Muscular Support

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Articles for Muscular Support

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AUSTRALIAN FACT SHEET: Choosing Vitamins for Muscular Support - 06/20/2008

Vitamins for Healthy Muscles

Muscle cramps are often a sign of mineral deficiencies that occur when not enough vital minerals are ingested in the diet. This could occur as a result of the lack of fresh fruits and vegetables in the diet and soils depleted in magnesium from poor farming methods. Caffeine and alcohol can also promote these deficiencies.

Magnesium for Muscle Support

One of the primary minerals necessary to support the muscles is Magnesium. Unfortunately most people don't consume anywhere enough magnesium and are usually well below recommended daily intake levels.

Recommended Daily Amount

It is recommended that we ingest 350mg of Magnesium daily, which may be supported by supplementation if the dietary intake does not meet these requirements.

Type of Magnesium

If you are supplementing with Magnesium, it's important to ensure that you buy quality.  Choose Magnesium Chelate over Magnesium Oxide. Magnesium Oxide oxidises the cells of the body. If you take Magnesium Oxide, you must also supplement with an additional Antioxidant to neutralise the oxidisation process.

 

Disclaimer

Healthy Comparisons does not give or purport to give any medical or healthcare advice and is not qualified to do so. You should not under any circumstances substitute qualified medical advice with information found in this fact sheet. The information contained in this fact sheet does not take into account the physical state, medical status or health requirements of any particular individual which are relevant to the proper diagnosis and treatment of any problem, condition or disorder. You should never use or act upon this information without first properly consulting, and seeking proper information and advice from, a qualified healthcare professional. Healthy Comparisons, its related companies and its licensors expressly disclaim all responsibility for and liability in respect of the accuracy of the information provided in the website, its improper application and the consequences of anyone's failure to obtain a proper medical examination and advice from a qualified healthcare professional in the relevant circumstances.

© HealthyComparisons.com.au 2008

Magnesium - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File - 03/04/2008

Magnesium - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File

Magnesium is an absolutely crucial mineral for the health of the heart, vascular system, lungs and bone.  The Chinese symbol for "magnesium" consists of the symbols for "mineral" and "beautiful." It is the second most abundant intracellular mineral, activates over 300 enzymes and balances extracellular calcium. It's role in the body includes:

  • Acting as the bodies natural calcium antagonist.
  • It is essential for stability of cell function, DNA repair and maintaining antioxidant status of the cell.
  • Many of the B vitamins are activated by magnesium. If B vitamins are taken when magnesium is deficient they are not as effective.
  • it is involved in metabolism of carbohydrates, fats and amino acids.
  • Formation of bones and teeth.
  • Stabalisation of cell membranes.
  • Normal function of the cardiovascular and nervous systems.
  • Muscle relaxation.
  • Magnesium is required for the production and strage of energy as ATP.

Unfortunately most people don't consume anywhere enough magnesium and are usually well below recommended daily intake levels. Almost everyone is magnesium deficient.

Benefits of magnesium supplementation include:

  • Reduction in blood pressure. Magnesium is a natural calcium channel blocker.
  • Prevention of atherosclerosis
  • Prevention of metabolic syndrome
  • Correction of arrhythmias
  • Reduced cardiac mortality.
  • Improved functioning of the endocrine and immune system.
  • Improved bone density
  • Improved sleep
  • Current research is being done in the use of magnesium to protect the brain from damage after a stroke. 
  • A study in the January 2005 edition of the Journal of the American Medical Association looked at the magnesium intake of over 60,000 Swedish women and found that the higher the intake of magnesium, the lower the risk of developing colorectal cancer.
  • Magnesium is also required for adequate thyroid and adrenal gland function. People with magnesium deficiency are more likely to develop adrenal fatigue and not tolerate thyroid hormone replacement.

A study reported in the journal Circulation showed that people with a higher intake of magnesium had a lower incidence of metabolic syndrome compared to those with a low intake.  Those with an intake of magnesium in the top quarter were 31% less likely to develop metabolic syndrome than those in the bottom quarter.

Recent research has also shown that adults consuming less than recommended amounts of magnesium are nearly twice as likely to have elevated levels of C- reactive protein (CRP) which is a marker for generalised inflammation.  It is inflammation of coronary arteries which has been identified as the root cause of heart disease. Similarly, inflammation results in atherosclerosis of arteries to the brain and ultimately the blood clots in the diseased arteries which break off and result in a stroke   Inflammation also plays a role in the development of atherosclerosis, cancer and Alzheimer's disease.

