Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

Unhealthy eating habits and a lack of exercise tend to increase the blood cholesterol levels. If left untreated, excessive lipids begin to accumulate along the arterial walls, causing narrowing and hardening of the arteries. This progressive process slowly blocks arteries, thus reducing the blood flow to and from the heart. Blocked heart arteries may lead to heart stroke, heart attack, peripheral vascular disease and sudden heart failure.

Angioplasty is a non-surgical procedure in which a stent is placed to widen/open the blocked heart arteries. It is a highly skilful procedure that must be performed by a specialized cardiologist and a team of cardiovascular technicians and nurses. Although coronary angioplasty will open a blocked artery, remember that it will not cure atherosclerosis or coronary artery disease. Make sure that you bring healthy changes to your lifestyle by avoiding smoking and consumption of fatty foods. It is also important to incorporate an effective exercise regimen into your daily routine to improve your cardiac health.

You should also use a dietary supplement that helps maintain the health of your cardiovascular system and promotes a healthy blood circulation. Equazen Cardiozen Fish Oil is a popular brand on the market that contains 80% omega-3 long chain fatty acids particularly EPA. EPA is converted into hormone-like substances known as prostaglandins that help maintain the health of your heart. Equazen Cardiozen also contains coenzyme Q10 that plays an important role in the production of energy within the cells of heart muscle and other muscle tissues. Take one capsule per day with food. Do not exceed the recommended dose.

Osteonecrosis, also known as ischemic bone necrosis or avascular necrosis, is a bone condition that can lead to the death of bones. This disease occurs when the blood supply to bones decreases and eventually the bones die. If left untreated, a part of the dead bone can break off, leading to disability.

There are numerous factors that may lead to the development of osteonecrosis. They include a severe trauma, fracture around a joint, dislocation of the bone, sickle cell disease, Gaucher disease, long-term treatments with steroids, smoking, type-2 diabetes, gout, atherosclerosis, radiation therapy and excessive alcohol consumption.

Symptoms usually appear at the later stages of avascular necrosis. They include pain in the affected joint that may increase over time, hip joint pain, groin pain and limited range of motion. Diagnosis is made with tests like bone scan, X-ray, MRI and CT scan.

Treatment depends on the underlying condition that is responsible for osteonecrosis. In the early stages, a combination of a medication therapy and range-of-motion exercises can often slow the progression of disease. Surgical options such as vascularized bone graft, total joint replacement, osteotomy and core decompression are also available for the chronic patients.

It makes a good idea to use a supplement that helps maintain the health of bones and mobility of joints. Health Perception Joint-Flex Max Jointcare is a popular brand on the market that is a combination of three ingredients: Glucosamine, Chondroitin and Omega 3. Glucosamine is the nutrient specific to connective tissue that helps regenerate cartilage and soft tissues. Chondroitin helps attract nutrients and fluid into the joint. Omega-3 helps relieve joint stiffness, joint pain and aching muscles.

Angina is a chest discomfort that usually occurs during severe emotional stress, exertion or after consuming a heavy meal. All these situations demand the supply of more blood oxygen to the heart muscle, which the narrow coronary arteries often fail to deliver. The narrowing of the coronary arteries is due to the atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis.

Angina is classified into two types: 1) unstable angina and 2) stable angina. Unstable angina is rare but more severe. Moreover, the pain may occur at rest, last longer, is more frequent and is not easily relieved by the medication. It is important to remember that unstable angina may be a precursor to a heart attack. Therefore, in case of a chest pain, one should immediately visit the hospital to get the diagnosis.

Stable angina, on the other hand, is most common and less serious. Angina symptoms appear on a regular basis and are somewhat predictable. Most of the symptoms such as heaviness and tightening within rib cage, squeezing and aching of chest commonly last less than 5 minutes. They are usually relieved by taking rest or medication such as nitroglycerin.

In order to avoid the risk of angina and maintain a good cardiovascular health, make sure that you take a dietary supplement which helps support a healthy heart. Cardiored Krill Oil Omega 3 is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, most of which are attached to phospholipids. Moreover, it also contains a naturally occurring oxidant called astaxanthin. Not only is Cardiored more bioavailable than fish oil, but it is also naturally stable with 100% traceability.

Triglyceride is a form of fat in the bloodstream and its high levels are linked to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems. People with high triglycerides often have a high low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, low high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and high total cholesterol.

