Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Energy supplements are often used to enhance athletic performance by boosting and rejuvenating the body’s energy levels.

Many athletes will use an energy supplement before and possibly during a demanding regime or performance.
Typically, athletes will be seen to take an energy gel or drink to fuel their body with a convenient and concentrated source of carbohydrates.

Nitric Oxide supplements also offer a wide range of benefits to energy levels such as increased blood flow, improved oxygen delivery, and improved absorption of glucose of the body. Nitric Oxide Supplements also contain keto-acids, which current researches have shown are effective in delaying muscle fatigue.

Alongside a balanced and healthy diet, the use of energy supplements are a valuable resource to increase overall athletic endurance and enable a vigourous performance when required.

Dehydration is generally defined as the progressive depletion of body fluids caused when fluid losses, for whatever reason, exceed fluid intake.

Whilst many of us drink enough fluids throughout the day to keep hydrated many will still dehydrate during exercise which will subsequently impair both physical and mental performance. Fluid losses during exercise need to be replenished regularly as the feeling of thirst will be suppressed during this period.

Bodily fluids are lost during exercise predominately through sweating. Not only are fluids lost during high intensity physical activity or in a hot environment but also for any prolonged activity in all conditions.
Maintaining adequate hydration levels allows all athletes to train harder and longer, reduce the chance of injury and increase recovery rates.

Certain sports such as rugby, soccer, long-distance running and basket ball may deprive you of energy, water and salts. Dehydration can cause athletes to exhaust early and lose stamina. In order to avoid heat-related illnesses particularly dehydration during sports, you need to keep yourself hydrated before and during outdoor as well as indoor activities.

Hydration, along with all other areas of sports nutrition, plays an integral role for all those involved in physical activity. This can be combated with the use of isotonic drinks

Isotonic drinks are designed to replace fluids lost by sweating and to replenish energy levels in the body through their carbohydrate content in the form of concentrated glucose.

Apart from assisting in the body’s rehydration and energy levels to compete optimally, Isotonic drinks contain electrolytes. Electrolytes are essentially salts which aid the osmosis of fluid absorbed into the working muscles. These essential salts are lost during sweating.

Isotonic drinks are useful sports supplements and are often used by athletes to allow them to train longer and more effectively than consuming water alone.

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Sports supplements are nutritional products used to enhance athletic performance. They represent a range of substances – including vitamins, minerals, herbs, plant extracts, amino acids, and hormones and come in a variety of forms.

These ergogenic aids are widely used among athletes of all types to assist in providing the necessary capacity for increases in energy, power, endurance, and muscle mass to compete effectively.

Athletic performance notwithstanding, the ability to recover – maintaining and re-establishing normal physiological function, is readily improved with the use of supplements.

In the market today there is a huge range of sports supplements available to meet every possible nutritional and goal requirement.

However, at the core of any exercise or sporting regime the key elements of nutritional consumption revolve around sufficient protein, carbohydrates and fats.

Under intense exercise, the body requires far more protein than the body can readily consume through food alone to develop at an accelerated and efficient rate. The use of a protein powder or protein supplements is the most effective way for the body to gain sufficient protein for lean muscle gains.

Athletes will also need to consume complex carbohydrates and good fats alongside their protein intake in the correct ratio.

Creatine is also an important element to assist in muscle gains and the synthesis of protein. Creatine is naturally produced in the human body from amino acids primarily in the kidney and liver with approximately 95% of the human body’s total creatine located in skeletal muscle.

Those who are involved in regular and vigourous exercise will be in need of a constant supply of creatine to ensure the body can supply the need for an increased energy output.
Creatine supplementation will allow the muscles to exercise longer and harder by creating the required abundance that is unavailable through food consumption. This abundance of creatine subsequently stored in the muscle promotes the synthesis of protein as well as deter the breakdown of protein required to build muscle mass.

There are a number of forms of creatine with the most common being creatine monohydrate (creatine complexed with a molecule of water) and Creatine ethyl ester (CEE).

