|
|
| |
Posts Tagged ‘health’
Tuesday, January 4th, 2011
Dominique Adair, MS, RD
*courtesy of HFPN.com*
Weight loss drugs, referred to as pharmacotherapy, have been popularly used since the 1950s, though long before that there were products available claiming to contain sanitized tapeworms available for purchase. Following several drugs such as dinitrophenol and the amphetamine-like compounds that posed serious side effects, the weight-loss drugs most commonly used today are appetite suppressants and nutrient absorption blockers.
While lifestyle measures remain the cornerstone of prevention and treatment of obesity, adding anti-obesity agents is considered by some physicians for obese patients who did not achieve sufficient weight loss after lifestyle modifications. Often positioned as an adjunct to diet and exercise, weight loss drugs are meant to supplement these behavior interventions and not to replace them. This article will review these classes of drugs, how they work, and the criteria with which physicians prescribe them to their patients.
Classes of Drugs
Today, most commonly prescribed weight loss drugs are either appetite suppressants or fat absorption blockers. For both, the goal of pharmacological intervention is to decrease feeding behavior and reduce weight. Appetite suppressants facilitate weight loss by tricking the body into believing that it is not hungry or that it is full. Most of them decrease appetite by increasing serotonin or catecholamine — two brain chemicals that affect mood and appetite. For example, the drug Subutrimine acts by increasing noradrenaline and serotonin levels in the hypothalamus, nucleus accumbens and the brainstem, all regions associated with energy homeostasis (1). Other centrally acting drugs that also work through the modification of neurotransmitters are presently being aggressively researched to determine if these novel approaches lead to clinically meaningful weight loss and improvements in comorbid conditions such as diabetes and cardiovascular disorders.
Clinical experience data on the success of these drugs suggests that weight loss produced by any one agent is limited and rarely exceeds 10% of the starting weight (2). This initial drop also plateaus. The ‘ceiling effect’ observed is probably due to adaptive changes as the body continues to maintain a balance in favor of energy conservation or the body’s metabolic “slow-down” in response to chronic underfeeding. One approach that some weight loss specialists have adopted to overcome this issue is to develop combination therapies that tackle the problem through more than one mechanism in an effort to minimize the impact of these adaptive changes.
Fat absorption inhibitors work by preventing the body from breaking down and absorbing ingested fat. These medications act on the gastrointestinal system and work by blocking the action of lipase, the fat-digesting enzyme, thereby reducing fat absorption in the gut. The non-absorbed fat is then eliminated in bowel movements. It also blocks the availability of fat-soluble vitamins (vitamins A, D, E, and K), so patients may also take a vitamin supplement (3).
The most commonly prescribed fat absorption blocker is the prescription drug Orlistat (brand name Xenical). Research has explored the effectiveness of Orlistat compared to other drug treatments, placebo, or behavior-focused interventions. Avenell et al. carried out a systematic review of trials involving a combination of diets, drug therapy, exercise, and behavior therapy and concluded that adding Orlistat to a dietary intervention improved weight loss by 3.26kg up to 24 months (4). Research also indicates that Orlistat reduces cholesterol and blood pressure levels and improves glycemic control when compared to placebo (5).
As of 2007, Orlistat became available over-the-counter (OTC). Sold as the brand name “Alli,” which is half the strength (60mg versus 120mg) of the prescription drug, Orlistat was the first clinically-proven OTC product to be combined with a comprehensive support program. Research indicates that both Orlistat and Alli can improve weight loss if used alongside behavioral and lifestyle interventions, however due to unpleasant side effects (urgent bowel movements, diarrhea, and gas with oily spotting/anal leakage) there remain problems with adherence and much variability in patient outcomes.
The Best Candidates
While each physician develops their own specific criteria for prescribing weight loss drugs, guidelines do exist. The National Heart Lung and Blood Institute’s evidence statement on pharmacotherapy for weight loss asserts:
“Weight loss drugs approved by the FDA may only be used as part of a comprehensive weight loss program, including dietary therapy and physical activity, for patients with a BMI of 30 with no concomitant obesity-related risk factors or diseases, and for patients with a BMI of 27 with concomitant obesity-related risk factors or diseases. Weight loss drugs should never be used without concomitant lifestyle modifications. Concomitant assessment of drug therapy for efficacy and safety is necessary. If the drug is efficacious in helping the patient lose and/or maintain weight loss and there are no serious adverse effects, it can be continued. If not, it should be discontinued” (6).
