Monday, June 23, 2008

Combating Atherosclerosis With Good Nutrition

Hello - here's today's featured article:

By: Aaron Stanlich
Imagine hundreds of cars zooming down an eight-lane highway. One lane disappears, and then another, until the same cars crawl bumper-to-bumper along a one-lane country road. That's sort of what happens when you have atherosclerosis. Your arteries, the highways for your blood, harden and narrow, and the same amount of blood has to make its way through a much tighter space.

This traffic jam in your arteries leads to all sorts of trouble, including heart attack and stroke.Atherosclerosis occurs when cholesterol, fat, and other substances in your blood build up in the walls of your arteries. The process can begin when you're a child, but it may not become a problem until you're in your 50s or 60s. As this muck gathers in your arteries, it forms plaque. Plaque can clog or completely block arteries, cutting off blood flow to your heart or brain. That's when you have a heart attack or stroke.Too much cholesterol and triglycerides - types of fat - in the blood, high blood pressure, and smoking cause the most damage to your arteries. Other risk factors for atherosclerosis include diabetes, a family history of the condition, stress, obesity, and an inactive lifestyle.

Men, in general, are at greater risk, as are people who have an "apple" body shape - with the fat gathering at the belly rather than the hips and thighs.You can fight atherosclerosis by making good food choices. Cut back on saturated fat and cholesterol from meat and whole-milk dairy products, and look for the following foods that lower cholesterol, bring down blood pressure, and keep your blood flowing smoothly.Nutritional blockbusters that fight atherosclerosisFish. Reel in a big, fat fish and wriggle off the hook of atherosclerosis.

Omega-3 fatty acids, the polyunsaturated kinds found in fatty fish like tuna, mackerel, and salmon, protect your arteries from damage.First, omega-3 takes out triglycerides, the fats that build up on your artery walls. It also stops your blood's platelets from clumping together. That way, your blood remains smooth instead of sticky. Sticky blood can clot and block blood flow. Lastly, omega-3 might lower blood pressure.No wonder so many studies show that eating fish can reduce your risk of heart disease.

The American Heart Association recommends eating at least two fish meals a week.You can find a form of omega-3 called alpha-linolenic acid in walnuts, which lower cholesterol. Other sources of omega-3 include flaxseed, wheat germ, and some green, leafy vegetables, like kale, spinach, and arugula.Garlic. Anything fish can do garlic does, too. The sulfur compounds in this amazing herb not only lower cholesterol and triglycerides, but they also go after only the LDL or "bad" cholesterol and leave the HDL or "good" cholesterol alone.Garlic can also lower blood pressure so your arteries don't take as much of a pounding.

Thanks to a substance called ajoene, garlic keeps your blood from clumping and clotting. One study even showed garlic helps your aorta, the body's main artery, remain elastic as you age.Experts recommend getting 4 grams of garlic - about one clove - into your diet each day.Fiber. During the course of a day, you should eat about 25 to 35 grams of fiber. If you do, you'll boost your general health and give atherosclerosis quite a battle.Certain types of soluble fiber, such as the kind in oats, barley, apples, and other fruits, shrink your cholesterol levels. It works by slowing down your food as it passes through your stomach and small intestine so your "good" cholesterol has more time to take cholesterol to your liver and out of your body. Eating more than 25 grams of fiber every day might also cut your risk of developing high blood pressure by 25 percent.Fiber comes with an added bonus - it fills you up.

After a fiber-rich meal, you feel full, so you're less likely to overeat and put on unwanted pounds. Because being overweight increases your risk of atherosclerosis and other heart problems, eating fiber could be part of an effective strategy to guard your arteries.You'll find fiber in fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain breads and cereals.Antioxidants. An unarmed intruder poses less of a threat than one with a weapon. By stopping free radicals from oxidizing LDL cholesterol, antioxidants remove much of the danger. Once oxidized, LDL cholesterol makes a beeline for your artery walls much faster. In fact, some scientists believe LDL cholesterol only harms you once it has been oxidized.Vitamin C, vitamin E, and beta carotene are antioxidants. Peppers, oranges, strawberries, cantaloupe, and broccoli give you vitamin C, while carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, mangoes, and collard greens are full of beta carotene.

