Today I want to share some tips on boosting your immune system.
Supplements are not meant to replace anything in the diet; after all, they are called “supplements.” In fact, with a solid nutrition plan, you probably don’t need any supplements, but not many of us have a diet that has enough variety, the right quantity, and the ideal quality of foods to cover all our bases.
I offer 1 on 1 coaching to help directly but some general tips:
Therefore, I always recommend a few supplements for most of my clients. Others might be recommended depending on your goals.
HD Muscle is my mail brand of choice because quality always equals better results.
High Quality Multi Vitamin—To ensure you are getting all your vitamins and minerals, a multi-vitamin is a must. This is a coverall and ensures you have the necessary components in your diet to keep you healthy.
High Quality Fish Oil or Omega 3Supplement—To ensure you are getting enough of this essential fat in your diet, a supplement is very important. A balanced diet often does not provide enough omega-3 fats. The research is pretty clear that fish oil is critical for reducing inflammation in the body and keeping you healthy. Look for high quality fish or krill oils that have high levels of DHA and EPA.
Probiotics are made up of good bacteria that helps keep your body healthy and working well. This good bacteria helps you in many ways, including fighting off bad bacteria when you have too much of it, helping you feel better.
Glutamine—This is something that can be added in for convenience or to ensure you are getting proper recovery and good digestion. It helps with bloating as well!
I hope youre all staying happy, healthy and safe!
Also reminder to anyone who is still waiting for a calendar. The mail here has been exceptionally slow - we are in lockdown again so my apologies. They should be arriving next week!
Alicia Bell IFBB Figure Pro and Online Coach
Supplement Spotlight: Phosphatidylserine (PS)
What is it?
A naturally occurring phospholipid found in cell membranes throughout the body, comprised of both fatty acids and amino acids. It serves to maintain optimal cell function and communication but most importantly, is a key building block for brain cells.
For us bodybuilders however, possibly the most attractive benefit of this supplement is in it’s potential to suppress the release of cortisol when taken after a workout. It should come as no surprise that contest prep places a great deal of stress on the body and mind. And when your cortisol levels aren't kept in check, it can really work against you - making it more challenging to drop those last few pounds of excess weight as well as staying full and dense through carb-restricted phases. Supplementing with something like PS can help to balance cortisol levels so you have one less factor working against you during the process.
PS is considered to be part of the nootropic family of supplements (aka smart drugs) and has demonstrated some impressive cognitive-enhancing benefits in research as well – including: boosting mental focus and task performance, preventing short term memory loss, helping with ADHD, combats depression/improves mood, improves Parkinson’s symptoms, improves symptoms and delays the onset of Dementia and Alzheimer’s disease.
Dosing?
600-800 mg daily split over two doses with one dose typically taken in the post-workout period or after intense activity.
600 mg is the common research administered dose per day.
Smaller athletes and females may be able to use 400 mg/day , split over two doses.
Coach Notes
Not the cheapest cortisol support supplement, but on my own trials and with clients, it does seem to provide some great results – both from a physique enhancing perspective and cognitive performance. I usually gauge how well it’s working, by how full and hard a client’s muscles stay while dieting over a period of a month, as well as changes in abdominal fat distribution (i.e. if a client is able to drop body fat a little more efficiently in the core).
(Attached photo - proof you can find it locally. This was at Healthy Planet.)
Honey Colony is Having - 20% Off Superfoods
Honey Colony is Having - 20% Off Superfoods. I reviewed their Equilibrium product a while ago on my blog. Definitely worth checking out.
I was recently sent some new protein to try. Its Called Bipro. They sent me vanilla, chocolate and unflavoured. I tried them before I entered prep and I was really impressed. The Vanilla is 90 calories, 0g of fat, 1g of carb with 22g protein. The chocolate is 90 calories, 0.5g of fat, 2g of carb with 20g protein. The unflavoured is 80 calories, 0g of fat, 0g of carb with 20g protein.
A little bit about the company and my findings:
BiPro whey protein isolate has been available in the U.S. for more than 30 years and is used by elite and major league athletes, coaches and sports nutrition experts. Starting in July 2016, BiPro will finally be available in Canada through Amazon.ca. It will also be sold in specialty stores as of this fall.