Numerous clinical studies have revealed that people with high triglyceride levels (greater than or equal to 200 mg/dL) are 45% more vulnerable to atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease, heart stroke and heart attack than people who have normal triglyceride levels. Moreover, it is more likely for obese people and diabetic patients to have high triglycerides.

In order to accurately measure the triglyceride levels in the blood, make sure that you get a reading after a 9 to 12 hour fast. Fortunately, elevated triglyceride levels can easily be corrected with a regular physical activity and an appropriate diet plan.

It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement that helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels. Vitabiotics Cardioace Plus Multivitamins And Omega-3 is a popular brand on the market that contains omega 3 fish oil, Co Q10, lycopene, alpha lipoic acid, resveratrol, vitamins E and C, selenium and sterols in its formulation.

Omega 3 fish oil contains Eicosapentaenoic Acid and Docosahexaenoic Acid which help maintain normal cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Plant sterols help contribute to healthy high density lipoprotein (HDL) levels, whereas resveratrol is a phytochemical that helps support vascular health. Coenzyme Q10 plays an important role in the production of energy within cells and promotes a great heart health.

Hypercholesterolemia is a medical condition in which cholesterol levels in one’s blood are elevated beyond the normal range. If left untreated, this condition may lead to the risk of heart diseases including heart stroke, atherosclerosis, coronary artery disease and heart attack. Make sure that you change your diet and lifestyle to lower elevated cholesterol levels.

Avoid consuming fatty and fast foods. These foods are high in trans fat that may prove detrimental to the health of your cardiovascular system. Make sure that you consume whole grains such as whole-grain cereal, oatmeal, popcorn, wild rice, brown rice, whole-wheat flour and barley. Whole grains make a rich source of complex carbohydrates and fibre that make you feel fuller for longer. As a result, you would be less tempted to overeat at lunch or dinner. Another advantage of consuming whole grains is that they help reduce “Bad Cholesterol” or low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol in the blood. Moreover, they also make an important part of an effective weight-loss dietary plan.

A handful of nuts such as almonds, peanuts, walnuts and pistachios make a tasty treat that help to reduce the elevated cholesterol levels as well. Nuts are high in monounsaturated fat, which elevates HDL or “Good Cholesterol” levels, while lowering LDL levels. Numerous researches show that people who consume about an ounce of nuts a day are less likely to develop heart diseases. However, it is important to keep in your mind that you should not overdose yourself with nuts especially if you are on a weight loss program. Nuts are high in calories and fat, so only eat a handful. Furthermore, make sure that they are not covered in chocolate or sugar.

It also makes a good idea to use a dietary supplement which helps promote a great cardiovascular health and lowers elevated cholesterol levels. Equazen Cardiozen Fish Oil contains 80% omega-3 long essential chain fatty acids in a natural triglyceride form. This supplement is particularly rich in one essential fatty acid-EPA, which plays an important role in the maintenance of a healthy heart and helps keep cholesterol levels in check. Take one capsule per day with food.

HDL (High Density Lipoprotein) cholesterol or “Good Cholesterol” plays an important role in maintaining the health of your cardiovascular system because it helps keep your blood vessels clean from the slow plaque build up caused by low density lipoprotein (LDL) and other factors. It is important to keep in your mind that low HDL makes you vulnerable to the risk of numerous cardiovascular problems especially atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease.

Regular exercise routine and healthy dietary changes can help you reach adequate HDL levels. B vitamins especially niacin are very effective at increasing HDL and they should be consumed on a regular basis. Niacin-rich foods include heart, kidney, roast chicken, turkey, coffee, twiglets, avocado, peach, apricot, cherry, berry, melon, mango, walnut and peanut.

It also makes a good idea to use a supplement that contains niacin in its formulation. Red Kooga Ginseng & Multivitamins exhibits a natural energy releasing formula that helps provide your mind and body with essential nutrients especially vitamins and minerals. Not only does it contain niacin in its formulation, but it also contains vitamins A, C, D, E, Folic Acid, Pantothenic Acid and minerals like iron, zinc, phosphorus, calcium, manganese, selenium, copper and root extract.

The recommended daily allowances of B Complex vitamins help maintain the healthy levels of HDL and healthy nervous system. Vitamin A helps maintain the health of your skin whereas vitamins C and E destroy free radicals within your body. Free radicals are harmful compounds that cause damage to tissues and premature aging.

