Wednesday 25 March 2015

Healthy?

What is health and fitness? Its a term that's used all the time, but we probably don't take the time to think about what it really is. Id guess that most people who compete in sports, bodybuilding or work in 'fitness industry' probably think they are healthy... but that depends on what your definition of healthy is. Recently ive found out about a few people who would probably have considered themselves fit and healthy, but when faced with potentially life threatening or life altering illness, have been forced to look at whether they can make their lives more healthy and have made quite radical changes to their lifestyles. But why so we wait until we are forced to stop before we look at all aspects of our lives... I guess we are all just busy living our lives and sometimes it takes a massive shock to make us re-evaluate things. So I am challenging you now, dont wait until you are forced to, just pause for a few minutes and look at all aspects of your life and see if there's more you can do to make your lifestyle more healthy. The earlier you give your body a break and look after it, the more likely it is to cope if you do face a life altering illness you may even prevent illness in the process.

If you do want to make changes, tackle one thing at a time, in manageable chunks, putting too much pressure on yourself can just lead to failure if it all seems to much, but every little step you take to improve your health and fitness really will add up!

The obvious. Diet. 'you are what you eat' this phrase has been around for ever! but it really is literally true. Your bodys cells are constantly renewing and can only function and repair itself on what you feed it. Feed it crap and you cant expect it to run at full capacity. If you went to a wildlife reserve and saw the keepers feeding the animals coke, pizza and cake, you would think it was abuse, they aren't supposed to eat that, its unethical... so why is it ok for us? were we meant to eat that stuff? Now im not saying you cant enjoy any of these, but my point is that you need to get the right nutrition in first, as the main part of your diet and enjoy these in moderation if you want them, but a diet based on non nutritious processed food isn't going to give your body the nutrients it really needs to stay healthy. Now what is the best diet, well, that can be debated for hours... and may well be different for different people, depending on your sensitivity to certain foods, allergies, intolerances, susceptibility or risk factors for disease (genetically/ hereditary illness in family), current illness / health situation. But it does seem that many faced with life threatening disease do opt for plant based diets, alkaline diets, removing processed foods, and lowering meat, dairy and sugar intake. Personally this is what I consider a healthy diet, but why wait until you are ill before improving your diet, ive been vegetarian for 25 years and following alkaline 70:30 for the last couple of years and am lowering my dairy at the moment and adding hormone balancing foods. Its a journey and im doing it a my own pace, one that I can manage, but each little thing I do, I know is going to add up to a healthier me. But at the very least, most of us don't even eat the minimum 5 a day fruit and veg, so regardless of what you consider a healthy diet to contain, most people would agree that getting some good nutrients from more veg and fruit would be a good place to start!

Exercise.
We all know that exercise is important, for heart health, bone, joint, muscle health, posture, lungs... pretty much every part of the body benefits from moving around. What's the best type of exercise? well we could debate that for hours depending on the person, but walking, swimming, riding a bike, participating in sports, dancing, going to the gym, taking up a martial art or an exercise class, there's something out there for everyone. But it isn't just what the body needs that benefits here. Serotonin, the feel good hormone is released during exercise and, well, most people will tell you they just feel better after they exercise, whether that's a result of hormones, getting out in the fresh air, or just taking time out from your day to do something positive for yourself, the feeling of accomplishment, whatever it is, it makes you feel good so exercise is helping your mental as well as physical health. Finding something you enjoy is really important as its more likely to become part of your lifestyle.

Emotional Health
Emotional & Mental health, well I just touched on that. Im not just talking about severe mental illness, depression etc, I m taking about general feeling of wellbeing and happiness, whether you get stressed or feel down. Emotional well being is probably the least looked after aspect of our health. So what can we do to help stay emotionally well? Exercise is probably the most under utilised anti depressant there is. Like I said, whatever causes it, exercise has a positive affect on mood and emotion. A morning walk, can clear the mind, give you space to think, plan and take a little time for yourself before the day runs away from you. You feel good because you already accomplished something positive before the day got going and that positivity can last throughout the day. Stress, life has become so fast pace since the internet took off, everything has to be done faster, our crazy busy multitasking lives where everything has to be done yesterday and demand for your time and attention are higher than ever before, juggling a thousand tasks, feeling overwhelmed can come to anyone, sometimes completely out of the blue, one day you are invincible, but the next, you don't know where to start, yoga, tai chi, meditation can really help to slow things down for a little time, so you can focus your mind and rejuvenate. Making time to do something you enjoy, a hobby, meeting a friend for a cuppa, or seeking professional help for a problem, theres so much we can do if we recognise its important. Most of us are so busy running a family and earning a living that we forget to take a breath and actually enjoy our life!