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Vitamin B9, also known as folic acid, is a water-soluble vitamin that is essential for the reproduction and growth of all body cells. Folic acid is found in several foods including heart, kidney, liver, tuna, salmon, dairy products, brewer’s yeast, green leafy vegetables, legumes, beans, whole grains, wheat germ, wheat bran, avocados, apricots, cantaloupe, soybeans, pumpkin seeds and carrots. The recommended dietary allowance for vitamin B9 for adults is 0.05-0.5 mg.

Folic acid aids in amino acid metabolism and is necessary for RNA and DNA synthesis. It helps improve breast milk and is required for the proper development of the spinal cord and brain in foetus. Vitamin B9 helps support a healthy brain function and is necessary for the cell division in the body.

Folic acid is essential to the formation of RBCs (red blood cells) by its action on the bone marrow. Moreover, it helps promote healthy skin, hair and emotional health. A regular consumption of vitamin B9 helps prevent anaemia in the children and adults.

The deficiency symptoms of folic acid include irritability, nervousness, poor memory, difficulty concentrating, depression, extreme fatigue, anaemia, peeling of the lips, sores in the mouth, gastrointestinal disorders, pre-mature grey hair, and vitamin B12 deficiency.

Lifeplan Folic Acid 400mcg is a popular brand that contains folic acid which is essential to protein metabolism and development of foetus during pregnancy. A dietary allowance of 400µg is recommended for the first 12 weeks of pregnancy. This product does not contain lactose, starch, salt or gluten. Each tablet provides Folacin 400µg 200% RDA.

Sea kelp, also known as kombu and haidai, is a marine flat red or brown algae that belongs to the family Laminariaceae of the plants. Sea kelp makes a rich dietary source of calcium and iodine. Other nutrients include vitamins A, B complex, C, D, E and K; minerals such as phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, iron, zinc, chromium, selenium, silicon and barium; gels such as agar, alginate and carrageenan.

High amounts of calcium in sea kelp help maintain the health of bones and protect against the risk of osteoporosis. Calcium assists in normal blood clotting and promotes normal muscle function. Iodine in sea kelp assists in synthesizing thyroid hormones, which help boost low thyroid function and reduce the symptoms of cretinism and goitre. Vitamins in kelp help boost the immune function and promote healthy skin, nails and hair.

Gels in kelp aid digestion and help stimulate gastrointestinal health. They help relieve and soothe inflamed mucous membranes and reduce the effects of chemotherapy and radiation on the body.

Seal kelp exhibits anti-inflammatory properties and it helps treat rheumatism and arthritis. It contains germanium, an antioxidant that helps combat cancer, promotes skin healing and boosts immune function. A recent research shows that sea kelp is effective in lowering blood pressure and high cholesterol levels.

Lifeplan Sea Kelp 400mg is a popular brand on the market that is made using finest quality marine sea kelp. It helps maintain healthy musculoskeletal and digestive systems and preserves the immune function. This product contains no added sugars, artificial colours and live yeasts.

Ginger root is a pungent rhizome of the common ginger plant. The botanical name for this root herb is Zingiber officinale and it belongs to the Zingiberaceae family of the plants. Ginger root is known to exhibit health promoting and disease preventing properties. It makes a rich dietary source of B vitamins particularly pyridoxine and pantothenic acid. Other nutrients include carbohydrates, protein, dietary fibre, folates, niacin, vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin K, sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, iron, copper and manganese.

The ginger root contains phenolic compounds and essential oils such as gingerol, shogaol, β-phelladrene, farnesene, citral and cineo. These compound give ginger root pungent, aromatic smell and help improve the health of gastrointestinal tract. Ginger root exhibits antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties and has been shown to be effective against E. coli, a bacterium that causes urinary tract and digestive tract infections. Moreover, it helps relieve the symptoms of gastrointestinal disorders such as stomach bloating, intestinal gas, Candida and irritable bowel syndrome.

It makes a natural heart burn remedy and is a powerful natural painkiller. The antioxidants in the ginger root slow down the progression of colorectal and ovarian cancers. A recent research has revealed that it helps in the treatment of morning sickness and makes an effective remedy for the nausea associated with dysentery. Furthermore, it also helps treat cough, flu, colds and lung infections.