High in protein, including branched chain amino acids (BCAAs), to help enhance training and improve endurance
One of the purest WPI products on the market, with a 97% purity level
Made with 100% whey protein isolate, with no other protein sources added
Fast-absorbing and easy to digest
NSF-certified
Naturally gluten-free
Short ingredients list
BiPro will be offered in a 907 g (2 lbs.) jars as well as boxes with 14 individual packets. You have the choice of Unflavoured, Chocolate or French Vanilla.
I was honestly really impressed with the taste and quality. I like that it is high in protein with BCAA in it. It was easy to digest and I believe it that they say its one of the purest whey's on the market with a 97% purity level. Its also naturally gluten free and there are only a few ingredients therefore it clearly isn't packed with fillers or chemicals.
This week I was invited to a new product launch. The product was for Meta http://www.metawellness.com/ for their new appetite control product. The session was very informative, well set up and interactive.
After a Meta Wellness nutrition specialist (who was very friendly and informative) helped us learn what type of snacker we were we had the opportunity to try the product in an interactive way. We got to make a smoothie with it. Firstly I have been using meta for quite some time in my prep diets for both myself and my clients to get the proper amounts of daily fibre that they need. I have never thought to make it into a smoothie.
There was a cute laid out counter with ingredients and a recipe to follow but they also gave us the option to free style it. Which I chose because Im not allowed any fruit since I am prepping. I put water, ice, spinach and meta. Since meta is orange flavour it was honestly so delicious! I am going to start adding the recipe into my client programs because it was very satisfying.
Orange Smooth Meta Appetite Control is a tasty fiber powder you can add to cold drinks up to 3 times a day with meals.* It’s also available in a delicious Pink Lemonade Quench flavor and an Unflavored Smoothie Enhancer that’s easy to mix into your smoothies—and your daily routine as an appetite suppressant. I can’t wait for these two new flavours to launch in Canada! It is also free of sugar and gluten, Meta Appetite Control is not only healthy—it’s a treat for your taste buds.
is not only healthy—it’s a treat for your taste buds.
Meta Appetite Control has been proven to help you feel less hungry between meals.* Its main ingredient is the super fiber psyllium fiber. It’s a natural fiber that forms a gel in your digestive system, slowing absorption and digestion, which aids in the sensation of fullness and acts as an appetite suppressant.
They gave us a cute little gift bag with the product and our own personal blender! Thanks so much Meta! http://www.metawellness.com
I give this product a 10/10 for the simple fact its a great way to supplement your fibre, curb cravings and it tastes delicious!
Health & Fitness Alert: Fuelshaker Pro Is the Next Step in Supplement Innovation
Fuelshaker introduced the new Fuelshaker Pro, a hybrid water bottle that features an innovative Fueler powder cartridge and push-button mixing system for sports supplements. Fuelshaker can be used as a water bottle to stay hydrated during the day, and then with a click of a button transforms to a shaker bottle to satisfy your on-the-go sports supplement needs whenever and wherever you want.
The specially designed fueler keeps your supplements dry and its turbine-shaped agitator mixes even the toughest of powders to ensure the best quality drink every time. With three simple steps, the Fuelshaker Pro can help fuel a healthier lifestyle. Fill the fueler with a workout supplement powder (like a protein drink mix or post-workout recovery), place the agitator on top to seal it shut and screw into the bottom of the cup … and you’re ready to go. Its 500ml/20 ounce capacity assures you have enough water for your workout, and the 50g/100cc capacity of the container means you have your ideal protein or sports supplement intake.
When it’s time for your supplement injection, simply flip the bottle upside-down, press the ejector button and give it a shake, your water is now transformed into a supplement enhanced beverage. If you need more, additional fuelers can be purchased separately. The used fuelers can be easily swapped out with a fresh, dry supplement store to ensure that you stay fueled all day.
The lids of the Fuelshaker Pro are designed with leak-proof technology. Once you screw the lid on the shaker cup, you don’t have to worry about the liquid inside leaking. Put it in your gym bag and use it whenever you’re ready … with no fear of liquid leaking on your workout gear or clean clothes.
The Fuelshaker Pro is constructed of durable, high-quality Tritan (BPA-free) plastic. It is top-rack dishwasher safe, meaning you don’t have to worry about washing by hand. With the open bottom end, you will have a clean cup after every run through the dishwasher.
The Fuelshaker Pro is available in two colors, blue or black, and retails online for $26.99. Visit www.fuelshaker.com for more info.
