Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Passiflora incarnata, also known as the passionflower or passion vine, is a perennial climbing vine that belongs to the family Passifloraceae of the plants. It makes an effective traditional ingredient with relaxing and calming properties. The above-ground parts of passionflower are used for medicinal purposes. Numerous researches have revealed that this amazing herb helps increase levels of a chemical known as GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid) in the nervous system. GABA helps reduce the symptoms of stress, anxiety and depression as it lowers the activity of some brain chemicals that are believed to trigger numerous psychological problems.

Passionflower is also used for treating insomnia and other sleeping disorders. It makes an excellent remedy to treat gastrointestinal problems related with nervousness or anxiety. It is also believed that passion vine helps reduce inflammation and pain. Moreover, it helps reduce the symptoms of menopause, haemorrhoids, skin burns, asthma, high blood pressure, palpitation, seizures, hysteria, irritability, attention deficit-hyperactivity disorder and tenderness of the muscles.

There are numerous supplements on the market that make use of Passiflora incarnata in their formulation. NatraCalm Passiflora is a popular herbal brand that provides the symptomatic relief of nervous tension and the strain and stress of everyday life. It is a natural licensed product containing passiflora that offers calming and soothing effects, which allow the users to regain control and put their irrational fears into perspective. The good thing about NatraCalm is that it is non addictive and non drowsy. Take one tablet 3 times a day with meals.

An aneurysm is an abnormal condition that is characterized by the bulge or swelling in a blood vessel wall. It usually develops in the shape of a tiny blood-filled grape at the point where a blood vessel branches. This small overgrowth can rupture by the force of pumping blood and may lead to death within minutes. Although an aneurysm can develop anywhere throughout the circulatory system, it particularly occurs in blood vessels of the brain and along the aorta.

There are numerous factors that may lead to the formation of aneurysms in the blood vessels. They include coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, high cholesterol levels, weakening of blood vessels, age, physical trauma to head or chest, syphilis, infection, congenital aneurysm and polycystic kidney disease.

If left untreated, an aneurysm can lead to congestive heart failure, stroke, paralysis, kidney failure, heart attack, epilepsy, brain haemorrhage, impaired blood circulation, compression of nearby nerves and dissecting aneurysm.

Aneurysms can be diagnosed with physical examination, ultrasound, MRI and CT scans. Treatment options include stent insertion, blood pressure control, medication therapy and surgical repair of aneurysms.

Consumption of heart-healthy foods and a cardio-friendly supplement may help protect you against the risks of aneurysms and other heart conditions. Higher Nature Cardio is a popular brand on the market that contains heart nutrients to support a healthy heart and circulation. This supplement makes use of vitamins B-complex and E, antioxidants co-enzyme Q10, bromelain, arginine and tri-methyl glycine in its formulation. When combined with a regular cardio exercise routine and balanced diet, Higher Nature Cardio promotes healthy heart and arteries.

A sprain is a painful condition that occurs when a particular joint is overextended. Sprains may lead to slipping or even tear of the ligaments. Most common joints affected by sprains include wrist and ankle. Ankle sprain is very painful and takes longer to heal than sprains of other joints.

Symptoms of a sprain include swelling, pain, bruising and decreased ability to move the affected limb. There are numerous factors that make one more susceptible to the risk of sprains. Performing a physical activity without stretching or warming-up is one of the most common causes of sprains. Stretching helps increase blood flow to joints and make them more supple and flexible. Similarly, warming-up helps loosen the muscles. A physical trauma can also lead to the sprain of a particular joint. Certain sports such as basketball, football, baseball, cricket and judo may lead to anterior cruciate ligament of the knee.

A sprain can be diagnosed with an x-ray of the affected joint. In case of a tear in the ligament, an MRI is performed to get the correct diagnosis. Treatment of a sprain includes rest, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, application of ice to the sprain to reduce the swelling and use of dressings and bandages to immobilize the sprain.

There are numerous gels available on the market that help reduce the symptoms of sprains. Arkopharma Phytorhuma Gel is a popular brand that helps relieve painful joints, sprains and aches. It warms, renews and relaxes the muscles as well. Apply to affected area twice a day.

Resistance tubing is highly adaptable as it helps you perform a large number of resistance training exercises in the professional environment of a gym as well as the comfort of your home. Resistance tubing exercises are performed for general health and conditioning. Moreover, they help in rehabilitation as well as strengthening specific muscle groups.

Lateral Rows with Resistance Tubing makes an excellent exercise to train your triceps and trapezius muscles. In order to begin this exercise, step onto resistance tubing with your feet shoulder-width apart and knees slightly bent. Next step is to grasp the handles in your both hands with your palms facing each other. Make sure that your arms hang down to sides with elbows slightly bent. Keeping your head and torso straight, raise band to shoulder height and then lower your arms back to their starting position to complete one rep. Make sure that you perform 3 sets of 8-12 reps each.