Bio Health GINGER ROOT contains active constituents of ginger that are responsible for ginger’s characteristic taste and odour. They help maintain healthy digestive, cardiovascular and immune systems. This product is totally additive-free and does not contain chemical excipients and synthetic preservatives.

Adrenal glands or suprarenal glands are triangular shaped endocrine glands that are located on the top of each kidney. They directly secrete many essential hormones into the blood stream, which help carry out a number of metabolic activities.

Adrenal glands produce corticosterone and hydrocortisone hormones that help regulate the inflammatory response of the body and carry out protein, carbohydrate and fat metabolism. Corticosterone helps maintain a healthy immune system and protects against the bacterial and viral infections.

The innermost layer of adrenal glands secretes androgens or androgenic steroids that are responsible for the development of male characteristics. These male sex hormones play a vital role in the development and healthy functioning of male sex organs.

The outermost layer of the adrenal glands produces aldosterone hormone that helps regulate the amount of sodium, magnesium and potassium passed into the urine.

The inner part of the adrenal gland secretes adrenaline in response to mental or physical stress. Adrenaline helps perform numerous functions in the body. It helps convert glycogen into glucose and relaxes the smooth muscles of the digestive system. It promotes the smooth flow of blood to the muscles and the brain and increases the heart rate. Moreover, it decreases blood sugar level and causes dilation of the arteries of the kidneys, heart and muscles. Norepinephrine is another hormone that is secreted by the adrenal gland. It helps increase mental alertness, concentration level and arousal.

BioCare AD 206 Adrenal Support with Apple Extra is a popular brand on the market that contains plant extracts and specific nutrients to help support adrenal function during stressful periods. It contains B vitamins (vitamin B3, vitamin B5 and vitamin B6), vitamin C, ginseng, Gotal Kola, Licorice, manganese and chromium to support adrenal function.

Beetroot is a red round root vegetable that is widely grown for human consumption in Asia, North Africa and Europe. Beetroots make an excellent dietary source of vitamins A & C, folic acid, calcium and iron. Other nutrients include protein, carbohydrates, fat, dietary fibre, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin, pantothenic acid, vitamin B6, potassium, magnesium, phosphorus and zinc.

A regular consumption of beetroot has been shown to lower LDL (low density lipoprotein) and triglyceride levels. Beetroots contain betacyanin, a powerful antioxidant that gives beetroot its red colour. Betacyanin helps kill free radicals in the body which cause premature aging and other skin conditions. Betacarotene, zeaxanthin and lutein in beetroots help protect against the risk of tumours especially gastric and breast cancers.

Calcium in beetroots helps maintain the health of bones and iron assists in the formation of red blood cells. Beetroot contains a phytochemical known as betaine, which helps support healthy liver function. A regular intake of beetroot assists in weight loss and prevents nausea and fatigue. Antioxidants in beetroot lower plasma homocysteine, a possible risk factor for cardiovascular disease such as atherosclerosis, heart stroke and congestive heart failure.

Beetroot juice helps lower blood pressure and cleans the kidneys and gall bladder. It helps treat jaundice, nausea and vomiting. The cellulose content of the beetroots promotes a healthy bowel movement and prevents digestive disorders such as bloated stomach, constipation and haemorrhoids.

Natures Aid Beetroot Extract 700mg is a unique supplement on the market that provides all the benefits of beetroot in the form of a capsule. Take two capsules per day with food.

Para Amino Benzoic Acid, also known as PABA or vitamin Bx, is an amino acid that is part of folic acid. It is not a B vitamin, but is closely associated with the B vitamins. It can be synthesized by the friendly bacteria in the small intestine. The rich dietary sources of PABA include wheat germ, wheat bran, mushrooms, brown rice, whole wheat, spinach, brewer’s yeast, molasses, liver, kidney, chicken and fish.

A regular consumption of para amino benzoic acid confers many health benefits on its consumers. It acts as a coenzyme in the metabolism of protein and helps in the utilization of pantothenic acid. PABA aids in the formation of red blood cells and may prevent accumulation of abnormal fibrous tissue. Moreover, it assists friendly bacteria in producing folic acid.

