Vigour – Health and Sports Nutrition

It is very important to consume antioxidants-rich diets on a regular basis to maintain the health of your immune and cardiovascular systems. Antioxidants promote healthy muscle function and hormonal secretion. They play a vital role in maintaining the health of nails, hair and skin. Moreover, they also protect your body against the risk of cancer especially lung cancer, prostrate cancer, breast cancer and liver cancer.

Lycopene is a naturally occurring antioxidant that gives vegetables and fruits a red colour. It is present in high amounts in strawberries, tomatoes and tomato products. It helps maintain the health of immune system and destroys free radicals in your body, which cause premature aging, cardiovascular problems and different types of cancer.

Anthocyanin is another antioxidant that is found in blue berriers, black currants, black raspberries and red grapes. Delicious and rich in anthocyanin, blue berries rank number one in antioxidant activity when compared with 25 other fresh vegetables and fruits.

There are numerous supplements on the market that provide your body with antioxidants and other essential nutrients. BetterYou Super Antioxidants is a popular brand that makes a potent and natural combination of food-sourced free radical scavengers such as organic Pine Bark extract, organic Acerola cherries, selenium and natural vitamins A and E.

This supplement helps boost your immune system and provides essential protection against colds, coughs, flu and fever. It helps protect your skin from free radical damage, thus maintaining the elasticity of skin and minimising premature aging. . BetterYou is suitable for those on a vegan, vegetarian or coeliac diet.

Cancer is a fatal disease that occurs due to the uncontrolled growth of cells anywhere in the body. The abnormal cells are termed malignant cells or cancerous cells. Cancer is a leading cause of death all around the globe. It accounts for approximately 6-7 million deaths each year. Breast, lung, stomach, liver, colon and prostrate cancer are the most common types of cancer.

Although symptoms of cancer vary with the type of cancer and its location, there are some signs that are common among most cancer patients. They include low-grade fever, lethargy, tiredness, extreme fatigue, unexplained weight loss, lack of appetite, muscle aches, persistent pain, white spots on tongue, wart changes, skin changes, unusual bleeding or discharge, lumps, tissue masses and changes in bladder and bowel functions.

Cancer can be prevented by avoiding its potential causes. Make sure that you avoid smoking, excess sunlight, chemicals, toxins, pathogens, cancer-causing agents and consumption of processed foods.

Consumption of diets rich in antioxidants such as fruits, vegetables, nuts and legumes also makes a good way to avoid cancer. Antioxidants help destroy free radicals that damage tissues and produce precancerous cells.

You should also consume a dietary supplement on a regular basis that makes use of antioxidants in its formulation. Higher Nature Premium Naturals Super Antioxidant Protection is a powerful and wide-spectrum brand that supplies your body with key water- and fat-soluble antioxidant nutrients.

Vitamin C and E work together to reduce oxidation, minerals zinc, selenium and manganese support the body’s antioxidant enzymes, glutathione is precursor to glutathione peroxidase (the body’s key antioxidant enzyme) and N-Acetyl Cysteine helps replenish glutathione in the body.

Folliculitis is a skin disorder that occurs due the inflammation of one or more hair follicles. It appears as numerous red little bumps on body parts including cheeks, arms, chest, back, legs, buttocks and groin area. However, this disease does not affect the soles, palms, mouth and eyes. Although folliculitis usually affects teenagers and adults, it is also seen in elderly people. People with chronic illnesses such as hepatitis B or C, HIV/AIDS, diabetes and cancer are more prone to develop this disease.

Folliculitis may occur due to the simple irritation, blockage of hair follicles, shaving and friction from clothing. The damaged follicles are then infected with the bacteria or fungus. Symptoms include itching, rashes, and pimples near a hair follicle in the genital area, groin, back, neck or other body parts. Sometimes, scratching off the top of a pimple reveals a small coiled hair within. Treatment includes a combination of antibiotic lotions, antibiotic pills and antibacterial washes or antifungal medications to control the infection.

If you have a compromised immune system and often experience infections like folliculitis, then it makes a good idea to use a supplement that helps support your immune system Vitabiotics Immunace Healthy Immune System contains highly effective antioxidant vitamins such as vitamins E, C and carotenoids, trace minerals and amino acids that help eliminate harmful chemicals including free radicals from the body. It is a synergistic dietary supplement of 24 nutrients that helps maintain optimal cell defence and healthy immune resistance. Take one tablet per day with your main meal.

Corn, also known as maize, is a tall annual cereal grass bearing kernels on large ears. The botanical name for maize is “Zea mays” and it belongs to the Poaceae family of plants. It is widely cultivated in America, Mexico and Asia. Maize and ground dried maize make a staple food in many regions of world. Not only does it provide the necessary calories for daily metabolism, but it also makes a rich dietary source of vitamins, minerals and dietary fibre. It also contains antioxidants that act as antic-cancer agents and help prevent premature aging.

Other health benefits of maize include prevention of digestive ailments such as indigestion, constipation, nausea and haemorrhoids, prevention of cardiovascular problems such as high cholesterol levels, coronary artery disease and heart attack, controlling diabetes, lowering high blood pressure, prevention of colorectal cancer and prevention of neural-tube defects at birth.