Sources of vitamin E include wheat germ, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils.While you munch on those fruits and vegetables, you'll get the added benefit of antioxidant substances called flavonoids. Resveratrol in grapes, anthocyanins in cranberry juice, and quercetin in onions, apples, and tea are some of the flavonoids that help your heart and arteries.Monounsaturated fat. To keep your blood running smoothly, maybe you need an oil change. Olive oil, the main source of fat in the heart-healthy Mediterranean diet, has mostly monounsaturated fat. This type of fat slashes the "bad" cholesterol without harming the "good" cholesterol. It also prevents clotting, giving your arteries even more protection.Like fiber, monounsaturated fat also fills you up so you're less likely to overeat.

Think about switching from soybean or corn oil to olive oil. After all, the Greeks - even while enjoying a rather high-fat diet - rarely develop atherosclerosis. Besides olive oil, sources of monounsaturated fat include avocados, nuts, and canola oil.

Ginger. Make your dinner a little bit tastier and your arteries a little bit healthier with this ancient spice. Ginger contains phytochemicals called gingerol and shogaol, which give it its antioxidant power.Animal studies show ginger not only lowers LDL cholesterol and triglycerides, it also prevents LDL oxidation. On top of that, ginger also keeps your blood from clotting by reducing the stickiness of your platelets.

Article Source: http://health-articles.org
Aaron Stanlich is an accomplished freelance writer and authors on a variety of subjects. To learn more about Atherosclerosis by reading some Heart and Circulation Articles. There is a great selection of various articles at www.upublish.info

Tuesday, May 27, 2008

Protecting the Skin You're In

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Alli Ross

Summer is approaching and thousands of people will be working on their tans before they whip out their shorts and swimsuits. However, improper skin care can cause permanent damage from the suns rays. Regardless of your skin type, it is very important to protect your skin. Here are some key tips to keep in mind this summer.

Choose an appropriate sunscreen. If you’ve been to the store lately, you’ve probably seen a complete aisle full of sun block products. It’s often hard to know which one to buy. Look for one that protects against UVA and UVB rays. (UVB rays are actually more harmful for sun burning the UVA rays). It’s crucial that your sun screen protects against both of these sun rays. Don’t waste your time with half the protection.

What about the SPF?

The SPF number simply tells people how much longer they can last out in the sun without being burned. The higher the SPF number, the longer your skin is protected against the sun.

For example, lets say you put on a sunscreen with SPF 20. This would protect your skin up to 20 times longer than your average amount of protection time. To find out how long your sunscreen will protect your skin (multiply how long it normally takes you to burn * SPF of your sunscreen) So, if you normally burn after 30 minutes in the sun and you have sunscreen with an SPF 15, your skin would be protected for 450 minutes ( or 7.5 hours)

It’s also important to consider skin types when choosing the proper sunscreen.

For young children (6 months and up) : Choose a sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher to protect against both sun tanning and burning. Look for a product that offers UVA and UVB protection. This is known as the “broad-spectrum”.

For Very Fair Skin: This type of skin burns quickly. Look for a sunscreen containing SPF 20 to 30.

For Fair Skin: This type of skin burns fairly easily but some tanning occurs. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 8 to 12.

For Medium Skin: This type of skin yields a moderate brown shade when exposed to the sun. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 4 to 8.

For Dark Skin: This type of skin rarely burns. Look for sunscreen products containing SPF 2 to 4.

After choosing an appropriate sunscreen, apply it before going out into the sun. Be sure and apply it generously over all skin that will be exposed.

Taking good care of your skin now will give you great-looking skin well into the future.

P.S. Your skin is your number one defense mechanism against the environmental elements. Exercise, rest, and good nutrition are the foundation for beautiful, healthy skin.