Doctors should know what supplements patients take to prevent interactions with medications
Botanical supplements are used by people around the world to treat a wide range of physical and mental ailments. Some of these botanical supplements have high levels of antioxidants, which may have some positive health effects for certain conditions. However, a new study from the University of Missouri in partnership with scientists in Africa has uncovered evidence that these supplements and their antioxidants may reduce the effectiveness of prescription medications. The researchers examined the effects of a widely used African botanical supplement, called Sutherlandia, and found that it may disrupt the effectiveness of a common anti-tuberculosis drug. This could lead to the development of active tuberculosis and perhaps drug resistant forms of the pathogen in some patients.
For the study, William Folk, a professor of biochemistry in the University of Missouri School of Medicine and College of Agriculture, Food and Natural Resources, and his colleagues monitored South African patients who were taking either Sutherlandia or a placebo, along with the world-standard anti-tuberculosis drug, isoniazid. Sutherlandia is a supplement commonly taken in Africa to fight symptoms of infection and some chronic diseases, such as diabetes. The researchers observed that several patients taking the Southerlandia supplement developed active tuberculosis despite taking Isoniazid.
“We believe that the antioxidants in Southerlandia can directly disrupt how Isoniazid functions within the body to prevent tuberculosis,” Folk said. “Isoniazid is very reliable in preventing the active form of this potentially deadly microbe, which is present in nearly one-third of all humans, but if individuals concurrently take a botanical supplement, they could undo the good that the scientifically proven drug is accomplishing. More than one-third of the world’s population is susceptible to active tuberculosis, so it is unfortunate that Sutherlandia, which traditionally is taken to prevent or treat infections, can actually cause them to develop the disease, and perhaps also cause the microbe to become a drug-resistant ‘super bug.’”
Folk says this finding could apply to many different botanical supplements and many different medications, including cancer-fighting drugs. He says it is important for future research to examine potential interactions between drugs and antioxidant-laden supplements.
“With so many people around the world turning to botanical supplements to help with a wide range of health issues, it is vital that we explore how these supplements interact with established medical drugs,” Folk said. “Many drugs use pathways that could be disrupted by antioxidants, so we need for physicians to better advise their patients. Many physicians do not know everything that their patients take, so it is important for people to inform their physicians, and for physicians to ask, so they can better advise their patients what is best for their health.”
The study, “Does Concurrent Use of Some Botanicals Interfere with Treatment of Tuberculosis?” was published in Neuromolecular Medicine DOI 10.1007/s12017-016-8402-1. Coauthors include Aaron smith, Hailong Song, Dennis Chuang, Jianlin Cheng, Sezong Gu and Grace Sun. This study was funded by grant P50AT006273 from the National Center for Complementary and Integrative Health (NCCIH) and the Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS) and the University of Missouri. The contents are solely the responsibility of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsors.
Foolproof Ways To Boost Your Motivation To Get Physically Fit
It could be the case that you have access to a safe place to run or cycle or can even afford a gym membership. You also have the time to work out, even if it is on the evenings or on weekends. You even have a drawer of the right clothes and sneakers. But what you lack is motivation.
So, how can you boost your motivation levels, in order to get physically fit? Let’s take a look at a handful of foolproof ways….
Hearing is one of our most valuable senses, and it allows us to hear and enjoy a whole universe of wonderful music. Well, science has proven time and time again that music with certain qualities can be great at helping with motivation. After all, there has to be a reason why so many gyms pump out loud dance music in their fitness halls! And spin classes have the music on so loud that the leader needs a microphone or loudhailer to be heard! Usain Bolt was just one pro-athlete seen at the Rio Olympics warming up with his headphones in! Follow in his footsteps by using music to motivate you! Make a playlist the length of your workout, and aim to get right through to the end of the last track. If you lift weights, for example, music also acts a great distraction to help you push through the pain. feelingfit.info lists some great workout songs to add to your playlist!
Consider Supplements
If you lack motivation for fitness within yourself, it could well be linked to your testosterone levels. Many parallels have been drawn between motivation and testosterone by sports scientists and researchers. If you think that boosting your levels of testosterone will help you- as it likely will- be sure you do ample research first. If you want to supplement your levels, it is so crucial that you are well-informed. Being so means that you can give yourself this boost safely. Take a look at information sites HealthandFitnessVitality.com like and take in the insights there.