Pollution / Toxins
So you may do all this already, so you are already doing an amazing job of keeping your mind and body healthy, but there's still another aspect to consider. In our industrialised, technological world, there are pollutants, chemicals & toxins all around us and these can have a negative impact on our body too. In the last year I have stopped using products containing parabans which have an oestrogen like affect on the body, ive stopped heating food in plastic containers in the microwave as that can also release oestrogen like chemicals into food. Smoking, car pollution, factory smoke, pesticides, artificial additives to food, we are bombarded by man made chemicals every day and little by little the effects can add up, so I try and reduce the amount of processed food I eat to a minimum , avoid artificial sweeteners wherever possible, choose oil or butter over man made margarine, little changes, but they add up so quick if not aware, just simply choosing organic produce or at least thoroughly cleaning fruit and veg before eating can make a difference. And whle I mention fruit and veg... diets really important here too... if you eat lots of antioxidants, it helps mop up all the nasty free radicals that cause havoc in the body from stress poor diet and pollution!

So my message is...
Don't wait until life forces you to re-evaluate your life, just have a think now, look at how you are doing and see if theres something more you can do to preserve your best health and fitness for the future. Give your health a second chance!
Heres to a healthy future!


Sunday 8 March 2015

GSH Ignite Product Review

I try to eat clean as much as possible, but I do use supplements, but when I do, I like them to be as natural as possible, and to have additional health benefits too. I haven't used pre workouts or thermogenic fat burners for a few years as I just wasn't happy with the ingredients in most of them, but I've recently been introduced to GSH Ignite. So what is GSH? Well here is what the company say about it, what it contains, what it does and why it works, followed by my personal experience of using this product. The claims about their ingredients have been clinically proven, see their website for information.

Undenatured whey protein has been shown to significantly enhance muscular performance, GSH Igniteincluding peak power and work capacity (strength). It promotes a natural anabolic state in the body, the formation of lean muscle mass, and may also enhance endurance by fighting against oxidative stress, which causes muscle fatigue.

GSH and SOD are your body’s most powerful intracellular antioxidants. But as you age, their production declines, leaving your cells vulnerable to free radicals and forcing them to decrease their energy production. Elevating your SOD and GSH levels allows cells to produce more energy, more efficiently for a natural, sustained energy boost throughout your day.

Athletes who have first-hand experience with the destructive side effects of “quick fix” products are choosing supplements, like GSH Ignite, to enhance performance and well being naturally. Ignite is perfect for the health-conscious who want to skip or cut back on the coffee and energy drinks for a naturally sustained boost.

Not all proteins are created equal
You need extra protein to maintain, repair, and grow lean muscle mass. Protein is important because it shortens your recovery time and improves muscle strength. But not all proteins are created equal. GSH Ignite is clinically proven to:
  • Increase strength and explosive power†
  • Decreases muscle fatigue†
  • Enhance athletic performance†
  • Reduce respiratory fatigue†
  • Supports healthy heart function†
  • Increases lean body mass†
  • Boosts your immune system†
  • Supports healthy joints and cells†
GSH Ignite For Mid-performance Energy Boost
Power. Strength. Performance. Naturally. As a protein-packed energy boost, GSH Ignite provides the cellular energy you need while protecting your cells from free radical damage.
GSH Ignite reduces and even delays the onset of muscle and respiratory fatigue while increasing your peak power and strength. Push yourself harder, faster and longer. With GSH Ignite, your body can take it. GSH Ignite addresses three main factors that affect performance energy:
  • Supports cellular respiration†
  • Reduces muscle fatigue†
  • Reduces respiratory fatigue†
 
The Ignite Naturals product line is designed for experienced athletes and the health-conscious who want a natural solution for enhancing performance, increasing energy and managing weight. Whether you’re training for the Ironman or powering through an intense strength training session, pre-workout nutrition is the most critical element when it comes to setting new personal records. With no artificial ingredients or flavors, GSH Ignite can be mixed with water, coconut water and other mix-ins for even more protein.