If hectic lifestyle does not allow you to consume corn and other healthy foods on a regular basis, then make sure that you take a multivitamin supplement. Higher Nature Wise Woman Multivitamin & Antioxidant makes a complete multivitamin and mineral supplement with added friendly bacteria. The minerals and vitamins are in a form similar to food, which the body is designed to digest. This supplement provides brain foods, key antioxidants, bioflavonoids, amino acids and other nutrients such as alpha lipoic acid, carnitine, coenzyme Q 10 and isoflavones. It supports energy production, counters excess free radicals and supports healthy bone density. Take 3 capsules a day, with or between meals.

Grape is a juicy, nutritious and delicious fruit that belongs to the genus Vitis. Grapes grow in clusters and have either green or purple skin. Grapes make rich sources of nutrients such as vitamins particularly vitamins A, B-complex and C, minerals like magnesium, zinc, calcium, potassium, iron, molybdenum and selenium, folate, and flavonoids. Flavonoids are very powerful antioxidants that help destroy the free radicals which are responsible for the premature aging and different types of cancer.

There are numerous health benefits of consumption of grapes. First and foremost, they help treat indigestion and kidney disorders. They exhibit eminent therapeutic effects and help reduce the symptoms associated with asthma. Moreover, a higher concentration of antioxidants in the grapes helps prevent the oxidation of LDL cholesterol and increases the nitric oxide levels in the blood, thus reducing the risk of heart diseases especially heart attack.

Grapes make an excellent home remedy to treat indigestion, heart burn, and irritation of the stomach. Furthermore, a regular consumption of grapes helps prevent fatigue and exhaustion. A recent research has showed that purple grapes help prevent the risk of different types of cancer especially breast cancer. Another benefit of grapes is that they enhance brain health and prevent the age related loss of vision. Grapes contain pterostilbene that helps reduce elevated blood cholesterol levels.

If you find it difficult to consume grapes on a regular basis due to your hectic life style, then make sure that you take a multivitamin supplement daily. HealthAid A to Z Multivit makes a balanced vitamin and mineral supplement that is ideal for the teenagers, elderly, mothers, busy executives, athletes and people doing strenuous gym exercises. This supplement also makes a wonderful gift for pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, and teenager girls and adult women during their monthly cycles. Strict vegetarians and elderly people may also get benefits from Multivitamins with Minerals A-Z tablets.

Cachexia or wasting syndrome is an abnormal condition in which one loses too much lean weight due to certain underlying causes. For an individual, the loss of fat might occur due to dieting, exercising or a combination of both. However, if one starts to lose lean body weight like muscle, the whole body chemistry can change.

If you lose more that 7% of your body weight, it could be a sign of wasting and you should immediately consult your physician. The important reasons that are responsible for the cachexia include tuberculosis, cancer and AIDS. It is important to remember that wasting is a very serious condition and it can kill you. Therefore, never delay and talk to your doctor.

People with HIV should eat more because extra muscle will help them fight HIV. They should consume plenty of starches, carbohydrates and protein, with moderate amounts of fat. Protein helps maintain and build muscles and HIVers should regularly consume lean meats, seeds, nuts, beans and whole grains.

They should also use a dietary supplement that contains protein in its formulation. Reflex Instant Whey Protein Powder contains whey protein as the main source of protein. This supplement makes a combination of two muscle building ingredients. Whey protein hydrolsate that is rich in amino acids and peptides. Moreover, Instant Whey contains Lactospore pro-biotics and Digenzyme enzymes. The former promotes a healthier gut whereas the latter enhances the protein digestion. This supplement also provides Immunoglobulin, Glycomacropeptide, Lactoferrin, Lactoperoxidase and more.

Cancer can be defined as the unhindered growth of the body cells that advances toward unhealthy and infinite development. In this disease, the body loses it control over the balance that is maintained between rates of old cell loss and fresh cell development. Cancer can affect any part of the human body.

There are several types of cancer: Carcinomas, Lymphomas, Leukemia and Sarcomas.

Carcinoma is the most common type of cancer that begins from the cells that protect internal and external body surfaces. It usually affects organs like colon, stomach, liver, oesophagus and breast.

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects tissues and lymph nodes of the body’s immune system.

Leukemia or blood cancer affects blood cells that develop in the bone marrow.

Sarcoma usually affects the cells of the supporting tissues of the body for example fat, cartilage, muscle, connective tissues and bone.

There are many factors that are responsible for cancer. They include environmental pollutants, free radicals, genetics, radiation and unhealthy eating habits.

Free radicals are the harmful compounds that are responsible for the cell damage and may trigger the uncontrolled division of cells. However, you can minimize the harmful effects of free radicals by using antioxidants-rich diets and supplements.

Natrol Ultimate Antioxidant Formula contains antioxidant-boosting vitamins A, C, E, calcium and niacin among other nutrient boosters. It makes an ultimate product when it comes to the free-radical protection. It provides you with the benefits of more than five antioxidants with the immune-boosting, super-powered and free radical fighting antioxidant formula.

