Antioxidants, Free Radicals,

As you know, I'm a doctor. It's part of my profession follow what is happening in medical / health research. Being retired helps, because doctors simply do not generally have "extra time" to devote the scientific literature.

But I do. And I love it. I am one of those who really enjoy ... brace yourself ... Chemistry. When I'm done here, you should be excited, especially if you are interested in sports nutrition and antioxidants, though not necessarily in that order.

Sports nutrition is a big industry with an emphasis on optimizing the operation. Off hand, I can not remember a lot of categories that include sports nutrition:

* Sports nutrition and supplements for athletes,

* Sports nutrition and athletic performance,

* Sports nutrition and bodybuilding,

* Sports nutrition and endurance training,

* Sports nutrition and special diets in different sports,

* Sports nutrition and strength training,

* Sports nutrition for jogging, running, walking, skiing, swimming

* There's even a Rocky Mountain Sports Nutrition

* ... The list is endless.

So far, no surprises, huh? Well, here's one for you. Did you know that when you exercise intensely, you can increase the burden of free radicals in your body? If you are serious sports enthusiast, you should know that.

But ... the real news is that science is now learned about the free radical burden of yours. You should pay close attention here.

Suddenly, chemistry gets real personal.

Each of us is, what is called May, our protective antioxidant capacity. This means that our body normally use antioxidants to protect us from the harmful effects of free radicals.

First of all, what are antioxidants? They are molecular substances that offset free radical damage in the body. Antioxidants, "quench" free radicals (in the absence of a better metaphor) neutralizing its harmful effects on cells in the body.

* Antioxidants are found in foods such as cranberries, green tea and even chocolate.

* Antioxidants are found in vitamins as vitamin C and E.

* Antioxidants are found in carotenoids like beta-carotene.

* Antioxidants are found in many substances derived from the body, such as glutathione.

* Antioxidants are found in many herbs and enzymes.

Effect of antioxidants has boosted glyconutrients to offset free radicals in your body ... and, as a result of the efforts of your sport.

Antioxidant capacity must be provided in the sports nutrition regimen or you could be "robbing Peter to pay Paul" with their workouts. As you will see, without glyconutrional presence in your sports nutrition are healthy gains by your physical workouts will be offset by its free radical burden.

Free radicals, sports and sports nutrition

Free radicals are chemical species that they contain one or more unpaired electrons, capable of independent existence. They occur in the body due to various reasons such offshoots of cellular activities or products introduced to the body externally.

As an analogy, think of running a car engine manufacturing cell
and car emission free radical production. The engine produces products that can not stay in the car without further damage. They simply must be neutralized and expelled.

Free radicals form and cause damage by reacting with many substances in your body. It is estimated that upwards of 200,000 free radical attacks occur in our bodies every day.

When free radical damage is done, the body can remove substances that are formed by cellular repair systems. However, if the body can not handle free radicals (with antioxidants, for example), or remove the joints, then disease may result.

Contrary to popular belief, free radicals can not circulate through the body. Half-lives of the majority of free radicals varies in the range of a few nanoseconds to about 7 seconds duration. This means that they will react in a "neighborhood" (a few Angstroms or microns near the place where the increase of free radicals occurred) ... organs, connective tissue, blood vessels or nerve tissue, bone or lymph supplies are all candidates for the free radicals.

Wherever they are, they will damage the surrounding areas, unless prevented by the authorities ... Thus, the body does not have the luxury of just filtering away any fluid circulation to find free radicals. Body's defense system should be ... so ... fairly ubiquitous neutralize the effects of free radicals. Antioxidant protection system must be healthy.

Since they are highly reactive substances, they react with all kinds of cellular elements are ready. But when they do not react with cells of the body, can damage cells and even kill them. Often, the damage from free radicals can alter cellular structure enough to cause diseases such as cancer, diabetes, arthritis, heart disease and many others.

Type of disease that occurs depends on which of the defense of free radicals in the body is not working properly and where the free radical attacks occur.