GSH Ignite’s premium quality undenatured hormone-free whey protein boosts your immune system and raises your body’s own natural energy production. Add a proprietary blend of all-natural ingredients and you’ve got even more performance-enhancing benefits – all in a single serving.
 
GSH Ignite optimizes cellular function. Free radicals steal electrons from stable molecules, causing damage to cellular function, energy production, and even your DNA. GSH Ignite’s ingredients boost performance energy by binding to and neutralizing free radicals before they sabotage your performance and health.
 
GSH Ignite’s propriety blend of antioxidants supports your immune system and helps your body fight off disease and infection. Free radicals increase pro-inflammatory cytokines, which tax your immune system leaving your body vulnerable to illness and disease. GSH Ignite (natural cocoa) is full of antioxidants including:
  • Goji berries are small red berries containing an extensive list of beneficial compounds and essential nutrients, including 18 amino acids, 6 essential vitamins, 5 carotenoids, and 2 essential fatty acids.
  • Organic turmeric is made from the root of the turmeric plant, shown to have potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-viral properties, as well as the ability to selectively kill a wide range of tumor cells.
  • Cordyceps (mushrooms) have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer and immune boosting properties. They are believed to provide the body with increased energy by enhancing myocardial ATP generation and mitochondrial electron transport.
  • Organic cocoa, ground from the seeds of the cacao tree, has been found to be an effective antioxidant, as well as providing neurotransmitters that increase mental alertness, focus, and happiness.
  • Coconut oil contains significant quantities of monolauric acid—also found in human breast milk— that boosts immunity against microbial infections and viruses.
  • Bacopa Monnieri (herb) is used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine as a memory enhancer, anti-inflammatory agent, nerve tonic and heart tonic.
  • Royal jelly is honeybee secretions found to possess anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti- fatigue and immune boosting properties.
  • Glisodin is a patented 100% vegetable source of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD). It stimulates cellular defense against free radicals, boosting your immune system and helping to protect your skin from sun damage.
  • Grape seed extract protects blood capillaries and heart function, as well as being an anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory agent.
Why I like it?
whats not to like? Ignites products are all real food ingredients and contain no hormones, no processed sugars, no GMO’s and no stimulants. GSH Ignite has a chocolate flavour, its not overly sweet or too strong in flavour, which for me, is perfect for something i'll be drinking just prior to, or while working out. I've been using this as a pre / intra workout drink for about 6 weeks and I have to say, I've been lifting heavier and recovering quicker. I've been focusing on my off season on improving certain body parts and adding muscle generally and people i see every day at the gym, have started to comment on how I look like I've gained muscle, so its not just me that's noticing the difference. Im vegetarian, I am an ectomorph (tall and skinny), so gaining muscle and changing body shape is a hard process, so to see a difference relatively quickly is fantastic! I love the fact its a natural supplement, so I could use this right up to a competition and not be worried about artificial sweeteners etc. that I would normally eliminate close to a competition as well as avoiding generally due to possible health risks associated with them. I love that there are no stimulants, so you don't get that quick burst of energy followed by the 'crash'.
I love the fact there is so much contained in this product, protein, energy and antioxidants, for improved performance, enhanced recovery and full of extra health benefits! Its jam packed full of good stuff! This is a high quality supplement containing well thought out, good quality ingredients. So if you are health conscious, prefer natural ingredients, want to avoid artificial stimulants, artificial ingredients but do want a pre / intra work out supplement, this is a great option to consider. Its not a cheap supplement, but I do believe with supplements, you do get what you pay for. Having tried it for a month, I will definitely be continuing to use this product. Ignite is widely available in USA and Europe, in the UK its newly launched with Invivohealthperformance.com
More product reviews coming soon...