'Exercising' Your Antioxidants

I realize that most of us are aware of at least some of the health benefits of antioxidants. My blog posting from 4/26/10 gives an overview of the importance of antioxidants and includes a recommendation at the end for when it's best to take antioxidants, including right after vigorous exercise. A bit more about that...since so many of my friends & family members are really getting into serious exercise routines & training for marathons---you're my inspiration!

Dr. Kenneth Cooper (considered the 'father' of aerobics---founded The Cooper Institute in Dallas at the Cooper Aerobics Center) states that "antioxidant supplements are mandatory for adults who exercise." (Dr. Kenneth Cooper's Antioxidant Revolution: 1994; Thomas Nelson Publishers) This is due in part to the increase in oxygen reactions in our bodies that occur with exercise, especially high-intensity exercise. These oxygen reactions can lead to free radical production, which can, as the April blog posting explains, damage cells and accelerate the progression of cancer, cardiovascular disease and age-related diseases.

Dr. Russell Blaylock echoes Dr. Cooper's recommendation by explaining it this way: "The important thing to remember is that the number of free radicals generated during exercise depends on the intensity of the exercise and its duration...Unless antioxidants in the diet are proportionately increased, intense exercise can actually do more harm than good." (Health & Nutrition Secrets That Can Save Your Life: 2006; Health Press)

Now don't even think about using this as the perfect excuse to avoid exercising---there are WAY too many health benefits derived from regular exercise. :) The key is to give your body what it needs to 'deal with' the effects of exercising---and it's as simple as eating afoods high in antioxidants or taking a comprehensive antioxidant supplement (preferably an organic, whole food version).

Foods high in antioxidants: raisins, blueberries, blackberries, raspberries, strawberries, plums, spinach (raw is highest), kale, broccoli, avocado, alfalfa sprouts, sweet potatoes, carrots, peas...most fruits & veggies have antioxidants...these are some of the 'heavy hitters.'

My family & I incorporate many of these fruits & veggies into our diet (juicing helps!) and take a whole-food, organic antioxidant juice blend as well. Very inexpensive 'health insurance' we have built into our daily lives.

Back to the books---God's blessings on your health!
Sana

Which Do You Prefer...Exercise or Physical Activity?

It seems as though the media (along with other entities) is trying to soften or 'pretty up' the concept of regular exercise by calling it 'physical activity' (which it is, obviously). So call it whatever you choose---to make it sound appealing---then just DO IT! Below is some serious ammunition (health reasons) to spur you on:

Exercise helps prevent obesity, heart disease, diabetes, stroke, hormone imbalances, depression and some forms of cancer.(This is actually a US law: 103-417!)

The CDC reports that 70% of Americans are not active enough to benefit their health. Not a surprise to the majority of us---A definite 'wake-up call' though!

Medical studies have shown that 90 minutes of exercise a week controlled depression better than tri-cyclic antidepressant drugs. The benefits took 8 weeks to reach this level. WOW!

By combining exercise with nutritional supplementation you get exponential benefits to the immune function:
*Humans that took nutritional supplements increased NK cells 18% for 6 hours. (Natural Killer cells--they're good guys! They destroy fatal viruses, cancers, and bacteria)
*Humans that exercised increased NK cells 13% for 6 hours.
*Humans that did both increased NK cells 255% for 20 hours!!

Walking is one of the best forms of exercise. Take out your calendar and schedule it in your day. What a great investment to make in your health...and...yup...it's FREE as well! (Unless you need a new pair of walking shoes---or opt for a pair of weighted fitness shoes like I wear each morning!).

The benefits are TOO GREAT to ignore. Start your regular exercise plan TODAY--don't wait for a new month, a new season, a new walking outfit---just DO IT!

Blessings of health to you--
Sana