Health Essentials

Body-building or Not, Nutritional Nitric Oxide is a Must.

2008-02-28T18:57:00Z

Proclaimed as the “Molecule of the Year” in 1992, Nitric Oxide (NO) or Nitrogen Monoxide is an important signaling molecule in mammals, including humans. It is of great importance to regulate numerous functions in the human body. The Nitric Oxide molecule is a free radical, having achieved great significance in the fields of Neuroscience, physiology, and immunology.

There is a surge in the amount of nitric oxide (NO) supplements in the market. Most of these products are derived from the Noni plant and contain Arginine in one form or another. Arginine is an amino acid that increases growth hormone (GH) levels. Additionally, it drives the synthesis of NO, more so in people suffering with high cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and also in those who smoke. NO, taken in supplemental form through Arginine intake, further helps to enhance NO production during wound healing and oxidative stress, and is beneficial in your muscle-building quest.

Most NO supplements use Arginine in the form of Arginine alpha-ketoglutarate, because this form enhances the absorption of arginine, indirectly also providing glutamine, which in turn plays an important role for body builders. Most Nitric Oxide products also offer forskolin, citrulline and inulin to further enhance the effects of NO.

Besides technical applications, NO serves quite a few biological functions. Nitric oxide is produced in greater quantities in people living at higher altitudes, where it protects them from hypoxia, a medical condition characterized by lack of adequate oxygen supply to the body as a whole, or a region of the body. A high salt intake has been found to lessen NO production.

Nitric Oxide is also a key vertebrate biological messenger, and it is also known as Endothelium Derived Relaxing Factor (EDRF). Nitric Oxide is utilized by the inner lining of the blood vessels to signal to the surrounding muscles to relax. Effects of Nitric oxide include blood vessel dilation, modulation of the hair cycle, and penile erections.

Nitric Oxide plays a positive role in diseases and conditions such as heart disease, Sickle Cell Anemia, high blood pressure, impotence, fertility, pain relief, control of inflammation, diabetes, digestion, tuberculosis , memory enhancement, weight Loss, and wound healing. It also helps in the formation of blood clots and in the regulating of the brain, lungs, kidneys, liver and other vital organs, and is safely used in full-term babies with lung problems.

Nitric oxide is toxic to bacteria and other human pathogens. Inhaled Nitric oxide has been known to help a victim of paraquat poisoning survive and recover. Nitric Oxide is also important for the regulation of most or all major classes of protein.

Nitric Oxide is the molecule of life! Rich in B-sitosterol, ursolic, ghycosides, plant sterols, anthrquinoidenes, potassium, calcium, zinc, vitamin A, Vitamin C and iron, it is an important regulator for our immune system and overall health. Nitric Oxide products can be taken twice a day on an empty stomach. However, for clear dosing guidelines, you may consult a fitness expert or find out for yourself through tolerance mapping, which entails that you start by taking small NO dosage, gradually increasing the quantity you intake to a level where you experience maximum benefits with minimum side effects.

Efficacy of Amino Acids: Why Are They So Important?

2008-02-22T18:56:00Z

Amino Acids are a group of organic molecules that are the basic element or component of proteins. Commonly referred to as the building blocks of proteins, these amino acids join together to form proteins and it is the order of these amino acids in proteins that defines the working of the genetic code or DNA. The proteins further act as the functional components of cells.

Amino Acids exist in twenty different natural forms, all necessary for human growth and function. They act as intermediates in metabolism. Of the twenty two Amino acids, humans can produce only ten as they do not have all the enzymes required for the biosynthesis of all of the amino acids. The rest must come from food. If the body does not receive the necessary amount of all ten important amino acids, it suffers severe muscle degradation. Also, amino acids do not get stored in the body like fat and starch do. A daily supply of the same is necessary!

The human body is capable of producing these ten Amino acids: alanine, asparagines, aspartic acid, cysteine, glutamic acid, glutamine, glycine, proline, serine and tyrosine. The amino acids essentially required include arginine, histidine, isoleucine, leucine, lysine, methionine, phenylalanine, threonine, tryptophan, and valine.