Before selecting a medication(s), physicians will also consider health history, possible side effects, and potential interaction of weight-loss drugs with other prescribed and OTC medications.
It is extremely important for physicians to emphasize to their patients that weight-loss drugs don’t replace the need for changes in eating habits and activity level. In fact, several studies on drug intervention alone demonstrate that once patients stop taking the drug, they may have a higher rate of regain compared with people who also have some behavior modification support (7).
Weight-Loss Drugs and the Fitness Professional
When combined with a low-calorie diet and regular exercise, weight-loss drugs produce an average weight loss of 5% to 10% of total body weight within a year, a typical initial goal for any weight-loss effort. Losing 5% to 10% of total weight may not seem like much, but even modest weight loss can improve health by:
* Decreasing blood pressure
* Decreasing lipid levels
* Decreasing blood glucose levels
* Increasing insulin sensitivity
With interventions that combine lifestyle behavior change and pharmacotherapy, it is difficult to determine how much of weight loss success can be attributed to each. Regardless, both during drug intervention and after, lifestyle behaviors, as supported by fitness professionals, remain an exceptionally important part of the success equation.
References:
(1) Sargent B and Moore, NA. New central targets for the treatment of obesity. Br J Clin Pharmacol. 2009 December; 68(6): 852–860.
(2) Tziomalos K, Krassas GE, Tzotzas T. The use of sibutramine in the management of obesity and related disorders: an update. Vasc Health Risk Manag. 2009; 5: 441–452.
(3) Hollywood A, Ogden J. Taking Orlistat: Predicting Weight Loss over 6 MonthsObes. 2011;2011:806896. Epub 2010 Nov 11.
(4) Avenell A, Brown TJ, McGee MA, et al. What interventions should we add to weight reducing diets in adults with obesity? A systematic review of randomized controlled trials of adding drug therapy, exercise, behaviour therapy or combinations of these interventions. Journal of Human Nutrition and Dietetics. 2004;17(4):293–316
(5) Padwal R, Li SK, Lau DCW. Long-term pharmacotherapy for overweight and obesity: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. International Journal of Obesity. 2003;27(12):1437–1446
(6) http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/guidelines/obesity/e_txtbk/txgd/4325.htm last accessed 12.12.10.
(7) Warziski Turk, M Randomized Clinical Trials of Weight-Loss Maintenance: A Review. J Cardiovasc Nurs. 2009; 24(1): 58–80.
Tags: aerobic exercise, benefits of exercise, corporate fitness, Eating Right, employee wellness, exercise, exercise programs, fit tips, fitness activities, fitness programs, Food Labels, health, health and wellness, healthy foods, heart disease cancer, metabolism, muscle supplements, Nutrition, nutritional supplements, physical exercise, protein diet, supplements, time exercise, vitamin reaction, weight reduction, wellness program, woman
Posted in Building Muscle, Eating Right, Expert Tips, Fitness Training, General Information, improve your health, Nutrition, Programs, tips to living better | Comments Off
Thursday, October 28th, 2010
Courtesy of HFPN.com
Jonathan Ashe
The most important aspect of shopping for produce is finding clean, delicious, and nutritious fruit and vegetables for you and your family. You work hard towards health for you and your clients, so decisions regarding produce are as important as planning an exercise program. But how do you select quality produce?
We have all stood there—under the hum of fluorescent lights and fixed upon freshly moistened produce—trying to select a piece of fruit or a vegetable. Do you tap on a banana or a watermelon? Do you smell a potato or a tomato? And what do the answers to these tests reveal to us about the produce? “If you are a farmer that knocks on thousands of melons a year you probably know what you are listening for,” shared Kyle Tator. Kyle is the Extension County Program Director for New Mexico State University in Valencia County, New Mexico and helps run a local farmers market.
But what about us, those who want to pick the right produce but don’t have years of education to back our choices?