The body has a pretty sophisticated antioxidant defense systems. However, the body can be overwhelmed in its antioxidant protection against these free radicals ...

Indeed, if the antioxidant enhanced sports nutrition (with glyconutrients) that is used to offset the increased burden of free radicals, the body will suffer as a result of intensive sports training, competition and stress.

Glyconutrients are important for sports nutrition KB

Studies comparing marathon runners who did and did not glyconutritional sports nutrition supplements are taken. Results are reported Proceedings of the Fisher Institute for Medical Research (August 2003, Vol.3, No.1). The results "showed distinctly different patterns." Antioxidant protection seems to be a strong increase of free radicals with glyconutritional nose. Thus, the body is protected by a few days after the marathon run.

However, when glyconutritional sports nutrition has not been used, the harmful effects of free radical burden appeared to remain in the body for about five days. Thus, the subject "consistently excreted higher concentrations of free radicals, byproducts ..." compared with that of glyconutritional topic. It should be emphasized that the subject is studied by taking other antioxidants, but not Glyconutrition. Despite this fact, the above results were obtained.

This is another way of saying that when glyconutritional supplements are not used, the burden of free radicals in the body is lifted. Antioxidant protection seems to be (significantly) strengthened glyconutritional sports nutrition. Such antioxidant protection appears to be of benefit to athletes in total, including training, stress, competition and food issues.

Glyconutrional revolution in sports nutrition and therapy is just the beginning. More studies are done. More results are coming in regarding the ability of free radicals and glyconutrients to boost antioxidant effect against free radicals.

Sports nutrition soon see a new revolution ...

Or better still. I believe that it is quite likely that, with Glyconutrition, sports performance will soon see a revolution in the field but

Health Benefits

The most common reason people take Maca root is to boost your energy, libido, and to balance the emotions associated with hormonal issues as well as nutritional supplement. Maca root works with your body's hormonal system to balance your testosterone, progesterone and estrogen.

Why is the root of maca so potent?

This is a superfood that contains carotene, thiamine (B1), riboflavin (B2), ascorbic acid, niacin, vitamins and others. There are high levels of calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, and potassium, as well as lower levels of copper, zinc, manganese, iron, selenium, and boron. It also has a 11 percent per gram of protein and fatty acids. Because of its 18 amino acids, to form a complete protein for vegans and raw foodists.

Peruvians do not need any scientific studies that prove the strong effects of Maca as it has been a traditional food for thousands of years. This root is consumed in different ways in Peru and deeply rooted in culture. It is used in baking and smoothies, and various other foods.

Maca can be taken in capsule form (with the powder in capsules) or as a powder or concentrated extract. Capsules generally contain 500 mg of powder. Most people get it in powder form it fits into smoothies, or simply taking dissolving in water. I recommend the form of powder, so that your body absorbs it immediately. It has a unique nutty flavor, a bit of an aftertaste, but it's not ok and strong for most people. If you are sensitive to taste and then taking it in capsule form would be a better choice for you.

How maca powder should be taken?

It is different for everyone. I suggest if you take the capsule form, try starting with 2 capsules a day, and it consistently for several days, and then adjust from there. If taken in powder form, start with 2 teaspoons a day and adjust from there. Every individual is different and unique because it is a natural herb product, each person will need different amounts. We also suggest that getting in the middle of the afternoon about 2 hours when hormones tend to be lowest.

You should take some precautions when you start taking Maca. Some people have reported experiencing an elevated heart rate and insomnia from having excess energy (similar to having too much caffeine). As mentioned before, take the recommended dosage of 1-3 teaspoons of powder daily and listen to your body and adjust accordingly.

As in all other herbs, quality is important. Make sure you buy organic or from a company that is committed to bringing the best organic fair-traded, sustainably produced Maca root of the product.