Always buy a quality resistance tube for performing resistance training exercises. Look for the attributes like flexibility, elasticity, length and strength. Reebok Resistance Tube Level 2 (Medium) is a popular brand on the market that is flexible in more ways than one. Not only does it help strengthen and tone different muscle groups in 10 different ways, but it also provides with a higher resistance level for intermediate users. Its length is 123cm (more than four feet). You can perform a variety of resistance training exercise with Reebok Resistance Tube. This fitness accessory helps you achieve an impressive physique and maintain a good general health.

Apple cider vinegar is obtained from the fermentation of apple juice. Sugar in the apple juice is broken down by yeast and bacteria into alcohol during the fermentation process that is then combined with oxygen to produce vinegar.

Apple cider vinegar contains acetic, malic, citric and lactic acids. Moreover, it is rich in vitamins, minerals, amino acids, aldehydes and apple pectin. It contains vitamins A, B-complex, and C and minerals like magnesium, calcium, iron, sodium, manganese, copper, sulphur and fluorine.

Apple cider vinegar makes one of the best home remedies to treat many health conditions. Apple pectin in vinegar helps maintain glucose levels in the blood. Potassium makes the blood thinner and helps control blood pressure. Minerals like calcium, phosphorus, magnesium and iron help maintain a healthy bone mineral density and delay the process of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women and elderly people. Apple cider vinegar helps support a healthy digestive system as it enhances the functionality of pepsin and hydrochloric acid in your stomach. It helps in the liver detoxification which plays an important role in weight loss.

Green Bay Harvest Organic Apple Cider Vinegar With Organic Active 10+ Manuka Honey is a popular brand on the market that makes use of apple cider vinegar and manuka honey in its formulation. This supplement offers wonderful benefits for digestive health and immune function. It also provides with good levels of beta carotene which helps fight the free radicals. Free radicals are responsible for the premature aging and many degenerative conditions.

Green Bay Harvest helps remove excess fluid and toxicity from the body’s cells and absorb important minerals such as magnesium and calcium from food. Moreover, it helps emulsify fats, detoxify the liver and speed up the body’s metabolism. Make sure that you take two tablespoons daily.

Alternating Dumbbell Chest Press makes a magnificent resistance training exercise to train the pectoral muscles, deltoids and triceps simultaneously. This exercise makes use of an exercise ball and two medium dumbbells.

In order to begin this exercise, position your upper back on an exercise ball with one dumbbell in your each hand. Next step is to fully extend your right arm over your head and chest area. Lower the weight down to your shoulder area until you feel a light stretch. Repeat the exercise on the left arm. Repeat the movement on each side in alternating fashion. Make sure that you exhale as you push the dumbbell up.

Resistance training exercises yield best results when they are fallowed by the consumption of a balanced diet. Consume lots of protein and complex carbohydrates. Protein contains amino acids that help repair muscles after strenuous exercises. You can also use a dietary supplement that makes use of amino acids in its formulation.

CNP Pro BCAA Amino Acids is a popular brand that helps enhance exercise performance and muscle endurance through a reduction in central fatigue. It helps bring positive changes in hormone status and physiology, thus leading to improved lean body mass and protection against muscle damage. This supplement is scientifically proven and rapidly absorbed. It does not make use of allergens and gluten in its formulation. Moreover, it is suitable for vegans and vegetarians. Take three tablets thirty minutes prior to exercise followed by three tablets immediately afterwards. You can also use it between meals on non-training days.

Lactic acid is the acidic form of lactate that is produced by the muscles during power exercises. While performing everyday life activities, your body prefers to generate most of its energy using oxygen. However, during strenuous exercise sessions, when the rate of demand for energy is high, the working muscles generate energy anaerobically. This energy is generated through glycolysis, in which glucose is metabolized into a substance known as pyruvate. Your body temporarily converts this substance into lactate, which allows glucose breakdown and thus energy production.

Lactate concentration begins to rise during strenuous exercises, which leads to an increased acidity of the muscle cells. The production of lactic acid and other metabolites results in a burning sensation in active muscles. Moreover, high levels of lactic acid cause soreness in muscles. It is also believed that an escalation of lactic acid in the body may lead to impairment of muscle contractions.