Recent researches show that para amino benzoic acid may help treat leukoderma (loss of pigmentation in some areas of skin). PABA, along with folic acid, copper, biotin and pantothenic acid, helps return hair to its natural colour. Another unique attribute of vitamin Bx is that it exhibits sun screen properties.

The deficiency symptoms of para amino benzoic acid include nervousness, irritability, depression, constipation, extreme fatigue, moist eczema, headaches, digestive disorders, premature greying of hair, and premature wrinkling of skin.

People with an inadequate PABA intake should take a dietary supplement that provides their bodies with the recommended dietary allowance of this beneficial amino acid. Natures Own P.A.B.A 50mg is a popular brand on the market that contains PABA 50mg per tablet. It is suitable for people with yeast insensitivities and Candida and for vegetarians.

Lactose is a type of sugar that is found in butter, cheese, milk and other dairy products. Lactose intolerance is a medical condition in which lactase (an enzyme that helps digest lactose) is not produced in sufficient amounts by the small intestine. Although lactose intolerance can occur at any age, it usually affects young adults and middle aged people. It is more common in people with American or Asian ancestry than it is among Europeans.

Lactose intolerance can be caused by a variety of factors including age, family history, intestinal diseases, infections in the small intestine and bowel surgery. Typical symptoms are flatulence, nausea, indigestion, diarrhoea, irritability, difficulty concentrating, abdominal bloating and abdominal cramps. One might also experience weight loss, constipation and vomiting.

Lactose intolerance is diagnosed with lactose-hydrogen breath test, lactose tolerance test, enteroscopy and examining the stool pH.

As far as the treatment is concerned, avoiding the consumption of dairy products is a best way to prevent the disorder. However, not having dairy products in the diet can lead to deficiency of riboflavin, protein, vitamin D and calcium. Therefore, if you are not consuming milk or other dietary products, then make sure that you regularly take calcium supplements and eat foods that contain calcium such as salmon, sardines, shrimp, leafy greens, oysters and broccoli. Other treatment option for people with lactase deficiency is to add lactase enzymes into their daily dietary routine. Sufferers can consume fermented dairy products, hard cheeses, lactose-free milk, soy milk, goat’s milk and lactose-free buttermilk.

It also makes a good idea for people with lactase deficiency to take a dietary supplement that helps reduce the symptoms of lactose intolerance. Quest Lactase 200mg is a popular brand on the market that provides all the essential enzymes that are required to digest lactose. It does not contain animal substances, added starch, artificial colours, chemical preservatives, sucrose, wheat, gluten or yeast.

Menses is a natural way of cleaning a female uterus of menstrual blood and bacteria. A menstrual cycle is measured from the start of one period to the start of another and it normally ranges from 20 to 33 days. Irregular menstrual cycle is a medical condition of the women that is characterized by a change in regular menses or menstrual periods. A fluctuation in periods shows a disturbance in the balance of hormones that regulate menstruation.

There are numerous factors that my lead to irregular menstrual cycle. They include depression, insomnia, caffeine, drugs, certain medications, birth control pills, alcohol consumption, smoking, over-exercise, malnutrition, obesity, weight gain or loss, breastfeeding, recent childbirth, uterine abnormalities, miscarriage, abortion, oestrogen dominance, polycystic ovarian syndrome and genetic factors.

Typical symptoms include heavy bleeding, painful periods and pain in abdomen. Irregular menstrual cycle can easily be treated by identifying the underlying cause, therefore a thorough examination comprising of a blood test, biopsy and ultrasound is essential to make a diagnosis.

Treatment options include hormonal contraceptives, medications and supplements. Surgical procedures can also be performed to remove fibroids, polyps or ovarian cysts.

Wassen Magnesium-OK is a unique one-a-day nutritional supplement specially formulated for women. It contains a unique combination of six vitamins and seven minerals to help maintain hormonal balance throughout the monthly cycle. Vitamin B6, magnesium and zinc in this supplement help adjust the complex hormone changes that take place during the monthly cycle. Wassen Magnesium-OK should be taken every day of the month on an ongoing basis.