The power of Amino Acids is reflected in the following crucial roles they play in the healthy functioning of the human body. Amino Acids

Build cells and repair tissues;
Form antibodies to combat invading bacteria & viruses;
Form an integral part of the enzyme and hormonal system;
Build nucleoproteins (RNA & DNA);
Are oxygen carriers for the entire body;
Are parts of all muscular activity,

Amino Acid deficiency symptoms are weak immune system, loss of antibody production, fatigue, stomach acid/alkaline imbalance, dizziness/nausea, water retention, and infertility.

Amino Acids are found in a variety of foods, such as meat, milk, cheese, egg, whole grains, rice, corn, beans, legumes, oatmeal, peas, and peanut butter. Vegetarians must eat a variety of foods available to them in order to get enough protein. All the amino acids can be obtained from dried beans (black, kidney, northern, red, and white beans, peas, soy, nuts, and seeds.

Hence, the amazing efficacy of Amino Acids lies in the fact that their adequate intake is vital for healthy muscles, ligaments, tendons, organs, glands, nails, hair and most body fluids. Moreover, the central nervous system cannot function optimally in the absence of amino acids. The power of Amino Acids needs no further exposition!

They Don’t Call it “Beauty Sleep” for no Reason!

2008-02-21T18:54:00Z

“No day is so bad it can't be fixed with a nap”, said Carrie Snow, and it was for some reason! Such a simple statement encompasses a world of meaning. You may fuss over your diet, and exercise regularly, but are you getting your beauty sleep? You think you’re doing everything right to maintain a healthy lifestyle, then why the puffy, bloodshot eyes, dark under-eye circles and a pale washed-out complexion, and all that stress and constant feeling of tiredness? No pun intended, but let this be your wake-up call to realize the value of eight hours of sleep a night!

Sleeping is indeed no mean art! It repairs and heals the human body, say sleep researchers. A full, deep, healthy and restful sleep helps resist major diseases, lose weight, think more clearly, look younger, and improve relationships and sex life.

Insomnia or sleeping disorder is caused by some obvious reasons such as anxiety, caffeine and not-so-obvious causes including medications, hormones, and confused body clocks. A restful nights’ sleep helps gain all the energy, focus, and productivity you need to live a balanced and successful life.

Can’t sleep? Here are a few tips that’ll make you doze off when it’s time for bed:

Daily exercise keeps stress hormones at bay, thereby making for peaceful sleep.
An active digestive system disrupts sleep, so avoid heavy meals before bedtime.
The more comfortable you are, the sooner you’ll fall into deep slumber. So, dim those lights set the appropriate room temperature and ban all noise!
Say no to caffeine, nicotine or any other stimulant within a couple of hours of bedtime.
Create a bed time routine.
Simple meditation techniques, light music, deep breathing, and thinking pleasant thoughts, all induce sleep.

So, if you’re one of the millions who have racked up a heavy sleep debt through years of high-stress, stimulant-filled living, it’s time for a recoup! Simply put, you must tackle and eliminate the stubborn habits you have developed over the years that interfere with your good nights sleep.

Sleep is perhaps the most cherished of Nature’s blessings. They don’t call it “beauty sleep” for no reason!

Creating relaxing home spa with all the amenities & fountains

2007-10-16T20:16:00Z

Learn How You Can Create a Spa Experience at Home, Including the Relaxing Sounds of an Indoor Fountain

It is very easy to let the stresses of daily life choke out our bodies, physically and emotionally. Because we live in a world that seems to demand more and more from us, it is important to know when we need to draw the line and take time to rejuvenate ourselves. Many people depend on a regular visit to a local spa to help themselves retreat from the stress of their busy schedule. Due to many factors, not everyone can enjoy the luxury of receiving a spa treatment when their body is begging for a break. If heading off to the spa is not always practical for you when you need to reduce your stress and rejuvenate you can easily bring the spa experience into your home. With very little expense or preparation you can easily create a home spa that can be open for service when you need it.

One of the unique qualities of the spa experience is the sense of peace that one feels as they enter the front door. The entire place seems to gently whisper “relaxation” through the ambiance that is created. It is important to try to recreate this atmosphere as best as possible to maximize your home spa experience. It is important to have your home to yourself or at the bare minimum, quiet.