Certain foods especially sour milk products such as laban, kefir, yoghurt, cottage cheese and koumiss contain lactic acid. Make sure that you avoid their consumption before performing a resistance training session. Drink plenty of water as it helps your body break up and process lactic acid. Consume foods high in protein such as lean meats, nuts, soy protein and seeds. Protein provides the necessary fuel for muscles to develop and reduces the production of lactic acid. Furthermore, protein helps your muscles recover fast.

Escherichia coli (E. coli) is a common bacterium that has many strains. Some strains are harmless and are naturally found in the intestinal tract of humans. However, certain strains of E. coli are pathogenic and they cause serious illnesses such as diarrhoea and other digestive tract infections. Moreover, they also infect the urinary tract and genitalia.

Harmful E. coli strains produce toxins that damage the lining of the intestines. A severe bacterial infection may lead to nausea, vomiting, low grade fever, abdominal pain and bloody diarrhoea. E. coli spreads from drinking sewage-contaminated water and consuming contaminated meat and vegetables. If hygiene is inadequate, it can also be spread from the stool of an infected individual to healthy people. Moreover, unpasteurised milk and juices also contain E. coli. Always boil the milk before drinking.

The presence of bacteria can be confirmed by stool testing. There is no specific treatment for E. coli infection and most sufferers recover on their own in 6-7 days.

There are certain supplements on the market that help maintain intestinal health. Health Plus Cantrol Pack 28 day 155g is a popular brand that makes the best and foremost programme for providing the correct balance of healthy bacteria and to maintain the health of intestine. It provides outstanding levels of antioxidants, probiotics, garlic and Caprylic Acid to reduce the instance of digestive infection. You should use 1 sachet with main meal. Make sure that you avoid the consumption of diets high in sugar. Moreover, you should follow a low-yeast diet.

Lumbago can be defined as a painful condition of the lower back that often results from a slipped disc or muscle strain. This musculoskeletal disorder affects 70% of people at some point in their lives. There are three forms of lumbago: 1) Acute Lumbago 2) Sub-Acute Lumbago 3) Chronic Lumbago. Acute lower back pain lasts less than one month, sub-acute lumbago takes one to three months to recover, while chronic lower back pain lasts more than three months.

There are numerous reasons that might be responsible for lower back pain. They include degenerative discs, slipped discs, lumbar spinal stenosis, restricted hip motion, sprain in the muscles, strain in soft tissues of the back, congenital abnormalities, leg length difference, fractures, osteomyelitis, osteoarthritis, bone tumours, osteomalacia, abdominal disease, prostrate cancer, depression and posture irregularities.

Lumbago can be diagnosed with MRI scan, CT scan or X-ray. Treatment of lower back pain includes a regular physical activity, physical therapy, medication therapy, behavioural therapy and self care. Chronic sufferers of lumbago must avoid smoking because nicotine reduces blood flow to the lower spine and accelerates spine deterioration.

Lumbago patients should also use a dietary supplement that helps reduce the symptoms of lower back pain. Potters Sciargo Tablets is a popular brand on the market that makes use of Shepherds purse, Wild carrot, Dry extract clivers, Dry extract uva, Uniper berry oil, Magnesium stearate hydroxy propyl cellulose, Sodium chlorophyllin, Titanium dioxide, Microcrystalline cellulose dicalcium phosphate, Colloidal anhydrous silica and Croscarmelluse sodium in its formulation. This supplement helps in the symptomatic relief of lumbago and sciatica.

Bronchitis is a viral infection that affects sinuses and throat and causes the inflammation of the main air passage to the lungs. There are two types of bronchitis: 1) Acute bronchitis 2) Chronic bronchitis. Acute bronchitis lasts a short time, while chronic bronchitis is long-lived and often recurs. Chronic patients of bronchitis often experience a cough (for more than 3 months) that produces excessive mucus. Numerous factors such as infections, allergies and air pollution make bronchitis worse.

The symptoms of bronchitis may include cough that produces yellow-green mucus, low grade fever, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest discomfort, fatigue, tiredness, leg swelling and blue-coloured lips. Bronchitis can be diagnosed with an examination of sputum samples, chest x-ray and lung function tests.

As far as the treatment of bronchitis is concerned, you do not need antibiotics for acute bronchitis because infection will go away on its own within 10 days. Make sure that you take plenty of rest and do not smoke. You should drink fluids and use a humidifier in the bathroom. You should also use an inhaler to open your airways. Patients of chronic bronchitis should consume foods such as fruits and vegetables that help improve their immune system.

It also makes a good idea for them to use a supplement that supports the immune system. Rio Trading Pau dArco Lapacho 2500mg is a popular brand that is derived from the bark of a giant hardwood tree, also known as “Purple Lapacho”. The bark contains many actives that contribute to the immune system and is a source of antioxidants. This supplement helps support the body’s defence and boosts immune system.