About The Author

GranMamma is the webmaster at the Baby Names Box - http://www.babynamebox.com - Where you can explore over 20,000 baby names and their meanings. Read articles on parenting, family, home and gardening. Be sure to say hi to GranMamma!

granmamma@babynamebox.com




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A Simple Concept on Proper Nutrition

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Mart Gil

Since childhood, we are always being reminded about taking vitamins, eating nutritious foods, avoiding junk and fatty foods, drinking enough glasses of water, plus performing various exercises – all of these constitute to what is considered as proper nutrition. But how can you really be healthy? How will you know that your food intake is just right for your nutritional needs?

Basically, proper nutrition is the key element when you want to reduce your body fats, firm your body, and develop your physique. Fish, poultry, shellfish and lean meat are good sources of protein. Main sources of carbohydrates, on the other hand, include yams, brown rice, sweet potatoes, and whole wheat pasta. It is always necessary to get proper balance from the different food groups if you really ant to be healthy and physically powerful.

Dieting has been one of the major preferences to attain proper nutrition. Through it, you get to pick the right combination of foods, fruits and vegetables that’s best for you. It doesn’t only control your food intake that can end up to being obese and overweight, it also makes you aware of the nutritional contents of the foods that you take. This awareness makes every individual more particular about their diet and food intake. Lots of advantages are associated to this fact and you’ll soon realize all these things.

By taking in healthy foods moderately and avoiding fad diets, this will not only lead to weight loss but also to stable mental and physical health. However, beginning a healthy diet may not be that easy and may cause more harm than one might think. Sometimes, we acquire unexpected diseases because we think much about our diet. There are girls who have suffered anorexia due to “over-dieting”. This is only one disadvantage that we must take note. I must say that it’s not always good to be very meticulous about what we eat and drink.

As what I’ve mentioned previously, you must also follow some type of exercise program in addition to proper food intake. But you must take note that it is not necessarily the only exercise program that works or is appropriate for you and your lifestyle. See how important it is to have balance in all these aspects? It’s not always proper food intake alone or exercise alone – both are dependent to each other.

About The Author

Mart Gil

Well, I must say that I am not a born writer. I didn’t acquire this gift hereditarily either. However, I’m an adventure book lover and used to read everything that I come across in the Internet that sounds interesting. I think, I only developed it through constant practice and exposure to numerous writing stuff. I was chosen to compete in press conferences that showcased my need-so-well-developed writing skills. I became part of our school publication staff. I started as a news writer and photojournalist of the school paper. Soon, I was appointed editor-in-chief. It was during this time when I realized that I needed to be more efficient in writing because duty called for it. I should say that this event in my life opened me wholly to the wonderful world of writing.

For more nutritional and wheelchair maintenance tips, log on to http://www.wheelchairspower.com

carmelo@wheelchairspower.com




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Thursday, March 6, 2008

Do Natural Thyroid Boosters Work?

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by: Darlene Manchester

How Well Does Thyrin-ATC and Other Natural Thyroid Products Work?

Hypothyroidism occurs when there is an inadequate secretion of thyroid hormones resulting in a slowing down of the body's metabolism. So many people just don't know how far-reaching an underactive thyroid problem can be. Unfortunately, people do not know what symptoms an underactive thyroid can cause.

Many of the symptoms associated with an underactive thyroid are fatigue, weight gain, decreased interest in daily activities, difficulty in maintaining concentration, sleep disturbances, cold extremities, and abdominal bloating.

Are Prescription Thyroid Medications Worth The Potential Risks?

Many physicians have prescribed thyroid medications, only to find out that they were associated with significant side effects. These drugs may cause chest pain, increased pulse rate, palpitations, excessive sweating, heat intolerance, or nervousness. It is recommended that people who have multiple health concerns use caution when taking any prescription medications. There is also the possibility that once started on these prescriptions, the body becomes dependent on them and they become a lifelong medication.