A Personal View Point

Complete nutrition is vital for a healthy life. Not only does it keep our bodies functioning in a healthy way, it also keeps our stress levels low and makes us function at our peak performance levels. Other benefits are longevity, good eyesight, and many others. One surely can not count the benefits of good nutrition on their fingertips since they are so many. The saying "we are what we eat" is completely correct!

There are many little things we can do to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Many of these tips form a part of the ten signs of good nutrition. In this article, I would like to give my own tips that I have personally found to work best for me.

It is always good to carry a snack with you wherever you go. Many people think that snacking is bad for their health since it increases the calorie intake. However little do we know that having light snacks in our car, office, or home can actually be better for us since it saves us from the occasional dip in sugar levels that can affect our mood and increase our fatigue levels.

Moreover, as far as snacks are concerned, we do not need to eat the most sugary, dangerous ones that increase our calorie intake like chips and pastries. We can instead choose much healthier ones that are beneficial for us and contain many essential nutrients. Examples include trail mix, granola bars, and certain energy bars. We should always have a ready supply of water as well since water is in effect one of the most essential nutrients and is good filler too!

It is always good to cook your own food and take your own food from home rather than eat out. This is because the food served at restaurants and fast food places is mostly unhealthy. Just compare a simple turkey sandwich that you have brought from home to a calorie-laden cheeseburger and fries you can buy at a local restaurant. Bringing lunch from home is not only beneficial for your health, it also saves you time and money as you do not have to drive to a restaurant to eat and bringing food from home is generally a lot cheaper.

Finally, it always helps if you can get rid of all the bad food from your home. This is because what sits in your home is actually begging you to eat it and you have to give in eventually.

I hope you liked my tips on how you can keep your body and mind healthy. If not you can still check out the 10 signs of good nutrition to know you are getting the complete nutrition your body needs

Boost the Immune System

Our immune system is an intricate system of defenses that distinguishes between foreign substances within the body from healthy cells, when properly functioning. However a weakened immune system can be overpowered by pathogens, bacteria and viruses leaving the body vulnerable to disease, infection and illness. Additionally, our body is affected by free radicals, atoms with unpaired electrons that are highly reactive and cause damage to healthy cells. Free radicals are believed to be involved in degenerative diseases, the aging process and cancers especially when allowed to run free in the body. Free radicals can cause a breakdown in the body's immune system leaving it susceptible to infection.

One way to neutralize free radicals is by introducing antioxidants into the body through the food that we eat. Antioxidants limit the damage done by free radicals and boost the immune system by increasing the production of white blood cells, which fight off infection in the body. They also help immune cells to fight foreign pathogens more efficiently and eliminate non-functioning cells from the body as well. Antioxidants can be mainly found in fresh fruits and vegetables and should be consumed on a daily basis. Next time you are feeling run down, have a cold or the flu, or fighting off an infection, turn to these antioxidants to get your body back on track.

Vitamin C- Vitamin C tops the list of immune boosting antioxidants, because it is the most potent vitamin to increase the body's immune system. It is the most well known antioxidant, especially when a cold or flu sneaks up on you. The reason that most people turn to vitamin C rich foods during times of illness is because it encourages increased immune system protection. Vitamin C helps the body in two ways; it detects any sign of infection, bacteria or virus, and then rids the body of them. Vitamin C increases the production of infection fighting white blood cells and antibodies. It increases the levels of interferon in the body, an antibody that coats cell surfaces. This protects cells from being attacked by a virus. As an antioxidant vitamin C reduces free radicals in the body. Free radicals damage cells and are responsible for a wide variety of medical conditions ranging from the common cold to cancer. Vitamin C is also a major component in collagen, that's why vitamin C is such an important antioxidant for anti aging. Skin is the body's first line of defense against invading organisms, and is made up of collagen. Collagen prevents pathogens from getting inside the body. Without vitamin C collagen weakens allowing the skin to become vulnerable to viruses and bacteria. Vitamin C has additional benefits to the body including lowering blood pressure, raising the levels of HDL (good) cholesterol and interfering with the process which fat is converted to plaque, which in turn reduces the risk for cardiovascular disease. Vitamin C is also associated with lower rates of colon, prostate and breast cancer. Only 200 mg of vitamin C daily is need to enhance the body's immunity. That is equal to 6 servings of fruits and vegetables a day. Additionally high doses of vitamin C taken at the onset of a cold have been known to decrease the severity of the symptoms.

