Green Tea: An Ancient Herbal Remedy

Green tea is an ancient herbal remedy whose history dates back centuries. It has been used in China for at least 4,000 years for medicinal purposes to treat a number of different ailments. Considering the numberous health benefits as a result of taking green tea or it's extracts though, it is no wonder it has been used for so many years.

Some of the various medical conditions that may be helpful to treat or combat are cancer, rheumatoid arthritis, high cholesterol levels, cardiovascular disease, infection, and impaired immune function. Green tea has been proven to be so effective beacause it is rich in catechin polyphenols, particularly epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is a powerful anti-oxidant that helps to kill cancer cells without harming healthy tissue. It has also been effective in lowering LDL cholesterol levels, and inhibiting the abnormal formation of blood clots. The latter takes on added importance when you consider that thrombosis (the formation of abnormal blood clots) is the leading cause of heart attacks and stroke.

So maybe it would not be such a bad idea to start drinking green tea, or even supplementing with it especially if you have a predisposition to develop any of the disorders in which it treats. Not to mention, it tastes pretty good as well. You must consider, though, that green tea generally contains caffeine and should not be taken before bed or if you are sensitive to caffeine.

Vitamin V Enhancing Performance?

Viagra is a drug used by men, especially older men with declining levels of testosterone, that is used to treat sexual dysfunction. This is done so by increasing the level of cyclic GMP, which in turn increases blood flow to erectile tissues. Recently, this popular drug has been given the title "Vitamin V," connotative of the fact that some consider it "essential."

Recent studies, however, have shown that that Viagra is not only effective in treating erectile dysfunction. Instead, a report was published in the Journal of Applied Physiology showing that Viagra, scientifically known as Sildenafil, is proven to enhance physical performance and capabilities in athletes. These positive effects include improving cardiovascular and exercise performance. This is done so because evidently, Viagra improves blood flow and increases overall oxygen transport to muscles. One of the primary concerns regarding this matter though, is whether or not to ban the drug in professional sports organizations. It does not affect hormone levels, but should it be considered a "performance enhancing drug" regardless?

HGH for the Elderly: A "Fountain of Youth?"

Aging is a natural process that occurs in each and every human being. It is a natural part of life that is essentially inevitable. Despite this, people have been trying for years to try to impede the process of aging in an appearance to preserve their youth both mentally and physically. Various forms of plastic surgery such as facelifts, botox injections, and a number of other methods have been practiced by people of aging populations for many, many years.

However, relatively recently, doctors have found a much more effective, yet questionably harmful method of attempting to reverse the effects of aging. Various clinics across the country have started administering Human Growth Hormone (HGH) to older patients in search of a so-called "fountain of youth." According to an article written by the New York Times, "At around the age of 30, growth hormone levels begin to decline. By age 60, people can have half as much as they did at 30. Testosterone, in men, declines, too, and, in women, estrogen levels plummet after menopause. The hypothesis was that the effects of aging -- shriveling muscles, thinning bones, increased body fat, especially in the abdomen, a loss of energy and enthusiasm, might be linked to hormone deficiencies, and, in particular, a lack of growth hormone." Subjects who were administered HGH as well as testosterone were shown to have increased their lean muscle mass, increase their endurance levels, while simultaneously losing fat. In the same study, women who were given a combination of estrogen and HGH also gained muscle and lost several pounds of fat.

It must also be considered, however, that taking HGH and altering a person's natural hormone levels can have adverse side effects. These side effects include pre-diabetes or diabetes, aching joints and swollen tissues. The study of Human Growth Hormone is still a relatively new field of study. HGH is not yet approved by the FDA, nor should it ever be administered outside of a clinical setting. However, it does give some people as well as researchers hope in finding the hypothetical "fountain of youth" despite how unethical or unnatural it may be.

http://query.nytimes.com/gst/fullpage.html?sec=health&res=9C0DEED91E31F930A25752C1A9649C8B63

Weight Lifting for the Elderly?

As humans age, they gradually begin to lose muscle mass after the age of roughly 30 to 40 years old. Those who are physically inactive tend to lose roughly 0.5% of lean muscle mass annually between the ages of 25 to 60. From age 60 on, the rate of loss doubles, to about 1%. It doubles again at age 70; again at age 80, and then again at age 90. In addition to this loss in lean muscle mass, there is a corresponding loss in strength as well. This condition of a loss of muscle mass as we age is referred to as sarcopenia.

There are several basic factors that contribute to this continous loss of muscle mass, especially for those who are physically inactive. Perhaps the main contributor is simply the aging process and the general wear and tear placed on the body as we age. The production of testosterone and human growth hormone also declines as we age, making it more difficult for an older man to maintain and perhaps build muscle compared to someone in their early twenties. It must be considered that testosterone is a primary component in the muscle building and maintaining process, especially for men who have a much higher level than women. There are also several other factors that may contribute to sarcopenia.

Though this may seem to be a virtually impossible problem to avoid, rest assured, there is a major way to decrease the rate of sarcopenia as we age. This crucial method includes incorporating some form of resistance, anaerobic training into your everyday life as well as consuming a well-rounded diet. According to the University of New Mexico, resistance training has been shown to positively influence the neuromuscular system, hormone concentrations, and especially improve protein synthesis rates. The increase in the rate of protein synthesis has been seen to increase within as little as two weeks, in fact, has been reported that levels increased up to 182% from baseline in seven 78 to 84 year olds with supervised resistance training.