Are there alternatives? Nonprescription All Natural Thyroid Support Products

What makes a nonprescription thyroid booster so appealing? Is it the fact that quality, all natural ingredients are used? Is the lack of side effects when taken properly? Is it the fact that prescription products pose the risk for too many potential side effects and drug interactions?

The best nonprescription products on the market today are:

Thyrotril™
Thyrovarin™
Thyrin ATC™

These products contain thyroid boosting ingredients which support healthy thyroid function. What other benefits can these products offer you?

They can increase metabolic rate and the number of calories burned

They can increase memory and concentration

They can decrease fatigue and sleep disturbances

Improve your quality of life

You might not need to resort to prescription strength drugs to achieve your goal of optimal thyroid function. Natural supplements give you an excellent alternative to prescription strength thyroid drugs. These products have limited side effects, less drug interactions, and are less expensive than a lot of the prescription strength thyroid medications available on the market today.

Based on current research and recent problems with both pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter drugs, natural alternative thyroid boosting products are probably the more logical option. Be consistent and administer as directed and hopefully you will get the desired results thousands of others have already experienced using these natural aids.

About The Author

Darlene Manchester is a health and nutrition counselor specializing in the study of metabolic function and alternative medicine. She is also a published author and an avid health and fitness enthusiast.


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Thursday, February 14, 2008

Selenium: Activates Antioxidant Glutathione for Protection of Cells

by: Jeremy Maddock

Selenium is a type of trace mineral which supports healthy activity within your immune system, functions as an important part of the potent antioxidant glutathione, and is necessary for good thyroid health. This formula uses SelenoPure high, yeast free selenium for ultimate immune support.

Selenium and Glutathione

Our bodies use Selenium to produce glutathione peroxidase, which is a part of the body's natural antioxidant defense system, manufactured in the liver. Some glutathione is released into the bloodstream, where it helps to maintain the integrity of red blood cells while protecting your immune systems white blood cells and contributing to the body’s natural defense.

Research Suggests that Selenium Supports Immune Health

Selenium is a requirement for a well-functioning immune system, and in a study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, researchers investigated the effects of beta-carotene and selenium supplementation in patients who had deficiencies of selenium and vitamin A.

The researchers concluded that glutathione plays an important role in the natural enzymatic defense system in detoxifying hydrogen peroxide in water, therefore selenium supplementation could be of great interest in protecting cells against oxidative stress.

About The Author

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.immunewellness.com - your source for high quality information about a variety of health products, including Selenium.

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Coral Calcium: The Preferred Source Of Absorbable Calcium

by: Jeremy Maddock

Coral Calcium is an excellent source of readily accessible and absorbable calcium in the body. Superior 100% pure fossilized, coral calcium is harvested from above ground, meaning that no harm is done to any living coral.

This unique formula contains a form of calcium, which is alkaline, and supports the body’s pH (potential hydrogen) balance to promote tissue health. Coral calcium promotes healthy oxygen levels in the body and helps to maintain immune system function as well as promote waste removal.

The Importance of Alkalinity

Maintaining an alkaline pH is critical to cellular health, and if your body's pH is unbalanced, you will have problems effectively assimilating vitamins and minerals. According to Bob L. Owen, Ph.D., D.Sc., author of Why Calcium?, “when coral calcium is added to water it raises and balances the body’s pH levels. Consumption of this alkalinized water also balances the body’s acid/alkaline levels, thus bringing about many health benefits.”

The Importance of Oxygen in the Body

Scientists have discovered that a low level of oxygen can disrupt the body's natural functioning ability and can cause harm to the immune system. Coral calcium promotes healthy oxygen levels, and helps to process and remove toxic wastes that may build up in the body.

Why Fossilized Coral Calcium is Superior

This advanced formula contains an organic composition very similar to that of the human skeleton, and contains calcium, sodium, potassium, magnesium, and other trace minerals essential to good health.

About The Author

Jeremy Maddock is the webmaster of http://www.immunewellness.com - your source for high quality information about a variety of health products, including Coral Calcium.

