Sunday, December 23, 2012

Supplement Insight~ BETA ALANINE for the endurance athlete


Beta Alanine (BA) is an amino acid which is converted by the body into Carnosine.  The benefit of increased Carnosine for endurance athletes is a buffering effect on lactic acid and therefore reduced fatigue in working muscles, especially during interval training, sprints and hill climbs.
Carnosine buffers hydrogen ions, thus lowering acidity – necessary for the balance between production and elimination of lactic acid; it accounts for up to 30% of the pH buffering capacity of the body.

 Ingestion of beta-alanine for four to eight weeks has been shown to elevate muscle Carnosine by up to 65% (Pottier 2007, Harris 2006, Hill 2007). This means the body is capable of buffering more hydrogen and eliminating more lactic acid, the end result for an athlete is an improved lactate threshold.
Beta-alanine supplements should be consumed daily (6g/day) during heavy training blocks for a minimum of four weeks. The buffering effects can be expected to slowly increase from the beginning of training, and sustained throughout the entire training block. Using this supplementation strategy to improve interval workouts or threshold training workouts is the best method to achieve a lasting physiological change that can be carried over into races.
 
At Evelyn Faye you can get BA in capsule or powder form starting from just $17… worth a try!

 

Tuesday, December 11, 2012

HEAVY METAL TOXICITY……..COULD YOU BE EXPOSED?


Most of us have heard about Heavy metal toxicity…..but what does this actually mean??

Everyday we are exposed to many toxicities fom our air, food,  cookware, water, agricultural  nd pharmaceutical manufacturing and heavy metals can be a part of this. These heavy metals can become toxic when they accumulate in the tissues of our body when we have been overexposed.

Our body is a wonderful thing that is constantly  work ing  for us 24 hours a day, 7 days a week trying to   maintain balance and harmony. One way it does this ,in regards to heavy metals ,by driving the heavy metals out of our blood to prevent blood poisoining, but then they get  stored in the tissues of our bodies.

Heavy metals can include: Mercury,  Lead, Aliminium, Cadmium, Copper

 

SYMPTOMS OF HEAVY METAL TOXICITY:

Lower energy levels, fatigue, weakness

• Damage to lungs, kidneys, liver or other vital organs

• Slowly progressing physical, muscular, and neurological degenerative processes

• Damaged or reduced mental and central nervous function

• Nausea and vomiting

• Numbness and tingling – neural burning or pins and needles

• Neuropathies with or without paralysis

Arthralgia and/or myalgia

• Excessive darkening of the skin (hyperpigmentation)

• Excessive formation of skin on the palms and soles (hyperkeratosis)

• Birth defects such as mental retardation and autism

• Dyslexia, hyperactivity, lack of concentration and learning disorders

• Tremors and loss of coordination

Anxiety, forgetfulness, emotional instability and insomnia

Alopecia

• Allergies

• Anaemia

• Headaches and migraines

• Growth impairment and/or osteoporosis

Loss of taste and smell

• Alterations of appetite, leading to weight loss or weight gain

 

For metal toxicity to occur, a patient must be exposed to the metal in question. Major sources of toxicity that can

contribute to the incidence of metal toxicity include

Aluminium: is readily available for human ingestion through the use of food additives, antacids, buffered aspirin, astringents, nasal sprays, and antiperspirants; from automobile exhaust and tobacco smoke; and from using aluminium foil, aluminium cookware, cans, ceramics, and fireworks. Target organs are the central nervous system, kidney, and digestive system.

Lead: accounts for most of the cases of paediatric heavy metal poisoning. A very soft metal, it was used in pipes, drains, and soldering materials for many years, as well as in paints. Target organs are the bones, brain, blood, kidneys, and thyroid gland.

Mercury: continues to be used in thermometers, thermostats, dental amalgam and medicines such as mercurochrome. increased consumption of  deep sea fish such as  Marlin, Tuna, Shark, Swordfish basically fish that have lived for long time in deep sea waters. Algaecides and childhood vaccines are also potential sources. Target organs are the brain and kidneys.

Nickel: used in steel production and found in some jewellery, dental crowns, dental braces. Target organ is the respiratory system.

Cadmium: found in soils because insecticides, fungicides, sludge, and commercial fertilisers containing cadmium are used in agriculture. Cigarettes also contain cadmium, as do dental alloys, motor oil, and car exhaust fumes. Target organs are the liver, placenta, kidneys, lungs, brain, and bones.

Copper:  drinking and using water from Copper pipes, copper cookware

 

Testing for heavy metal toxicity?

Hair tissue mineral analysis tests are available which can test for numerous different metals and there levels in your hair from the  last  2-3 months. Hair is taken from as close to the scalp as possible and musn’t be coloured/dyed for most accurate results. 

 

DIETARY and natural remedy TIPS :

Chlorella is known to be a great heavy metal binder and detoxifier. Also Spirilina, Chlorella and Coriander (also known as cilantro) help to support liver and kidney function.

Sulphar containing foods such as garlic, onion, broccoli, brussel sprouts, cabbage can help to bind to heavy metals.

Fresh juices daily can help to cleanse and detoxify as well as alkalise the sytem. Include ginger, coriander, beetroot, celery , kaleand carrot.

Eating a diet full of fresh organic fruits, vegetables and meats. Avoid processed foods.

Include herbs which help to detoxify, support liver and kidney function and cleanse the blood such as St marys thistle, Burdock and dandelion root and leaf.

Increase antioxidant rich foods such as berries, green tea, raw cacoa, acai, and antioxidant herbs such as grapeseed and olive leaf.

 

Heavy metal chelation and detoxification requires guidance with a trained professional, it is not something that you should decide to do on your own.

Talk to our  trained naturopaths at Evelyn Faye Nutrition today about our detoxification programs and heavy metal chelation therapies and make sure you are getting the right care when it comes to your health and wellbeing.