Not only does smoking cause cardiovascular problems, but is also responsible for the numerous lung diseases such as emphysema, chronic bronchitis and lung cancer. People who smoke raise their risk of lung cancer by more than 20 times. Moreover, smoking significantly increases your risk for other health problems.

Smoking is responsible for the thickening of arteries. As a result, the blood flow to heart is reduced. Smoking causes cancer of other organs such as mouth, throat, food pipe, prostrate, stomach, bladder, kidney and pancreas.

Smoking also leads to infertility and impotence. It is directly associated with erectile dysfunction and premature ejaculation. Another negative effect of smoking is that it can lead to osteoporosis, which causes weakening and thinning of your bones. Cigarette smoke contains harmful chemicals that damage the youthful look of your skin and cause deep wrinkles and fine lines.

In order to avoid the smoking-related health problems, make sure that you quit smoking. Foods that are high in antioxidants help destroy the carcinogens and free radicals. Citrus fruits, nuts, green leafy vegetables and fresh fruits are very important in this regard.

It also makes a good idea to use a supplement that contains antioxidants in its formulation. Comvita Olive Leaf Antioxidant contains an extract made from fresh olive leaves that provides the combination of 12 key naturally occurring polyphenolic antioxidants. Oleuropein is the powerful antioxidant in olive leaves that helps destroy free radicals and carcinogens within your body. Comvita Olive Antioxidant is 30 times more powerful than the equivalent amount of pure olive oil. You should take 2 to 3 capsules per day.

According to a recent research, high levels of HDL or “Good Cholesterol” may cut colon cancer risk. The study compared 1,000 people with colon cancer to 1,000 healthy people. The investigators reviewed the dietary-lifestyle questionnaires and results of blood samples provided by participants. Researchers found that those with highest levels of blood fat called apolipoprotein and cholesterol had the least chance of developing colorectal cancer especially colon cancer.

Although best recommendations to reduce the risk of colon cancer include less consumption of processed and red meats, get rid of abdominal fatness and obesity, increased physical activity, less intake of alcohol and quit smoking, yet people with high levels of HDL are less vulnerable to the risk of colon cancer.

Therefore, people with low levels of Good Cholesterol should change their lifestyle to reduce the risk of colon cancer. They should avoid eating fatty foods and prefer cooking foods in vegetable oils instead of animal oils. Moreover, a regular exercise routine makes an excellent way for them to both reduce the risk of cardiovascular problems and improve HDL levels.

Moreover, they should also use a dietary supplement that helps elevate levels of HDL and lowers the levels of LDL or Bad Cholesterol. Vitabiotics Cardioace Healthy Heart & Circulation combines the benefits of omega-3 fatty acids with antioxidants, garlic and important trace minerals. Not only does it maintain healthy cholesterol levels in the blood, but it also maintains the elasticity of blood vessels.

It includes Omega-3 fish oil that makes a rich source of EPA and DHA. Omega 3 fatty acids play a vital role in maintaining normal cholesterol, triglyceride levels and blood pressure. Moreover, garlic helps balance good cholesterol or HDL by regulating cholesterol production by the liver.

Over 7 million people die from cancer every year all around the globe and it is estimated that this figure would increase in year 2011. Most common forms of cancer such as lung cancer, breast cancer, prostrate cancer and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma could be prevented through making certain healthy changes to your lifestyle. A recent research has revealed that 25%-35% new cases of cancer could be prevented by making following changes to your daily routine.

First and foremost, make sure that you avoid smoking and alcohol consumption as they can lead to lung cancer and liver cancer respectively. Avoid sugary drinks as their frequent consumption can lead to obesity and cancer. You should avoid the consumption of foods processed with sodium as well as salty foods. Moreover, limit the consumption of processed foods, calorie-dense foods, fats-rich foods and red meats such as pork, lamb and beef. Make sure that you consume lean meats such as fish, turkey and chicken.

In order to avoid common forms of cancer, eat fresh fruits, green leafy vegetables, beans, whole grains and nuts. These foods contain vitamins and minerals, which may provide some protection against the formation of cancerous cells. Vitamins C and E are natural antioxidants that help destroy free radicals in your body. Free radicals are harmful environmental pollutants that make their way inside your body with air. Environmental pollutants are considered as one of the major causes of cancer especially lung cancer and stomach cancer.

Make sure that you keep yourself as lean as possible by performing a physical activity for 20 minutes or more every day. Not only do cardio as well as strength training exercises reduce cancer risk, but they also help you avoid numerous cardiovascular problems including heart stroke, heart attack, coronary artery disease and angina.

It also makes a good idea that you take a supplement that uses antioxidants in its formulation. Although there is not dietary supplement on the market that reduces cancer risk, yet consumption of antioxidants can help remove harmful free radicals from your body. Higher Nature Alka Clear Antioxidant helps in the removal of waste products and free radicals, and helps maintain the alkaline balance of your body tissues.