Vitamin E- Vitamin E much like vitamin C is an antioxidant that boosts the immune system. Vitamin E stimulates the production of natural killer cells and B cells; both are part of the body's first line of defense. These cells seek out and destroy germ cells and cancer cells. B cells are also the immune cells that product antibodies to destroy bacteria. Because of vitamin E's antioxidant attributes it has shown some reversal in immune system decline that associated with aging.

Unlike vitamin C, if too much vitamin E is consumed it can actually be toxic and have the opposite effect on the immune system. Between 100-400 mg a day of vitamin E is the recommended amount, however this amount changes based on ones lifestyle. People who smoke, don't exercise or consume alcohol may need higher doses of vitamin E. On the other hand if you eat a healthy diet, exercise regularly, avoid drugs; cigarettes and alcohol smaller doses may be adequate. With vitamin E unlike many of its other immune boosting counterparts it's hard to consume more than 60 mg through ones diet alone, therefore supplementation may be necessary. Consult a doctor before taking any vitamin E supplement to determine the appropriate dosing amounts.

Carotenoids- Carotenoids is a large group of antioxidants, most notable known is beta carotene which in the body is converted to vitamin A. beta carotene increase the production of infection fighting cells such as natural killer cells and T-cell lymphocytes. It also enhances the ability of these cells to attack foreign pathogens. Carotenoids are potent antioxidants that have been used to help protect against cancer by stimulating macrophages to kill cancer cells by producing tumor necrosis factor. Carotenoids reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease by reducing the ability for fat and cholesterol to become arterial plaque.

Vitamin A- Vitamin A has immune boosting abilities and anticancer properties. Although, beta-carotene can be converted to vitamin A in the body. Vitamin A can also be consumed on its own. If the body already has enough vitamin A then it will stop converting beta-carotene and use it elsewhere. Vitamin A has many immune boosting functions. For starter it enhances the function of white blood cells as the immune system cellular defense. It also enhances the resistance to infection and carcinogens. Vitamin A also builds up the body's skin and mucus membranes to defend against infection. Too much vitamin A can be toxic so consult a physician before starting any supplements.

Bioflavonoids- Bioflavonoids are a group of phytonutrients that come from plants and protect the body from environmental pollutants. Bioflavonoids boost the immune system by blocking the entry to cells in the body. When pollutants invade the body they attach to receptor sites on the outside of cells then eat through the membrane. Bioflavonoids fill up these receptor sites blocking toxins from entering and destroying cells. Bioflavonoids reduce cholesterols ability to form plaque, which leads to heart attack and stroke, and reduce the risk for cardiovascular disease.

Pregnant smokers

Science (November 29, 2006) - Pregnant smokers may "program" their children to become smokers, suggests research in Tobacco Control is published. The authors base their findings on more than 3,000 mothers and their children, as part of a long term pregnancy study in Brisbane, Australia (MUSP) in 1981.
They assessed the smoking patterns of liveborn children when they reached the age of 21 years in relation to the behavior of their mothers during pregnancy.
About one third of women said they had smoked during their pregnancy.

Babies born to women during pregnancy, they smoked, almost three times as likely to start smoking regularly at or before age 14 and around twice as likely to start smoking after this age as those mothers were non-smokers.
Smoking patterns among children of mothers stopped smoking while pregnant, but then resumed the habit, similar to those mothers who had never smoked.
Actual results, even after adjusting for other factors likely to influence the results will be held.
The authors conclude that their research provides some evidence that smoking during pregnancy has a direct effect on the child's chances of becoming a smoker. And their findings suggest that another reason why pregnant women should be discouraged from smoking.