Commonest causes of magnesium deficiency are alcohol and caffeine use. Alcohol prevents the reabsorption of magnesium by the kidneys. Wine contains some magnesium and is much less of a problem than spirits.

Determining total body levels of magnesium is difficult.  About 1/4 of the total amount of magnesium is found in muscle and about 3/5 in bone. Less than 1% is in serum. A typical blood test checks for magnesium in serum.  Unfortunately this is totally unreliable in determining total body levels. The amount of magnesium carried in the red cells (called a red cell magnesium level) is a slightly better test as is a hair analysis.  However people who don't eat a lot of the high magnesium foods listed below are best to add a good magnesium supplement to their nutritional regime, regardless of the tests.

Foods high in magnesium include green vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds and whole grains.  Refined grains such as white flour have had the magnesium rich components removed.  Magnesium is such an important yet low-cost mineral that ensuring an adequate intake of magnesium in the community is a simple yet highly effective preventative health measure that would help reduce the growing incidence of heart attacks and strokes. Many people require 600-1000 mg of high-quality magnesium until their deficiency resolves. I recommend maintenance doses of 300mg elemental magnesium. Magnesium comes in various forms. Try to avoid magnesium oxide which is almost totally insoluble. Any metal combined with an oxide has very low absorption potential. Magnesium orotate, chloride or ascorbate are preferred forms. Vitamin E accelerates the restoration of intracellular magnesium levels.

Unfortunately, the lower a person is in magnesium, the poorer their absorption of it and many people can never restore levels orally. At the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre, clinicians believe that it many cases of chronically low magnesium, the only way to restore normal levels is with transdermal magnesium. Specialised magnesium oil is now available at the Centre for this purpose. Transdermal magnesium has the added benefit of being able to naturally raise DHEA levels which neither oral nor intravenous magnesium will.

About the Author

Dr Greg Emerson is the Founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre which opened in October 2005. He is a consultant in Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He is also a senior specialist in Emergency Medicine and in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. For 18 years he practiced in several large public hospitals including a period of time as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at a major trauma hospital in Canada and as the Director of a leading Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. He is a lecturer, examiner and current board member for the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and a past-examiner for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. A long personal battle with illness led him on a profound exploration of healing processes and the prevention of illness. He reappraised both his medical focus and the way he approached health care delivery.

He believes in the intrinsic ability of the body to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness is addressed. His practice revolves around three core principles, in the belief that almost all non-traumatic illnesses will respond to these principles:

  • Elimination of food and chemical sensitivities
  • Alkalinisation and detoxification
  • Balancing of hormones

Dr Emerson regularly lectures both within Australia and internationally on Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He also runs his own successful international medical conference. His mission is to provide people with the knowledge, tools and motivation to live a life of extraordinary health, vitality and longevity.

The Emerson Health and Wellness Centre now has 2 DVD's available for purchase direct from the website. Visit the Emerson Health & Wellness Centre Website for more information.

 

Whey Protein - Nature's Amazing Muscle Builder - 01/15/2008

Whey Protein - Nature's Amazing Muscle Builder

Are you concerned about taking care of your body before and after strenuous activities or workouts? Do you try to avoid supplements that contain additives and possible side effects?

If you are interested in better health and improved physical fitness you have surely heard that bodybuilders and other athletes are turning to a simple, natural supplement called whey protein.

WHY DO ATHLETES USE WHEY PROTEIN?

Protein levels are depleted through exercise. Muscles require amino acids to prevent deterioration, give endurance and build mass. Proteins supply these amino acids to the muscles which is why athletes use whey protein.

WHAT IS WHEY PROTEIN?

Commercial whey protein comes from cow's milk. Whey is the by-product of making cheese and was usually thrown away as a waste product. Now researchers know that whey protein is high quality, natural protein that is rich with amino acids essential for good health and muscle building. It is naturally found in mother's milk and also used in baby formula. It is being considered for use as a fortifier of grain products because of its considerable health benefits and bland flavor.

Although protein is also found in other foods such as meat, soy and vegetables, whey protein is proven to have the highest absorption (digestion) levels in comparison to all others.

