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In today’s give-it-to-me-yesterday society, too often we look for quick fixes which often do more harm than good in the long term. Take the time to research natural products for keeping fit and managing injuries. Here are a few suggestions to get you going:
Increase oxygen levels:
Did you know that the most important nutrient we consume is calorie-free? That nutrient is oxygen - we can live for weeks without food and days without water but only five minutes without oxygen!
Better tissue oxygenation during exercise means a stronger metabolism, better energy and ATP levels, and better recovery.
A hyperbaric chamber is a common way to increase oxygen at a cellular level but there are natural products that can help too.
Dimethylglycine (DMG) can increase tissue oxygenation and cellular ATP levels and is used by athletes to enhance oxygen utilisation. It can also help to reduce fatigue during and after exercise.
Cellfood is another option which, when put into water, splits the water molecule H2O into separate hydrogen and oxygen, allowing for almost immediate absorption by the cells. Co-enzyme Q10 or CoQ10 improves the function of cells in the body, by controlling the amount of fuel and oxygen metabolised by the mitochondria; the biological “engine” within the cell structure that produces 95 percent of all cellular energy.
Having low iron levels can contribute to poor oxygenation, as iron carries oxygen around the body.
Remember: It is not common for men to have low iron, so always have blood tests to determine your iron levels before taking an iron supplement.
What about a tonic?:
Did you know there are natural alternatives to the quick-fix energy drink? These alternatives are the natural tonics available, which have been used to help maintain fitness and increase physical performance in athletes.
These include Siberian and Korean Ginseng (also considered an aphrodisiac), Withania, Tribulus and Rhodiola, as well as Deer Velvet and the amino acids, Carnitine and Arginine.
Vitamin C and the B vitamins are essential for helping with more energy and are a better choice than a caffeine containing beverage.
Remember: Caffeine gives a short lived energy burst, which can often make you feel more tired within the hour.
Protein is a slow-burning fuel:
Did you know that protein reforms in our bodies once we’ve consumed it? Our body continuously breaks down protein from food eaten into amino-acid complexes, which it then recombines to form whatever protein it needs to maintain itself.
Amino acids supply the raw materials for repairing damaged muscle tissue, for making enzymes, building new connective tissue and making hormones and neurotransmitters. Protein is found in anything that comes from an animal; meat, fish, eggs and dairy products . It is also found in nuts, seeds and soy products.
Foods such as legumes and grains contain some protein but meat is almost entirely protein, with varying amounts of fat and little or no carbohydrate content.
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid found in our muscles. It is very versatile, as our body can use it to synthesise muscle tissue, repair and fuel other tissue and it can be converted to glucosamine; for helping with cartilage problems.
Liquid Bovine Cartilage:
Did you know that Liquid Bovine Cartilage has a potent activator, which can be used for connective tissue injuries and weakness.
It provides a natural source of glucosamine and chondroitin, which are essential building blocks needed for the repair of cartilage, ligament and tendon damage.
Restoring cartilage integrity within a joint is possible, with bovine cartilage supplementation being the most effective means of nourishing this tissue and treating the degeneration of the weight bearing surfaces.
Glucosamine in supplement form can also be taken, which is usually derived from crab and shrimp shells.
At the University of Arizona College of Medicine, Dr Theodosakis, author of The Arthritis Cure, discovered that taking this can halt, reverse and even cure osteoarthritis, or a wearing away of joint cartilage.
Remember: Taking essential fatty acids, in the form of flax and/or fish oil is also vital for healthy joints. They contain a valuable source of Omega 3 fatty acid, which has an anti-inflammatory and lubricating action.
Methyl-sulfonyl-methane (MSM):
Did you know that MSM is a naturally occurring sulphur compound found in the body, as well as in many common beverages and foods.
Many studies have shown that it greatly benefits joint problems. By taking MSM, people have obtained the following benefits:
• Reduction in pain and inflammation
• Reduction in muscle spasm’s around arthritic joints
• A lessening of scar tissue formation
• Increased and improved blood circulation throughout the body, including to painful joints
• Slow cartilage degeneration
• Delivers biologically active sulphur to the body
These findings are consistent with earlier research that shows arthritic cartilage has only one-third of the amount of sulphur that is present in normal cartilage. Taking MSM in conjunction with glucosamine enhances pain relief. In a study conducted by Dr Jacob and his colleagues, patients with X-ray evidence of degenerative joint disease who were given MSM, had an 82 percent reduction in pain after six weeks - compared with only 18 percent reduction in the group that received placebos.
For more information on helping with sporting injuries or any health topic, please contact Leanne James, a medical herbalist and health coach at Ideal Health.
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