You Live Longer and Happier

ery few foods can make such a claim. Goji berry is one of them. This food is considered the most complex food on earth, a complete meal in itself. It contains all nutrients necessary for the human body, in large quantities.

Here are the seven benefits essential to improving the quality of your life:

1. Promotes Longevity. Antioxidants are key elements in preventing damage of our cells by free radicals, or polluting molecules in our bodies. According to ORAC (Oxygen Radical Absorbance Capacity) tests used by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the total antioxidant power of this plant is about 10 times than blueberries; one of the highest levels in all foods.

2. Improves Blood Functions. The iron content of the goji berry contributes to building red blood cells, which improves blood circulation. Certain components naturally lower blood pressure and cholesterol.

3. Helps You Lose Weight. Goji berries contain 13% protein, formed from 18 amino acids, all essential ones included (complete vegetal protein). This is important for losing weight and building lean, strong muscle. Goji berries have a high concentration of nutrients per calorie compared to other foods, and are rich in fiber as well; this makes them an ideal diet food.

4. Strengthens the Immune System. Goji berries have natural compounds which help the formation of white blood cells, and have an anti cancer effect.

5. Improves a Range of Physical Capacities:

• Energy Level

• Athletic performance

• Quality of sleep

• Ease of awakening

• Ability to focus

• Mental acuity

• Calmness

• Feelings of contentment and happiness

6. Balances Hormones. Goji stimulates the secretion by the pituitary gland of HGH (Human Growth Hormone), the youth hormone. The benefits of HGH includes: reduction of body fat, better sleep, improved memory, accelerated healing, restored libido and a more youthful appearanc

Guide for Fitness Care

Nutrition articles you can find many by referring magazines, health books and internet. Being a parent you must be worried about your own health or of your kids. People now a day are very health conscious so they go on a diet and do exercise so that they remain fit and fine. There are countless Nutrition articles you can get easily through one of the media medium. Apart from articles there are many health and fitness shows which they teach you how to be fit and fine. In today's world there are so many problems and diseases that one has to face. Obesity of a kid or adult is a big problem so you can refer to the Nutrition articles where there are articles on diet for obesity, diabetes, weakness of body or may it be muscle pain and fitness problem. You can get any kind of articles which are been recommended by the nutrition expert and doctors.

Let's talk about the diet on fitness which will help you to be healthy and fit. The fad of diet and making a perfect figure or build is going on more in colleges by youth. But this trend some follow and some not. One should make a proper diet and maintain the balance of diet. Through few Nutrition articles you can learn many things and can increase the knowledge of it. When it comes to diet one don't have to starve or just eat healthy food but the meaning of diet is to maintain the balance of the body system. You can include the best diet food in your diet. With help of Nutrition articles which you referred you should schedule the diet plan.

Get up early in morning and breath the fresh air and do some exercise or go for a Walk/jogging.
One can have fresh juice or fruit instead of having coffee or tea early in morning.
In breakfast one can include a healthy fresh which will be oil free like any boiled Cereal, oats, salad or corn flakes.
One should not eat till your stomach burst but should have food after every duration Of 2 hours.
Creatine is basically not a steroid it is an energy booster which one uses as a supplement. but when you use the load of worry arises like is it harmful does it has nay side effects like hair loss, acne, shrink of testicles, or any other damage of the body part. Creatine side effects are present in both types like there are positive side effects and negative also if any. The positive effect of creatine is that you can have those supplements to increase the energy level of your body on daily basis so one can easily lift heavy weights in gym and exercise. The Creatine side effects is positive by having it the level of water increase in body which will one can look bigger and give a fuller look. The chest and arms gets bigger which will give a look of a muscular person. Another Creatine side effects is negative which is been found very rare. The effect is like the water level increases in body which give a make one to look bloated and the muscles seems to be very flexible inste