Posts Tagged ‘Guide’
Majority of athletes and health buffs are very much concerned about sports nutrition and they want to make it as optimum as possible, which is just right. Sports and other physical activities can indeed be quite strenuous and stressful for the body.
If not backed up by proper nutrition, these activities will adversely affect the entire body. Thus, it is just best to always aim for an optimum sports nutrition.
There is not one standard that will clearly identify what an optimum sports nutrition is. Yes, there are several products in the market that are literally labelled as such but they cannot automatically guarantee best results.
This is mainly because the results are not purely dependent on the product itself. Instead, great consideration must also be given on the condition of one’s body. Only after identifying the body’s current status will one be able to know what sports nutrition is optimum.
The basics, though, of a sports nutrition that is optimum lie on three major aspects.
First, there has to be an intake of enough liquid which may or may not contain additional components that are equally beneficial. Second, a suitable diet must provide the body with appropriate nutrients. Third, certain supplements and vitamins must come hand in hand with the first two to further boost their impact on the body. Everything must then spring from these three fundamental requirements.
Indeed, an optimum sports nutrition for one person may not be considered similarly by another. This is primarily because every person has unique needs and goals, and is in unique circumstances. These should be considered carefully at the very start.
The nutrients that are usually beneficial for any athlete are carbohydrates and protein. These two play a major role in making the body cope with the extreme stress that comes with the activities. They also boost one’s immune system. Most of the time, these are included in sports drinks. Also, the foods that athletes eat are usually rich in these.
Generally, a physician is the best person to tell what the optimum sports nutrition is for a certain person. This is so because he has a broad understanding of the functions of the human body and its reaction to environmental stimulators.
However, one must also take into consideration that a significant part of a physician’s diagnosis or recommendation depends on what one tells him, as not everything is observable. Providing him with one’s activity plans will indeed help a lot.
Moreover, mere identification of the optimum sports nutrition is not enough as religious adherence to it is what creates a significant effect. One must commit himself to it no matter what. It has to be in constant partnership with one’s physical efforts.
An irregular nutrition program is not at all beneficial and may even cause adverse effects since the body is getting confused with the nutrients that sometimes do come in the body and at times do not.
This is also one of the reasons why one is discouraged to start with it if the motivation is mainly just peer or societal pressure.
In such cases, more often than not, the nutrition program is not sustained and is just put to waste no matter how optimum it was supposed to be. There has to be a better motivation other than mere imitation of other people.
Sports nutrition must be optimum in any case. This is what every person engaging in such should aim for at all times. The body is at stake so there must not be a room for compromises. The best should remain one’s target no matter what.
Anti-Aging Agents
Wrinkles, sags, lines, freckles and “liver spots” are all normal accompaniments of aging–or are they? We hear so much hype about what goes on in the aging process it becomes really difficult to separate fact from fiction. However, we do know that there are some topical ingredients that will help the skin combat oxidative stress, regenerate tissue and heal itself. This list covers just a few of the anti-aging heavy hitters you will find in MV products. For a more complete discussion of aging, please visit the About Aging page.
Alpha-lipoic acid—A powerful anti-oxidant. Alpha lipoic acid’s antiaging benefits are in part likely related to its ability to increase levels of the amino acid glutathione, which also possesses anti-aging properties.
Australian bush plum– With the average vitamin C content of 3.0 – 3.5% (range= .2 to 5.9%) the bush plum provides the most concentrated natural source of vitamin C known. The typical bush plum contains about 2907 mg vitamin C per 100 grams of edible fruit.
Beta-carotene—a natural precursor to Vitamin A, whose cell regenerative properties have given it the reputation as the “skin vitamin.” Vitamin A is essential for skin health. Supplements are often given to help with cases of stubborn acne.
Carrot seed essential oil– This essential oil is widely appreciated for its ability to help heal dry and dehydrated skin. Carrot seed essential oil has a high carotol content, which provides good skin-rejuvenating properties. It also contains beta-carotine and it is rich in vitamins A & E. The oil’s aroma is sweet and it is an excellent essential oil for mature skin.
DMAE– (dimethylaminoethanol) An amino acid and antioxidant membrane stabilizer. DMAE works synergistically with antioxidants to enhance their strength, and to help repair and stabilize skin cell membranes by expelling waste.
Evening primrose oil– Evening primrose oil is one of the most concentrated sources of gamma-linoleic acid (GLA), an essential fatty acid with anti-aging and anti-inflammatory properties. The body converts the GLA in evening primrose oil into prostaglandins, substances that function like hormones and help to regulate body processes. It also contains substantial amounts of polysaturated omega-6 fatty acids.
Ginseng extract– (Panax quinquefolium) When applied to the skin, ginseng has been shown to enhance the cellular function of skin cells and stimulate skin cell regeneration. It is useful in combating wrinkles and the visible signs of aging. Ginseng is extracted from the root of the ginseng plant after the plant reaches maturity, which may take six or more years.
Glyconutrients—provide nutrients so skin can biosynthesize hyaluronic acid and other glycosamineglycans, thus maintaining skin plumpness. Read more about the benefits of glyconutrients on the Glyconutrients page.
Gotu Kola– Known for its remarkable wound healing properties, gotu kola is often used for treating burns and skin ulcers.
Helichryssum essential oil– Helichrysum stimulates production of new cells, so it’s used in skin products to treat acne, scar tissue, bruising, mature skin, and burns. It also helps to prevent sunburn. It treats bacterial infection and inflammation and helps to boost the body’s immune system. Its healing properties can quell a chronic cough, bronchitis, or fever, and it can alleviate pain by numbing nerve endings. It also lessens muscle pain, arthritis, enlarged veins, liver problems and counters allergic reactions like asthma. Its scent helps relieve depression, nervous exhaustion, and stress.