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Monday, January 21, 2008

Supplementation Is No Longer An Option

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Alex Gomez

Supplementation is no longer an option if your objective is a healthier life. Many health advisors try to tell their clients that they only need a “well balanced” diet to meet these recommendations. However if you do some careful thinking you will find the task very difficult. Taking care of ourselves has become even more important especially if you consider what we have done to the health of the planet and out bodies. We continuously intake less and less healthy foods with more and more chemicals that can only do damage to an already overwhelmed system. Our bodies can only take so much before something gives and unfortunately we are only getting worst. Taking supplements are not the answer in and of itself but it is an important step forward.

WHY SUPPLEMENT?

1. In the early 1900’s, all produce (100%) was organic. Rutgers University has published several papers comparing the nutrient density of organic produce and commercially grown produce. Organic always wins.

2. According to a US Department of Agriculture paper the average Calories intake in the early 1900’s was 3800 Calories but today the average intake is only 1800 Calories. Less than half - and most is not organic. So we tend to eat less than half the nutrients each and every day.

3. Risk of “free radical” damage is much higher today as the industrial world contaminates our food, water and air. We also produce free radicals during physical and psychological stress. Free radicals are biochemical units that, in excess, will destroy healthy cells unless we protect ourselves with adequate nutrition.

4. With average fat intake falling to 32% of Calories (compared to 48% in 1900), it becomes more difficult to get the essential fatty acids (EFA’s) from our diet. EFA’s are responsible for encouraging fat metabolism and the creation of some “super hormones” that lead to the production of anti-inflammatory hormones. Processed food tends to alter or eliminate the EFA’s.
5. Wide use of antibiotics has lead to the destruction of “friendly bacteria” in the intestine. Friendly bacteria, like acidophilus and bifidus play a big role in digestion and in maintaining the health of the colon.

6. A low Calorie intake is associated with a reduced fiber intake. The American Cancer Society recommends a daily fiber intake of 30 grams but average North American eats only 12 – 15 grams per day. Such a low intake increases the risk of colon cancer and other toxic side effects.

7. Most people do not consume enough complete, high quality protein, particularly at breakfast and lunch. (There is a tendency to eat more protein than can be absorbed during the evening meal). Therefore I have become a big fan of Soy Protein Isolate supplementation at breakfast, lunch, during snacks and just before exercise. A modern solution to a modern problem.

WHAT TO USE:

In my nutritional coaching practice, I divide supplementation into the following categories:

a) Nutritional Supplements – basic nutrients found in the RNI tables
b) Herbal Supplements - which are really nature’s medicine, designed to prevent and/or solve certain health problems. Few are designed for long-term consumption.
c) Fiber Supplements – fiber is indigestible but necessary for detoxification and regularity. It is not really a nutrient.
d) Protein Supplements – self-explanatory.
e) Friendly Bacteria – some now refer to these tiny organisms as “pro-biotics”.

Considering the Why Supplement list and the above categories, the following is a responsible supplement program that would benefit the heath of all people. This is basic, minimal and designed primarily for prevention of ailments and maintenance of good health.

1. High Quality Multiple Vitamin/Mineral. Should include all 8 recognized B vitamins including biotin. Balanced in proportion to the RNI. This multi should also contain high levels of Calcium and Magnesium.
2. Anti-Oxidants – Vitamin in the form of mixed carotenoids like alpha, beta and gamma carotene; Vitamin C, at least 1,000 mg in a sustained release format; Vitamin E in the mixed tocopherol format supported with selenium and grape seed extract.
3. Fiber Supplement containing a mixture of soluble and insoluble fibers.
4. Protein Supplement – preferably a Soy Protein isolate - not only to obtain extra protein but to also take advantage of the phytonutrients known as isoflavones.
5. Friendly bacteria – acidophilus and bifidus.

OTHER CONSIDERATIONS

Proper rest and exercise shouldn’t be forgotten in all this supplement talk. Other factors such as drugs, stress, smoking and alcohol can lead to a more unhealthy lifestyle. Please see your doctor and begin the rest of your life with a healthier more positive outlook on life.
Good supplements do not guarantee perfect health but they can make a difference.