Experts advise that we become our own produce expert. Start by learning some general tips on selecting fresh and ripe produce.
Timing Is Everything
Look at where you buy your produce and find out the best time to buy your fruits and vegetables at that location.
Laura Bittner, and Extension Agent helping to run the Valencia County Nutrition Program advises, “there are days of the week…when produce comes in to the grocery store and I would ask whoever is working in the produce section what days those are and how quickly they get the produce out [on the floor]…that would be the day that I would go and purchase produce.”
Here are some general tips to help you and your client selecting the best produce:
* Fruits are either ripened on the plant or non-climatically ripened (berries, citrus, cherries, dates, and grapes) or still ripen off of the plant or climatically ripened (peaches, bananas, apples, melons, plums, and tropical fruits)
* Remember that buying under ripe produce isn’t always the best option. Peaches, cantaloupe and nectarines are examples of fruits that may soften during storage, but they won’t ripen.
* Tropical fruits such as mangoes and kiwis will grow sweeter off the plant, but not develop their aroma (developed on the plant)
* Avocados must be picked in order to ripen (so hard is okay)
* Look for produce that is average in size and shape for the best taste. Large produce rarely tastes as good, usually has tough flesh, and takes up too much space (does anyone really eat the state fair produce winners?)
Distance Matters
The estimates of miles traveled for produce varies with each season and each piece of fruit or vegetable.
If you live in New York and buy California table grapes, that produce traveled over 3000 miles to get to your plate.
For most fruits and vegetables, quality increases—in freshness, taste, or nutrition—as the distance decreases between the farmer and consumer. Know where the produce originated. Kyle and Laura suggest adding “distance traveled” on your list of clues to select quality produce. Further, they advise to segment distance to determine your top-down list of choices for produce:
The first choice is seasonally fresh produce that are usually found at your local farmers market, Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) groups, and grocery cooperatives—you will usually need a membership to the CSAs or co-ops to enjoy their benefits. Visit the Local Harvest website (http://www.localharvest.org/) to find farms, farmers markets, and CSAs in your area. You can also search for a farmers market through the USDA Agriculture Marketing Service website (http://apps.ams.usda.gov/FarmersMarkets/).
Eat local produce at the peak of freshness during their growing season and you will notice the difference. The more experience you gain from buying local foods, the more you will know the “season” for each produce selection.
When visiting your local farmers market or speaking with a CSA representative, Kyle suggests asking the following questions to help you decide if the produce is right for you:
If the booth displays “Grown Organically”, ask the farmer if they are registered or certified with the USDA. The answers will help you determine if they have gone through the application and approval steps or are misusing the label.
If the booth displays “Grown Naturally” or without an organic display, ask the farmer what type of inputs (fertilizer, insecticide, herbicide, etc.), varieties (heirloom, hybrid, genetically modified, etc.), water supply, and other practices to determine if you want to eat their produce.
Labels are Important
Buying produce—as every product in the grocery store—requires an understanding of labels. Use the labels attached to produce to help determine source and potential quality:
* Organic – The easy part is that produce is either organic or it is not. There is no such thing as 95% or 70% of organic ingredients when it comes to produce. For your best quality organic produce, select products with the USDA organic seal. To reduce the mystery of certification from international sources, select products with the USDA organic seal that were produced in the United States.
* Natural – This label means nothing regarding a certification process and there is no guarantee of what “natural” means.
* Universal Product Code (UPC) – The 12 digit number on the barcode will tell you a lot about the produce, including its origin. Use a UPC look-up service (such as http://upcdata.info/) to help find information. The UPC code is for fixed weight or volume items which is a trend with organic produce with larger companies (such as a package of organic carrots)
* Price Look-Up Code (PLU) – While that little sticker on loose produce is annoying to remove, they do provide information to help you decide on selection. The 4 or 5 digit PLU code aids checkout with specific codes for specific items and their prices per weight. The PLU provides you information such as:
o Produce that starts with the number 9 are organically grown
o Produce that starts with the numbers 3 or 4 are conventionally grown
o Produce that starts with the number 8 are genetically modified organisms (GMOs)
Make sure to clarify with the produce clerks when you find bulk produce that are without the PLU code or have a store made label above their bin. This will make sure the label is correct and aid you in making your produce selection.