WHO SHOULD CONSIDER USING WHEY PROTEIN?

Whey protein has many health benefits including immune support, bone health, sports health, weight management and overall well being.

Because amino acids are 'building blocks' for the human body it is sometimes used by patients to speed up the healing of wounds or burns.

The high quality protein that comes from whey makes it a recommended choice for those who need optimal benefits from restricted diets including diabetics, those on weight management diets and even ill patients not able to consume enough protein in their diet to assist with healing.

CAN WHEY PROTEIN BE DANGEROUS?

Whey protein is a food and so it does not have have the risks associated with other supplements. That said, too much of anything carries risks. Extremely high use of whey protein can overload the liver which can cause serious problems. Moderation is always recommended.

If you are lactose intolerant you might try whey protein isolate which has less than 1% lactose and should be tolerable for most users.

Whey protein is a natural and healthy way to bring protein into your diet and increase well being.

Source: http://www.healthguidance.org/authors/404/Nicky-Pilkington 

Nicky Pilkington

Nicky Pilkington writes for http://www.healthandfinesse.com

Creatine - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File - 03/04/2008

Creatine - Nutrition & Environmental Medicine Fact File

Creatine is a promising, well researched and safe supplement with a variety of uses.  Creatine helps the body generate energy by recycling the body's energy currency adenosine triphosphate (ATP).

In multiple studies it has increased strength and muscle mass in young adults in rehabilitative strength training.  Older adults experience a progressive loss of muscle with age. This is known as sarcopenia. It starts at the age of 40 and accelerates at the age of 75. As is often the case in health, sarcopenia is easier to prevent than to treat. The cause of sarcopenia is multifactorial -- increasing physical inactivity, decreasing hormone levels, lack of adequate protein, free radicals and inflammation.

As muscles age, they have a deterioration in their ability to produce energy, detoxify and defend against free radical damage.  Recent studies have confirmed the benefit of creatine in older adults, especially when combined with resistance training.  It improves both muscle strength and size.  It has also been shown to reduce cell damage and inflammation in exercising muscle.

Ongoing studies suggest that creatine is an important nutrient for brain function.  Brain function is very sensitive to levels of ATP. Creatine has been shown to raise ATP levels and helps protect the nervous system against ischaemic (progressive reduction in blood supply) and free radical damage. A study in vegetarians has shown improved intellectual scores after six weeks of creatine supplementation.

Continuous use is both safe and well tolerated.

In my opinion, indications for its use are:

  • anybody rehabilitating from a muscle injury (5 grams daily)
  • anybody involved in highly strenuous exercise (5 grams daily)
  • anybody over the age of 60 on an exercise program to maintain muscle strength (3 grams daily)
  • anybody with a traumatic or ischaemic brain injury (5 grams daily)

Its use is contraindicated in people with kidney failure and it should never be used in more than the recommended amount. Occasionally muscle cramping can be caused by its use but this can be avoided by increasing fluid intake. Safest use is to use it for 8 weeks and then have 8 weeks off, before repeating the cycle.

About the Author

Dr Greg Emerson is the Founder and Medical Director of the Emerson Health and Wellness Centre which opened in October 2005. He is a consultant in Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He is also a senior specialist in Emergency Medicine and in Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine. For 18 years he practiced in several large public hospitals including a period of time as an Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at a major trauma hospital in Canada and as the Director of a leading Diving and Hyperbaric Medicine Unit. He is a lecturer, examiner and current board member for the Australian College of Nutritional and Environmental Medicine and a past-examiner for the Australasian College of Emergency Medicine. A long personal battle with illness led him on a profound exploration of healing processes and the prevention of illness. He reappraised both his medical focus and the way he approached health care delivery.

He believes in the intrinsic ability of the body to heal itself if the underlying cause of the illness is addressed. His practice revolves around three core principles, in the belief that almost all non-traumatic illnesses will respond to these principles:

  • Elimination of food and chemical sensitivities
  • Alkalinisation and detoxification
  • Balancing of hormones

Dr Emerson regularly lectures both within Australia and internationally on Nutritional and Environmental medicine. He also runs his own successful international medical conference. His mission is to provide people with the knowledge, tools and motivation to live a life of extraordinary health, vitality and longevity.

The Emerson Health and Wellness Centre now has 2 DVD's available for purchase direct from the website. Visit the