About The Author
Alex Gomez is the owner and editor of http://www.ardyss-lifestyle.com. Visit our site for all your natural nutritional needs
admin@ardyss-lifestyle.com


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Photorefractive Keratectomy Laser Eye Surgery

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Nicola Kennedy

Photorefractive keratectomy (PRK) is a laser eye surgery procedure that is carried out with the key intent to correct a patient’s vision. PRK permanently changes the shape of the frontal corneal tissue using an excimer laser, which is a high-precision ultraviolet chemical laser. The outer layer of the cornea (epithelium) is removed, and then a small amount of the corneal tissue is burnt off using the laser. Such an ablation renders the desired shape to the cornea and allows for optimal refraction.

PRK is a technologically advanced surgical procedure. For instance, a computer system tracks the eye position around 4,000 times per second, redirecting laser pulses for precise ablation. As mentioned above, the epithelium is removed prior to ablation. This does not hamper the patient’s vision, since the epithelium is a soft and regenerating layer, which is capable of completely replacing itself within a matter of days. However, the deeper layers, once burnt off, will remain that way because they possess limited regenerative capability. This theory is the cornerstone of the Photorefractive keratectomy surgical procedure.

PRK differs from LASIK in a way that the epithelium is removed in PRK and allowed to regenerate. On the other hand, LASIK does not involve epithelium removal. Instead it consists of cutting a flap in the cornea in order to make the desired incisions. Compared to LASIK, a patient who has undergone PRK experiences more pain and recovery is slow. However, both procedures are similar in the respect that they make use of a laser.

Photorefractive keratectomy is a viable procedure, but it does have possible complications. Apart from slow recovery and pain, the patient may experience glares and halos. As in any refractive surgery, there is a possibility of over- or under-correction. Eye surgeons typically perform PRK on one eye at a time, in order to gauge the results of the procedure and ensure its efficacy.

In a majority of cases, PRK has proven to be a safe and efficacious procedure to correct myopia. However, since the procedure is irreversible, it is recommended that the patient consults an eye doctor instead of jumping on a conclusion.

About The Author
Nicola Kennedy publishes articles and reports and provides news, views and information about alternatives to LASIK at Your Lasik Information.
You will find the Directory of LASIK Surgeons http://www.find-lasik-surgeon.com useful.
Copyright http://www.Your-LASIK.info All rights reserved. This article may be reprinted in full so long as the resource box and the live links are included intact.


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Saturday, December 1, 2007

Supplements - How To Take Them

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Martin Smith

It’s unfortunate but many people have digestive systems that find it hard to break down food and absorb nutrients – this can be caused by poor levels of stomach acid, toxic substances in the gut, insufficient production of digestive enzymes among other reasons.

This condition can of course be dramatically improved as nutrient intake is increased slowly. An organic diet is of course the healthiest you can use but you may just need to compensate for any shortfalls and take some supplements.

You don’t need to visit your doctor to take supplements they can be self-prescribed once taken in small regular amounts, which can be ideal for treating any minor health problems.

Taken Supplements in large amounts for either nutritional support of server pathological conditions have been found to be therapeutic on their own or with conventional medical treatments. Always remember larger doses should be taken under the supervision of your physician or nutritional therapist.

When To Take Supplements

The best time to take supplements is with meals the body can absorb it best when your digestive system has been stimulated by the presence of food. Time-released formulas should be taken with food as to make sure they travel through the body at the correct speed and for efficient release at the appropriate place.

Water-soluble vitamins quickly pass through the body, so basically taken them twice or three times a day is often the best practice. Fat-soluble vitamins are better absorbed if taken with meals that include some fat. Almost all minerals work in conjunction with vitamins and should be taken along with them.

Some minerals can interfere with the absorption of others so make sure to take them at different time to your multiformula. If you multiformula contains antagonistic minerals there will not be enough to conflict with one another so you don’t need to worry.