Idebenone- a powerful anti-oxidant. Results of a clinical trial were presented in February 2004 at the annual meeting of the American Academy of Dermatology. They wanted to find out which ingredient offered the best protection against free radicals. Idebenone finished first against vitamin C, vitamin E, coenzyme Q10, kinetin, and alpha-lipoic acid. The benefits of this ingredient include shielding skin from environmental damage, improving the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and reducing dryness and smoothing skin texture.
Kombucha tea— Kombucha, also known as the Manchurian or Kargasok mushroom, is not a mushroom but rather a mixture of bacteria that includes Acetobacter xylinum, Acetobacter ketogenum and Pichia fermentans, and various yeasts. It contains lactic acid and glucoronic acid, essential for the biosynthesis of hyaluronic acid, an important component of the skin’s dermal layer that contributes to skin elasticity and plumpness. It acts as a humectant.
Pearl powder– By slowing down the development of melanin (the chemical in our body responsible for colour pigments) it prevents and facilitates the fading of pigmentation spots. Rich in proteins, pearls also help to renew skin cells. It is also rich in vitamin B-complex and polysaccharides which strengthen the muscles and improve metabolism. Taken internally, pearl powder also acts as a source of calcium to aid those with bone loss. Some Chinese experts claim that it has the ability to filter the sun’s rays and correct damage done to the skin by the sun. Common uses: evens out skin tone, clears acne and rosacea, fades pigmentation marks and is beneficial for general complexion maintenance.
Quercetin–a bioflavonoid (or flavonoid), which is a type of pigment found in almost all herbs, fruits, and vegetables. Bioflavonoids provide the body with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection, and quercetin is among the most powerful and effective of known anti-inflammatories and antioxidants
Resveratrol– Resveratrol ( trans-3,5,4′-trihydroxystilbene ) is a protective compound produced by grapes and other plants in response to environmental stresses. Studies have demonstrated that resveratrol has potent antioxidant activity and also has the ability to inhibit platelet aggregation. These actions may help prevent free radical damage throughout the body and provide protective support to the cardiovascular system.
Rose hip seed oil– Rosehip seed oil contains Vitamin A, which helps to delay the effects of skin aging, assists with cell regeneration, and promotes increase of collagen and elastin levels. Rosehip seed oil also contains a high amount of essential fatty acids and Vitamin E. In particular, it is rich in linoleic and linolenic acids, important skin nutrients.
Seabuckthorn oil– Sea Buckthorn oil has multiple benefits in the area of restorative and anti-aging skin care. Natural antioxidants and essential fatty acids help reverse damaging effects of sun radiation and minimize long term effects of sun exposure. Promotes natural skin restorative processes. Tolerated by any type of skin, sea buckthorn oil is especially beneficial for rosacea-prone skin as it provides long term anti-inflammatory, restorative and revitalizing action.
White tea– well-documented antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Topical white tea polyphenols are likely to slow down the development of some signs of aging. In particular, since the sun protection benefits of white tea are particularly well documented, it makes sense to use a sunscreen with white tea in it, and particularly a sunscreen with zinc oxide, as ZO is chemically inert and will not react with white tea (which some chemical sunscreens might do, especially in sunlight).
This little anti aging skin care guide focuses on natural compounds that are good for your skinâs health and that of the rest of your body, as well. If you are looking for another type of anti aging skin care treatment, such as Botox or collagen injections, I would not personally recommend them.
There are numerous drawbacks and side effects that accompany Botox. It is, after all, the most toxic naturally occurring substance known to man. It lessens the appearance of wrinkles by paralyzing facial muscles. The affects are only temporary, which may be a good thing, because many people donât look that great afterwards.
Collagen injections only work by âfattening upâ the deepest of the skinâs layers and âstretchingâ out the wrinkles. Many people have allergic reactions and, once again, results are only temporary. But, the choice is yours. This anti aging skin care guide covers safer options.
We have wrinkles and fine lines because of free radical damage that occurs throughout our lives. Early on, collagen and elastin production, as well as cell reproduction, keeps up with the damage. But, as we get older, we need effective anti aging skin care treatment or our bodies cannot repair the damage done.
Any anti aging skin care guide will tell you that the sun causes most of the damage, but they often donât tell you how that works. It has to do with a process that occurs on the molecular level and involves electron movement. It is commonly referred to as free radical damage.
Antioxidants prevent and repair free radical damage because they are able to transfer the electrons back to where they belong. So, effective anti aging skin care treatment should contain antioxidants that can assist in the repair and prevention of this kind of damage.
An anti aging skin care guide may also tell you this fact; if we can increase the bodyâs production of skin-cells, collagen and elastin production can also be increased. But most times they skip that, thinking that you might not understand.
The question that has faced researchers and skincare specialists is how best to increase the production, without doing any kind of damage. The answer is protein. An effective anti aging skin care treatment should increase the skinâs levels of necessary proteins, like keratin and hyaluronic acid.
The body needs protein to reproduce cells and tissue, everywhere. But, most of what we eat goes to the support of critical organs, such as the heart and lungs. The skinâs cells often do not get what they need, especially as we get older, since all of the bodyâs processes are less efficient. You can see that my anti aging skin care guide is quite different from the norm, because, to me, itâs all about health.
New research has made available anti aging skin care treatment that prevents and repairs free radical damage, while increasing the bodyâs production of new skin-cells and fibers. They have clinically proven results using things like sea-kelp, extracts from sheepâs wool, coenzyme Q10, vitamin E, olive oil and jojoba wax. Those are some of the ingredients to look for.
I know that this is by no means a complete anti aging skin care guide, but hopefully it gave you a place to start.