If you are unsure of any produce at any venue, don’t hesitate to ask questions of the farmer, produce clerk, or anyone in charge of the selection. Even their responses will help you decide on what is best for you.
Further Reading:
To learn more about your local seasons for fruits and vegetables, visit About.com’s comprehensive state-by-state or regional listing of seasonal fruits and vegetables:
(http://localfoods.about.com/od/findlocalfoodsbystate/u/stateguides.htm).
To start building a knowledgeable foundation in produce selection, you can review numerous websites that identify clues of ripeness for specific produce.
Here are a few sites to get started:
* USA Pear Council Produce Guide – http://www.usapears.com/en/Recipes%20And%20Lifestyle/Culinary%20Corner/Produce-Guide.aspx
* Purdue University Extension Program – http://www.cfs.purdue.edu/extension/food_health/nutrition/produce.html
* The Center for Disease Control provides a good monthly fruit or vegetable highlight – http://www.fruitsandveggiesmatter.gov/month/index.html
Tags: Eating Right, employee wellness, fit tips, Food Labels, health, health and wellness, healthy foods, label ingredients, Nutrition, wellness program
Posted in Eating Right, Expert Tips, General Information, improve your health, Nutrition, tips to living better | Comments Off
Friday, October 1st, 2010
Courtesy of HFPN.com
HFPN Editorial Team
Question 1: Are you supposed to gain weight first before you lose weight?
Question 2:What exercises can I do to lose weight—for instance, to get rid of my stomach—and gain definition?
Question 3:I have been told that high fat meals lack food volume. What does that mean?
Question 4:How much protein does an “off-season” bodybuilder need?
Question 5:Which is better for recovery after a workout, carbohydrates or protein?
Question 6:How do I know my daily caloric needs?
Question 7:How many Calories do I need to burn to lose a pound?
Question 8:Is it safe to use supplements during pregnancy?
Question 9:I have a really hard time gaining weight! Any suggestions?
Question 10:What are some sources of lean protein?
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Are you supposed to gain weight first before you lose weight?
A: That depends on your goal. If you are looking to add a few pounds of muscle mass before leaning up, you may want to try gaining some weight first. If you are gaining weight while trying to lose weight, then your caloric intake is greater than your energy expenditure. Take a close look at how much you are actually eating (i.e. weighing and measuring food, and tracking it in a food journal).
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: What exercises can I do to lose weight—for instance, to get rid of my stomach—and gain definition?
A: Any exercise can increase energy expenditure and contribute to fat loss. However, spot reducing—eliminating fat from certain places on the body by using particular muscles—is not possible. Instead, focus on controlling your food intake and increasing your exercise to create a need for your body to pull fat from your fat stores. As the fat under the skin is being consumed, your muscles will become more defined. But you can’t choose where on your body the fat is lost.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: I have been told that high fat meals lack food volume. What does that mean?
A: One gram of fat represents 9 Calories, whereas one gram of carbohydrates or protein represents only 4 Calories. Since fat is a denser source of Calories, the amount of food is much smaller for a comparable number of Calories.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: How much protein does an “off-season” bodybuilder need?
A: Protein requirements for an “off season” bodybuilder range from 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg/day. Research shows that excessive protein intake does not increase total body protein synthesis (LBM gain) if caloric needs are met.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Which is better for recovery after a workout, carbohydrates or protein?
A: A high carbohydrate drink with moderate protein is optimal, assuming it is within your caloric recommendations. Considering that your primary energy source for resistance training is glycogen (from carbohydrate intake), replacing glycogen enhances recovery by initiating an anabolic (muscle building) environment.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: How do I know my daily caloric needs?
A: Daily caloric needs (sometimes called maintenance Calories) refers to the number of Calories you require for basic physiological functions, combined with the number of Calories you need for specific daily activities. The sum of these two numbers equals your daily caloric needs.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: How many Calories do I need to burn to lose a pound?
A: You must burn an extra 3500 Calories (in excess of what you eat) to lose a pound.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: Is it safe to use supplements during pregnancy?