In order to achieve substantial benefits from this however, there are certain guidelines that must be followed. For example, one must perform 8 to 10 exercises targeting all the major muscle groups, while focusing on multi-joint exercises as opposed to single-joint isolation exercsises. Also, 10 to 15 repetitions each set is recommended with a "somewhat hard" rate of exertion. The ACSM recommends that 1 set per exercise is sufficient, but studies have yielded that 2 to 3 sets have been proven to be much more sufficient. Lastly, resistance training should be performed at least 2 times per week with at least 48 hours of rest between training sessions.

By performing resistance training as we age, we allow ourselves to become stronger, thus reducing the incidence of having accidents such as falling due to weakened muscles as well become more mobile and agile. Although we do not have complete control over the aging process, we surely have the ability to reduce and perhaps even reverse the onset of conditions such as sarcopenia.

http://www.unm.edu/~lkravitz/Article%20folder/sarcopenia.html

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning: "The Silent Killer"

Carbon monoxide is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by burning material containing carbon. There are typically low levels of carbon monoxide in the air considering that many household appliances emit this gas on a regular basis. However, when an area is not properly ventilated, the amount of carbon monoxide builds up in the air. If too much is built up, this may lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, or even death.

According to researchers at emedicinehealth.com, carbon monoxide poisoning claims 500 lives annually, making it the leading cause of accidental death poisoning in the United States. At least 15,000 people are hospitalized due to this deadly poisoning as well. Because of the fact that carbon monoxide has no smell and clearly can't be seen, it claims its victims by slowly killing them without them even knowing. Symptoms of poisoning may include nausea, headaches and fatigue. Exposure of this poisonous gas for an extended period of time may also lead to brain damage as well and eventual death.

The tragedy in this is that although the death toll is not extremely high for this form of poisoning, the deaths caused can be easily prevented. Some easy steps to avoid this are:
- inspecting your home heating system, chimney, and flue must be inspected and cleaned by a qualified technician every year to ensure proper ventilation.
- Be sure your furnace and other appliances, such as gas ovens, ranges, and cook tops, are inspected for adequate ventilation.
- Do not burn charcoal inside your house (even in the fireplace). Have gas fireplaces inspected each fall to ensure the pilot light burns safely.
- Do not operate gasoline-powered engines in confined areas such as garages or basements.
- Do not block or seal shut exhaust flues or ducts for appliances such as water heaters, ranges, and clothes dryers

It is also very wise to invest in some sort of carbon monoxide detector for your home to monitor the levels of carbon monoxide in the air. After all, taking a measure as small as this could save your life.

http://www.emedicinehealth.com/carbon_monoxide_poisoning/article_em.htm

The Power of Soy

Everyone knows that protein is an essential nutrient used by the body for a number of reasons. In fact, protein is so important that it is oftentimes considered the building blocks of the body. One form of protein that is often overlooked is soy protein. Soy protein is found in a number of different foods including soy milk, tofu, soy beans, soy ice cream and etcetera. It must also be considered that soy is the only plant-based food that is considered a complete protein based on its amino acid profile. Because soy is the only plant that is a complete protein, it is a staple of the diets of vegetarians and vegans who are looking for a well-balanced, protein rich diet. Soy milk is also a good alternative for those who are lactose intolerant as well.

Due to it's various positive benefits, it is no wonder that soy products are becoming an increasingly popular source of protein. As I mentioned before, soy is an excellent source of protein to consume to compliment a well-rounded diet. Although particular variables cannot be isolated, consuming soy protein may prevent breast, colon, prostate and uterus cancer. This is attributed to the isoflavones found in soy, which has been proven to have anti-cancer and inhibitory effects on cancer as well. Soy has also been considered a possible way to reduce the risk of heart cancer considering that soy protein has been proven to reduce total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol, blood pressure and possibly preventing plaque buildup in the arteries, which would lead to atherosclerosis. With these factors decreased, there is obviously less stress on the cardiovascular, which would greatly decrease one's risk for getting heart disease.

There are a number of other health benefits that may be experienced when consuming soy protein on a regular basis. For vegetarians and vegans it is an excellent, complete plant form of protein. Not to mention, it is a great alternative for meat eaters who are simply looking to reduce their daily intake of cholesterol that comes from red meat especially, while still consuming a healthy form of protein.

http://www.soyinfo.com/
http://www.soyfoods.org/

Protein Isolate vs. Protein Concentrate

When it comes to protein, most people know that there are a number of different sources of complete proteins ranging from soy products, to meats, poultry and etcetera. However, when supplementing with protein, you must consider that there is a distinct difference between types of protein that you should be conscious of; protein isolates versus concentrates.

First off, the more commonly used form of protein powder consumed by your average person is whey protein concentrate. This is an ideal form for those looking to add a little more protein to their diet for a number of reasons. This is primarily because whey protein concentrates take longer to digest than their counterparts, which means that you are supplying your muscles with a protein source that will remain in your system for an extended period of time. This form of protein is great to take after a workout, but is also even better to take before you go to bed when your body goes for an extended period of time without fast, a.k.a. a fast. This ensures that muscle tissue is preserved during times of possible catabolism during sleep.

On the other hand, whey protein isolate is more ideal when taken after a workout as it is pre-digested and therefore a faster acting protein than a concentrate. After a strenuous workout, your muscle needs a pure form of protein that will be delivered to the muscles at a fast a rate as possible. Consequently, whey protein isolate is not the most practical form of protein to take before bedtime as it digests very quickly and will not necessarily ensure that the muscles are supplied with a long lasting protein source. However, in order to mimic the longer acting properties of a concentrate, you may also add peanut butter to your protein isolate powder to slow down the rate of digestion. So the next time you go to buy protein powder, consider what form is most practical for you, or perhaps designate certain times to take each as many people do.