It’s as simple as this; if you are dehydrated, you simply can’t feel as energized and motivated as you could if you were properly hydrated. If, an hour before the end of work you simply can’t be bothered to go to the gym afterward? Down a couple of pints of water! You’re sure to feel much better afterward. That’s because water is directly linked to things like how awake and alert we feel. familydoctor.org explains more about the importance of good hydration.
Breath!!
This might sound like the most obvious point in the world. But actually, it is incredibly common for people to hold their breath when exercising, or pushing themselves further. However, if you are not breathing properly, you won’t maintain the energy you need to keep going. As a result, you simply won’t be motivated to do as many reps, or miles, or strokes. Remembering to breathe- and to breath correctly- isn’t something you can learn in a second. It takes time to build up the skill, and then to do it naturally, resisting the urge to hold your breath. Try saying it to yourself in your head for your exercise routines for the next few weeks. After a while, you’ll stop holding your breath and breath properly all the way through your routine. greatist.com is a guide to breathing correctly for all types of exercise.
Cubic Pharma’s Vitamin D For Indoor Lifestyles
Cubic Pharmaceuticals is a brand from the United Kingdom. They have recently made their Vitamin D supplements available across the United States. I was lucky enough to get sent some to try! I used them every day and felt an increase in my energy and alertness. The line of Cubicole Vitamin D3 came in a variety of strengths. I personally preferred the higher dosage for my active lifestyle. I actually just ran out of them and need more! I made them part of my supplement stack for all of my prep's.
“Vitamin D is well known for helping your body in a variety of ways... For example, it helps the body absorb calcium and phosphorus as well as support heart health.”
What I like the most is that all of the Cubic Pharmaceutical supplements are lactose, gluten, gelatin preservative, salt, and yeast free. It is also great for vegetarians and is Halal. Non of their products havebeen tested on animals.
Fitness Supplements: Which Is The Cheapest And Which Is The Best?
There are dozens of different fitness supplements on the market, and all of them have different pros and cons. Whether you want to bulk up, shrink down or stay largely the same, there’s a supplement to help you accomplish your goal.
Of course, shopping in this market with so many options can be daunting, but luckily, help is at hand! This post will act as your supplement shopping guide, giving you some general pricing and info about the five top supplements on the market. Happy shopping!
Casein protein, much like whey protein, is very common. As such, it can be found from pretty much every retailer at low prices. This means that it’s affordable, and the fact that it works wonders doesn’t hurt, either.
Casein is a form of protein that releases its benefits slowly, and as such, is best used before bed. This way, you’ll be supplied with a steady flow of protein while you’re sleeping and unable to eat. It’s also useful before long car journeys, or any other time where you’ll be unable to consume food.
Whey Protein
As mentioned previously, whey protein is extremely common. It’s the most-used kind of protein supplement, and as such, is very affordable. Because it’s the most common, it’s also given discounts and offers the most, and it’s easy to find more info on these.
Don’t let these low prices put you off, however. Whey protein isn’t a budget product. It’s used by bodybuilders and fitness enthusiasts across the globe, and with good reason. It provides a quick fix of protein that can help repair and recover your body from an intense workout or injury.
Creatine
Creatine is usually on the more expensive side of the supplement range, but it’s no less useful. Creatine is naturally produced by the body, and increases your ability to produce more energy rapidly. If you have more energy, you can lift more, and you’ll gain more muscle.
Creatine is best used in high intensity sports that don’t last very long such as weight training and sprinting. It’s mixed with a liquid - preferably fruit juice - in order to be absorbed by the body a lot quicker. If you’re looking to gain a slight edge over the competition or want to be able to move more weight, creatine is right for you.
Pre-workout
Pre-workout is similar to whey and casein protein in price, but different in functionality. As the name implies, it’s meant to be taken before a workout to give you that high kick of energy and enthusiasm. You’ll feel more alive, more electric and more ready to tackle any form of physical activity.
This in mind, it’s best to be taken in moderation. You don’t want to only be able to perform after a dose of pre-workout. You want to be able to perform all the time! Pre-workout should only be used to get an extra rep or two, or to run an extra metre or two. It shouldn’t be the foundation of your whole session.
Multivitamins
Everybody needs vitamins, but it can be hard to get them all. Multivitamins are probably the cheapest supplement on this list, and can be found in pretty much any store.
There isn’t much to say here, other than that if you have a deficiency, or are unable to eat a certain food, vitamins can help you out. You can bring up the area in which you are lacking, all by consuming a single tablet. Do you have any supplement experience? Let us know in the comments below!
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