Vitamins A, D, E – Should be taken with meals which include a little oil or Fat
Vitamin B-Complex – This should be taken first thing in the morning to give maximum energy, but can of course be taken anytime especially if taken with whole grains.
Vitamin C – Taken with meal if possible, can be taken on an empty stomach if you don’t feel like eaten because of a cold. Take two or three times a day.
Time-Release – Take with your main meal of the day.
Iron – Best absorbed with food.
Calcium – About 30 minutes before bedtime.
Magnesium - About 30 minutes before bedtime.
Multiformulas – These can be taken anytime but best with small amounts of food.

(c) www.1st-vitamins-n-supplements.com

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About The Author

Martin Smith is a successful freelance writer providing advice for consumers on purchasing a variety of products which includes Nutritional Supplements and Herbal Supplements, and more! His numerous articles provide a wonderfully researched resource of interesting and relevant information. http://www.1st-vitamins-n-supplements.com.


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Saturday, November 10, 2007

Stretch For Fitness Success

Welcome back - here's today's featured article:

by: Anna Fleet

When you think of developing a strong, muscular physique what type of exercises do you think of doing? To improve and develop strength most individuals focus on lifting weights – exercises such as bench press, push ups and flies – that focus on powerful pushing and pulling movements.

Cardiovascular activity usually takes the passenger seat, when it comes to developing strength - unless you’re involved in a sport that requires a lot of endurance training, or if you want to loose excess body fat on top of improving your strength.

Stretching – unfortunately isn’t even put in the strength development category, because most of us figure that since it’s a low intensity movement it’s purely for cooling down after our workouts. However stretching isn't merely a great way to cool down – trust me it can actually help make you stronger. That’s why I feature a great stretching diagram on my website, FitnessGear101.com.

The benefits of stretching have numerous effects on your weightlifting progress. Just remember when you stretch you should feel slight tension in your muscles, but no pain!

Stretching is your key to the following fitness pluses:
Increased Strength - Stretching actually helps to increase your muscular strength because it expands your range of motion, and range of motion literally applies to weightlifting. For example when you lift in a wider range of motion compared to a smaller range, you’re enlisting the help of more fibers, making your muscles stronger.

Reduced Stress – We all know that stretching helps reduce the stress and tension in our exercised muscles, but did you know that a quick 20-mintue session of stretching can also release most of the tension that built up throughout an entire workday?

Improved Posture – Flexible muscles are your key to good posture, because stretching promotes balanced muscle tone in all the major joints in the body. This affects your strength training because good posture reduces stress and soreness in the muscles and joints, letting you get back to the gym faster.

Improved Speed & Reaction Time – if you’re an athlete you’re aware of how important agility is to top performance. Flexible muscles make you quicker on your feet. This allows for you to run faster in sports like soccer; react quicker by making saves in hockey and by maneuvering around opponents in football.

Decreased Muscle Soreness - This means less time off from the gym and your game, and more time to devote to developing those muscles.

Ease of Movement – If you’re not an athlete, never fear, stretching does more than improve sports performance. It makes simple daily tasks easier as well, by lessening the general stiffness in joints so you can bend down, reach up and lift things easily. Stretching will also affect the future of your joints by making you less likely to develop joint pain later in life.

Reduces Chances of Injury – More flexible muscles translate to less chance of injuring tight muscles during exercise. Take for example your hamstrings, the muscles that run down the back of your upper legs. I like to compare the hamstrings to an elastic band – the flexible hamstring has a lot of stretch; whereas the inflexible hamstring is that dried out elastic that breaks when it’s stretch too far.

About The Author

Anna Fleet is a certified personal trainer. When she is not working out or helping others achieve optimal health, she is the face and voice behind www.fitnessgear101.com – an excellent online resource for information about Fitness Gear Information( http://www.fitnessgear101.com/ ), Aerobics Equipment( http://www.fitnessgear101.com/aerobic-equipment/ ), and Workout Routines( http://www.fitnessgear101.com/workout-routines/ ).


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