The bathroom is the ideal location for the self treatment and a bath tub is essential. Because your spa experience is in this small room it can be easy to set the ambiance that will help you unwind and slip into your own little world. The soft light of candles is a great mood setter. Arrange candles throughout the room in such a way that they are your primary light source. The number of candles that you use will depend on the amount of light you want. Fresh cut flowers also bring a unique fragrance and visual calm to the room.

The natural gentle sounds of moving water are also incorporated into the spa experience to help relax the mind and soul. By including a small table top fountain or an indoor floor water fountain into the set up of the washroom prior to your self spa treatment you to can take advantage of these calming natural sounds. These small fountains incorporate natural beauty and bring an audible peace to the room. Some people choose to purchase a fountain and use it solely in these temporary reprieves, while others decide to enjoy the fountain elsewhere in the home also.

Music can also be a great soother to the inner soul. I recommend placing a small player within the room, preferably with a remote so you can safely change the volume or song from the comfort of the tub. The music you play is entirely your choice, but it should be calming. Whether you choose simply background instrumental music or music with lyrics is up to you, but it should help you relax and calm you. In fact, if you prefer fewer sounds, then just stick with the water fountain and no music.

You may want to take this opportunity to enjoy a good book. Many people do not take the time they wish to read and this can be the perfect opportunity to read that book you’ve wanted to read. Others simply want to enjoy the solitude and get lost in their own thoughts and relaxation. The neat thing about creating this spa experience at home is that you are in control and you can tailor it to fit what you desire.

The experience itself will help calm and rejuvenate your body, but do not overlook the importance of taking care of your skin. By simply placing fresh sliced cucumbers over your eyes you can reduce any puffiness while enjoying the soothing sensations on your eyelids and face. By adding essential oils to the tub water you will be adding many restorative qualities back into your skin.

It can also be rewarding to take the additional time to give yourself a facial treatment. Because the skin on the face is thinner and more sensitive then the majority of your body, it deserves some additional care. A quality self face mask treatment can help tone and moisturize. Once you remove the mask and complete the treatment you can tone the skin by rubbing your face and eyelids with an ice cube in a small plastic bag. This procedure is called cryotherapy within the spa industry.

Once you are actually alone in your house, go and fill the bathtub with bearably hot water and include the bath salts or essential oils you wish to use. Set the props mentioned above within the room to set the mood you want to create. Light the candles and place them around your bathroom and set the indoor water fountain in a location that you can hear it and see the flowing water. Turn on the music at a low volume. Then go and throw a nice soft fluffy towel in the dryer for a few a minutes. This will give you a warm fluffy towel for you to enjoy when you are ready to leave the tub. It is ok if they are unbearably hot when they leave the dryer because they will have time to cool while you are in the tub. Some choose to go out and buy new fluffy towels and save them for the spa occasions at home. This will help make it a special experience.

A glass of cool water with a touch of lemon, lime or even cucumber can be very soothing. Fresh sliced fruit will also be very satisfying, cool and soothing. Many also enjoy a lighter spa style meal to round off the experience. You can prepare this before you begin so you have limited work after the treatment.

By setting up the bathroom prior to entering it for the actual experience you will mirror that same relaxing experience as you enter that you would feel as you enter a spa lobby. Enter your now tranquil bathroom and undress. As you undress each part of your body, concentrate on relaxing that part. Take your time with this and take deep breaths. Listen to the beautiful sounds of the table top fountain and the music you have chosen. Once you are fully undressed make sure your towel and book are nearby and then get into that tub! To maximize your comfort in the tub use an inflatable pillow or a rolled up towel to support your neck as you soak. This will help you to get fully relaxed. By closing your eyes and breathing deeply taking in those beautiful fragrances you added to the tub, will also allow you to become completely relaxed.

Once you have completed the experience, it is important to ease yourself back into your regular routine. Some gentle stretching or light yoga are excellent choices as your muscles are loose and relaxed from the soak.

Even though a trip to the spa may not be feasible as often as you would like you can create a similar experience at home. I believe that when you try it once you will incorporate a home spa experience into your day timer on a regular basis. Get ready to reduce stress, become rejuvenated, and read that book you’ve wanted to read – it’s easier and more effective then you may think. Go ahead and treat yourself, you deserve it.