A: A pre-natal multivitamin is a safe supplement and should be used through pregnancy and lactation. In addition, calcium and/or iron supplements can be safely utilized if nutrient needs are not being met through food, and your physician prescribes them.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: I have a really hard time gaining weight! Any suggestions?
A: In contrast to fat loss, you must consume more Calories than you expend to gain weight. One way to do that is to find foods that are low in volume and high in Calories. Meal replacement bars and drinks are great for getting extra Calories when eaten in addition to your regular meals.
_________________________________________________________________________________________________________________
Q: What are some sources of lean protein?
A: Chicken, fish, low-fat cottage cheese, egg whites, and turkey are just a few sources of lean protein.
Tags: aerobic exercise, benefits of exercise, body building, build muscle, Building Muscle, cardiovascular exercise, Eating Right, exercise, exercise programs, fit tips, fitness activities, fitness programs, health, health and wellness, healthy foods, metabolism, Nutrition, physical exercise, Strength Training, time exercise, weight reduction, wellness program, woman
Posted in General Information | Comments Off
Thursday, September 9th, 2010
Courtesy of HFPN.com
Chere Lucett, NASM-CPT, PES, CES
When it comes to cardio training – one size does not fit all. So this begs the question – if resistance training programs are individualized, why aren’t cardio training programs?
Our bodies are as unique as our goals and the way we train should be a reflection of both. The days of simply going for a run or hopping on a piece of cardio for thirty minutes without a clear plan are no longer the way to perform a great cardio workout. There is a smarter, more efficient way to train your heart and the best part is – it can create amazing results! Heart rate training has become the most useful and efficient way to perform cardio workouts. With the ease of use and applicability to all exercisers, using your heart rate as your guide can revolutionize your cardio fitness programs and excel results. The trick is to understand your training zones, explore interval training and progress your training in stages.
What are heart rate training zones?
Heart rate training zones are used to establish training intensity. Heart rate zones are a good starting point for developing cardio training programs and are simple to use. For fitness purposes, there are three training zones to focus on.
Zone 1, often referred to as the recovery zone, uses a lower heart rate (65-75% of heart rate max) and is great for recovery from a hard workout or creating a strong aerobic base.
Zone 2, uses a moderate to high heart rate which helps to raise your anaerobic threshold (AT) (the point at which your energy sources move from utilizing a higher percentage of fat to utilizing a higher percentage of glucose). This zone is important as it increases your aerobic base making your heart more efficient and helps you burn more calories during and after exercise.
Zone 3, is your peak heart rate zone and helps to increase your anaerobic threshold (AT) as well as increases the caloric burn during and after exercise. This peak heart rate should not be trained in consistently as sustaining a peak heart rate can lead to overtraining and adverse effects on your results.
To determine heart rate training zones, simply use the following formula:
(220 – age) x % of HRmax = Training intensity
 
What is interval training- it sounds hard?
Interval training involves training at different intensities for certain periods of time in a given workout. Interval training can be a challenge! This form of training allows for you to overload your body, helping to create the cardiovascular changes you want while providing your body the opportunity to work harder without overtraining. Depending on your level of fitness, interval training may mean training in two to three different zones during your cardio session. Don’t worry – we recommend beginning your interval training programs in stages, called stage training, to help you ease into the harder workouts!
What is stage training and will it help me lose weight faster?
Stage training is a pre-set system of interval training designed to use all three training zones. This is important as it allows you to avoid plateaus and break-free from the worries of overtraining. Overall, stage training helps you begin and progress your training in a way that can accelerate your results. If you begin in a program that is too difficult you may burn-out or over-train – and if the program is too easy – you won’t get the overload that your body needs to ignite change. So stage training allows you to vary the intensity of your workout and keep you progressing over time.
I have a specific goal of weight loss – so where do I start?
No matter what the goal is, the solution begins with assessing your starting point and your ability to begin a cardio training program. You may need to visit a local fitness facility for a complete cardio assessment and ask your physician before you begin a cardio training program. If you are new to cardio training, start in stage 1 and progress after a few weeks. Intermediate or advanced exercisers can begin in stage 2 and progress to stage 3 as shown below.