The total cholesterol to high density lipoprotein ratio is usually calculated to estimate the risk of developing numerous cardiovascular problems especially atherosclerosis and coronary artery disease. This ratio (total cholesterol/HDL) represents a number that is obtained by dividing total cholesterol by high density lipoprotein cholesterol. A low ratio indicates a lower risk of heart strokes and heart attacks, whereas a high ratio indicates a higher risk of numerous cardiovascular problems.

Low total cholesterol and high HDL cholesterol are desirable because they will lower the ratio. On the other hand, high total cholesterol and low HDL cholesterol are undesirable because they will increase the ratio. The ideal ratio for an adult is less than 4.

In order to maintain an ideal ratio, make sure that you avoid consuming dairy products, red meat and fast foods. It is also important that you perform a cardio exercise 20-30 minutes, 4-5 days a week.

Make sure that you use a dietary supplement on a regular basis which promotes a great heart health. Vitabiotics Cardioace Plus Multivitamins And Omega-3 helps maintain healthy blood cholesterol levels and supports vascular health. It contains plant sterols that may help contribute to healthy HDL or “Good Cholesterol” levels. It also contains omega-3 fatty acids that may play an important role in maintaining normal cholesterol, blood pressure and triglyceride levels. Moreover, this supplement also contains powerful antioxidants such as Alpha Lipoic acid, Lycopene, selenium, resveratrol, vitamins E and C that help to defend against free radicals, which can oxidize HDL and LDL.

Ischemic Stroke is the most common type of stroke, which is responsible for the countless deaths all around the globe. It is a serious medical condition in which a blood clot obstructs a blood vessel inside one’s brain. The clot may travel through the blood or develop on the spot. Once a blood vessel in one’s brain is clogged, it may lead to the rupturing of that particular blood vessel, thus causing an internal bleeding.

There are many factors that make you vulnerable to the risk of ischemic stroke. However, the most common reason is atherosclerosis or hardening of the arteries. In this condition, cholesterol and fat build up in arteries, thus leaving less space for blood to flow. Once the passage of blood is obstructed, a tiny blood clot may lodge in this narrow space, hence leading to an ischemic attack.

In order to avoid the ischemic attack, make sure that you adopt a healthy lifestyle. You should avoid consuming fat-rich diets and foods from animal sources. Make sure that you cook foods in the plant oils instead of animal oils. Moreover, perform a physical activity on a regular basis. Avoid smoking, heavy use of alcohol, and depression and spend spare time with your family and friends.

Furthermore, use a dietary supplement such as Efamol Efalex Omega-3 & Omega-6 on a regular basis. It makes a unique combination of evening primrose oil and fish oil providing the important nutrients such as GLA, AA and DHA, which play a vital role in brain function. It contains long chain polyunsaturated fatty acids, which are needed for healthy brain including concentration and co-ordination. DHA and AA make important building blocks of brain, nervous system and eye, whereas EPA and GLA are needed in the transmission of messages between nerves.

A cerebrovascular accident or stroke occurs when blood supply to the brain cells is disrupted, causing a part of the brain or whole brain to die. A healthy nervous system is mandatory for your great physical health and well-being. Your central nervous system is made up of trillions of neurons and each neuron is specialized to conduct nerve impulses to and from the brain. Brain cell function requires a constant supply of glucose, nutrients and oxygen from the blood stream. In case of a stroke, blood flow to the brain is compromised due to a variety of reasons such as atherosclerosis, embolic stroke, blockage of an artery and cerebral haemorrhage

In order to minimize the risk of a stroke, make sure that you maintain normal blood pressure levels, cholesterol levels, and avoid depression. It is also important that you incorporate a regular physical activity into your daily routine. Cardiovascular exercises such as running on a treadmill and rope jumping help strengthen your cardiovascular as well as nervous system and you should perform those exercises on a regular basis.

It is also a good idea to use a supplement that promotes a great brain performance. Efamol Active 50 Omega-3 and Ginkgo contains a concentrate of omega-3 fish oil and the plant leaf extract Ginkgo Biloba, which are highly beneficial to look after brain activity and performance. Omega-3 is an essential fatty acid that maintains a healthy brain by transmitting messages between the nerves. Ginkgo Biloba helps maintain short term memory.

Moreover, Efamol also contains vitamins B 12 and folic acid, which support healthy brain and spinal function, maintain cells integrity and activate nerve cells. Another good thing about this supplement is that it is free from gluten, sugar, flavours, artificial colours and preservatives.