entire intestinal tract.

Probiotics, also known as friendly bacteria, are living microorganisms that are mainly found in the human gut. As compared to other harmful microorganisms such as viruses, bacteria and fungi that confer diseases on the host, probiotics are beneficial microorganisms that play an important role in the absorption of certain nutrients such as vitamins, magnesium, zinc, manganese etc. and maintaining the health of your gut. Another advantage of probiotics is that they help prevent and treat certain illnesses. Moreover, they boost your immune as well as digestive systems.

Probiotics are available to people mainly in the form of natural foods or dietary supplements. The probiotics-rich food sources include fermented and unfermented milk, yogurt, soy beverages, tempeh, miso and fruit juices. In probiotics supplements, the beneficial bacteria are added during preparation to provide their consumers with the health benefits of probiotics. These supplements make use of different species of probiotics or friendly bacteria especially Lactobacillus and Bifidobacterium, which are similar to those naturally found in the small intestine.

Optibac Daily Wellbeing Probiotics/Prebiotics Healthy Immune System makes a wise choice because it contains six different probiotic strains in its formulation, which help maintain great immunity, good digestive health and high energy levels. Not only does this supplement promote a healthy balance of beneficial bacteria throughout your entire intestinal tract, but it also strengthens your body defense against harmful microorganisms such as virus, bacteria and molds. Moreover, this supplement contains acidophilus and other probiotic bacteria that benefit different parts of your small and large intestine or colon.