Now let’s get that heart pumping! Choose whatever form of cardio that you enjoy most and find the perfect heart rate zone and stage for you – three different fitness levels, three different training stages to focus on to achieve weight loss success. Pick your level and get moving!
Stage 1: Beginner – You are new to cardio training and need to build up your stamina.
Create a training base! You can perform cardio training up to three days a week making sure to allow yourself a day of rest in-between your cardio workouts. Start slow and remember – your body will advance over time – don’t push yourself too hard!
Stage 2: Intermediate – You are an avid mover and need a push to get past those pesky plateaus!
Push ahead! Alternate days one and two according to how many days you plan on performing cardio (i.e. if you plan on doing four days of cardio, they should be performed as follows: Day 1, Day 2, Day 1, Day 2).
Stage 3: Advanced – You are a weekend warrior and fitness fanatic with no time to spare!
Go for it! We suggest a minimum of three days of cardio training for you – just remember to alternate your cardio workouts so that you allow yourself plenty of recovery time (i.e. if you plan on training more than three days a week – always perform a recovery day after a high intensity day to allow your body to recover).
You can perform any type of cardio that you enjoy – the exercise type is up to you! Remember that cardio training is individual – start at the stage that best suits your current fitness level and progress your training over time.
Reference
(1) Wilmore JH, Costill DL. Physiology of Sport and Exercise. Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics, 1994
Tags: aerobic exercise, benefits of exercise, cardiovascular exercise, exercise, exercise programs, fit tips, fitness activities, fitness programs, health, health and wellness, metabolism, physical exercise, time exercise, wellness program
Posted in Aerobics, Expert Tips, Fitness Training, General Information, improve your health, tips to living better | Comments Off
Tuesday, February 16th, 2010
The deluge of dietary supplements on the market today provides countless avenues for the fitness enthusiast to achieve their goals. Rather than drawing into a fitness lifestyle through proper nutrition, exercise, and rest, many will turn to dietary supplements as a panacea for all their fitness dreams. With all of the misinformation and empty promises that accompany many products, trying to keep afloat on all of the new breakthroughs can be overwhelming. Protein powders are the original bodybuilding supplement and continue to be a staple in the bodybuilders diet.
Unfortunately, many fitness enthusiasts and bodybuilders’ love and devotion to protein far surpass their knowledge of how protein works in the body. Why do so many fitness enthusiasts have such a limited understanding of protein and amino acids? We hope that the information in this article will serve as a beacon among the sea of misinformation about protein and amino acids.
The ultimate value of a food protein or a protein supplement is in its amino acid composition. Amino acids are the building blocks of protein, and muscle tissue. Many physiological processes relating to bodybuilding from energy, recovery, muscle hypertrophy, fat loss, and strength gains are linked to amino acids.
The twenty-three amino acids are the molecular building blocks of protein. The amino acids can be divided into two groups: essential amino acids and non-essential amino acids. The nine essential amino acids are so designated because they must be supplied by the foods we eat. The twelve non-essential amino acids are so designated based on the body’s ability to synthesize them from other amino acids.
How The Body Handles It
The fate of an amino acid after it is transported to the liver is highly dependent on the body’s needs for that moment. Some amino acids enter the blood stream, where they join amino acids that have been liberated during the constant breakdown and synthesis of body tissue. Other amino acids are used by the liver to manufacture many of the specialized proteins such as liver enzymes, lipoproteins, and the blood protein (albumin).
As these amino acids circulate throughout the body, each cell directed by its own DNA blue print, draws from the common pool of available amino acids to synthesize all the numerous proteins required for its functions.
In order for protein synthesis to occur, an adequate supply of both essential and non-essential amino acids is vital. If one of the essential amino acids is missing then synthesis is halted. These partially assembled proteins are disassembled and the amino acids returned to the blood. Any amino acids that are not used within a short time can not be stored for future use. They are delivered back to the liver and stripped of their nitrogen. Which is then incorporated into urea and excreted by the kidneys. The remaining protein skeleton will be converted to glucose and burned as energy or converted to fat or glycogen for storage.
Although protein synthesis is very important, the body’s number one priority is to obtain sufficient energy to carry on vital functions such as circulation, respiration and digestion. Therefore, in the absence of adequate dietary carbohydrates and fat calories, the body will break down not only dietary protein but protein in the blood, liver, pancreas, muscles, and other tissues in order to maintain vital organs and functions
Application to Body Building
As we have already discussed, the fate of an amino acid after it is transported to the liver is highly dependent upon the body’s needs at that moment. Immediately after exercise, when the muscle is receptive to nutrients and the blood flow to the exercise muscles remain high; a window of opportunity exists to aid muscular growth and recovery. Unfortunately, a high protein meal will not put significant levels of amino acids into your blood stream until a couple of hours after you eat it, especially if blood flow to the gastrointestinal tract has been diminished by a hard training sessions.
The most reliable way to deliver specific amino acids is to administer the particular amino acids themselves through free form amino acids. The value of free form amino acids is first and foremost is that they do not require digestion. They are free of chemical bonds to other molecules and so move quickly through the stomach and into the small intestine, where they are rapidly absorbed into the bloodstream within fifteen minutes. This quick absorption helps prevent muscle catabolism.
Without sufficient energy, the human body as discussed above, has the innate ability to break down muscle tissue for use as an energy source during heavy exercise. This process is known as gluconeogenesis, which is the production of glucose from non-carbohydrate sources. The part of the reaction that pertains to our discussion is known as the glucose �” alanine cycle. During this cycle, BCAAs (three of the essential amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine) are stripped from the muscle tissue and parts of them are converted to the amino acid alanine, which is transported to the liver and converted to glucose.
Branched-chained amino acids are metabolized directly in the muscle and can be converted into energy to prevent muscle catabolism. If you supplement with BCAAs the body does not have to break down muscle tissue to derive extra energy. A study conducted at the School of Human Biology, University of Guelph, Ontario, Canada, confirmed that the use of BCAAs (up to 4 grams) during and after exercise could result in a significant reduction of muscle breakdown during exercise.
Amino acids are truly the building blocks of muscle tissue and protein. We hope that the article clarifies the importance of amino acid supplementation to your diet as well as reinforce amino acids many physiological contributions to bodybuilding.
Article Source: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/issa89.htm
Tags: amino acids, body building, health, muscle, protein
Posted in Building Muscle, Expert Tips | 18 Comments »
Friday, December 18th, 2009
 Resting Many of us don’t get the sleep our bodies require. Several studies have confirmed that poor nutrition leads to inadequate sleep. The average American sleeps 5 to 6 hours a night. To wake-up feeling energized, you would need to sleep 7 to 8 hours without interruption. Falling short an hour can leave you feeling like you’re spending your entire day in a daze.
Several factors affect your sleep, such as:
- What and when you consume food
- How you unwind from the day
Eating an hour before bed is definitely a no, no. Not only will it affect your sleep, but it may even cause more serious problems down the road with acid reflux disease and GERD. Stop eating at least 3 hours before you decide to call it a night. If you’re dealing with a rumbling tummy, consider a 4 oz glass of hot chocolate or a few saltines to settle your stomach. The lighter the food: the better it is for your body.
Stay away from high caffeine treats and drinks. A cup of coffee or bottle of one of those power drinks can affect your sleep. The caffeine is a stimulate and even though your body wants to sleep often your mind can’t shut off.
Although water consumption is considered a good thing, consuming too much of it late in the evening causes more frequent visits to the bathroom. If you’re one that wakes up through the night because you have that urge, eliminate the consumption of liquids at least 4 hours before bed.
Some foods can be better when it comes to encouraging sleep, for instance “MILK”. Milk has a substance called “tryptophan” that promotes sleep. This amino acid is what the body uses to make serotonin, which slows down the brain nerve traffic so you can sleep into a blissful sleep.
Tuna, poultry, beans, whole grains, sunflower seeds, peanut butter, bananas, rice, and other dairy products other promote good sleeping habits. All of which are nutritionally sound foods to consume. Take some time to evaluate your nutrition and sleep pattern, then decide if making a few changes in when and what you eat is beneficial for you.
Tags: bad habits, health, Nutrition, sleep
Posted in Nutrition | 16 Comments »
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
