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Bacteria is the past, present, and FUTURE of humanity

During high school, I was responsible for a group of 20 kids at an outdoor environmental camp. Aside from the typical antics of 12 year olds, I led the group in a participatory song and dance in which they followed my lead. We chanted, “Soil isn’t Dirty, It’s ALIVE!” while moving our arms and legs to the naturalistic beat. Mom would be proud.

Okay, maybe I wasn’t the best lyracist at the time, but sometimes we take for granted what the true foundation of life is.

Our lives are dependent on their lives

Our lives are dependent on their lives

Bacteria:

  • Single celled organisms
  • Ubiquitous (omnipresent, everywhere) in every habitat on Earth
  • Necessary for nearly all functions of the human body
  • The average human body consists of about 10,000,000,000,000 or about ten trillion human cells. Multiply that number by TEN to find the amount of Bacterial cells in the human intestional system alone!

Why is Bacteria so important to life on this planet?

Keep in mind that there are many species of bacteria, some of which is detrimental to humans, but most is necessary for processing and nutrient recycling. Soil bacteria recycles a fundamental nutrient, Nitrogen, allowing plants to grow and feed off of the life force of millions of years.

Bacteria is often a TEAM player. Other bacteria in the soil works alongside fungus in to recycle Carbon — the base of all life (both Trees and Humans are carbon based). Inside your intestines, Bacteria breaks down carbohydrates (especially Fiber which we cannot digest), and the more HEALTHY bacteria we have, the less BAD bacteria we have. Get it? Good bacteria PUSHES OUT bad bacteria, both physically and by producing antioxidant compounds.

One of the best ways to AVOID every single infectious disease known to man is through healthy intestional flora.

The broad spectrum of bacteria has implications from everything to Waste Management to Human Health. Let’s focus in on Human Flora for now because this IS a health blog afterall.

First, What factors contribute to UNHEALTHY human bacterial flora?

  1. Poor diet: eating lots of processed foods, GMO foods, etc
  2. Lack of Fiber in the diet: Bacteria ferment dietary fiber and can reproduce from the food. Fiber such as Inulin are known as Prebiotics, which actually feed the healthy bacteria in your intestines.
  3. Caffeine, alcohol, etc. you name it.
  4. Poor pH balance in the intestines

But what does it REALLY mean, if you have unhealthy flora in your body?

  • Increased likelihood of inflammatory diseases in the bowels and intestines like Crohn’s disease.
  • More viral outbreaks, especially all forms of Herpes and the Flu.
  • Greater chance of vaginal bacterial infections AND vaginal yeast infections (healthy bacteria keeps Candida at bay)
  • In fact, when your personal human flora is unbalanced, you’re at risk for nearly every digestive, inflammatory, and infectious disease known to man…even cancer.

ENOUGH with the Negativity, What can WE do to keep ourselves healthy?

Fortunately, there are many ways to influence proper balance of human flora. We do know that the health of human flora is directly linked to the health of the host (you) so as we put more effort into keeping our flora happy, we will be happier too. Literally.

Top 10 ways to keep Our Own Personal Bacteria Healthy:

Coming up in the next installment Tomorrow…


Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion
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Branched-Chain Aminos as a STAPLE Fitness Supplement

Staying fit isn’t hard with the right tools.

There are tablets that are proven to…

  1. Give you energy
  2. Assist leanness
  3. Promote optimal levels of balance in body

Lean with ease

And even more benefits…

  • Decrease muscle soreness
  • Improve endurance, especially in high temperature situations
  • Increased strength gains
  • and, a…strong Healthy YOU!

They ARE… Branched Chain Amino Acids

Besides being one of the most safe and dependable fitness supplement, Branced Chain Amino Acids (BCAA’s for short) are three essential amino acids found in muscle. Most of us acquire these amino acids through dietary sources of protein such as chicken or tofu, yet supplementation of BCAA’s in the proper ratio leads to all of the benefits listed above.

There are 22 standard amino acids found in protein. BCAA’s are like the Three Amigos: each amino acid has a unique relationship and function to the others.

Aminos are just like Amigos, except much more elemental

Branched Chain Aminos are just like Amigos, except better dressed

The Three Aminos:

L-LeucineL-Leucine


L-IsoleucineL-Isoleucine



L-ValineL-Valine

Essentially, BCAA’s stimulate the metabolic pathway, which results in net protein growth.

How, When, Where, and WHY?

This is how to take BCAA’s…

  1. Anytime of the day, to give you energy and maintain strength through muscle loss prevention.
  2. Prior to physical activities for endurance, sustainability, and performance. (Before a hike, a run, sports, or even a long night of dancing!)
  3. Just before a meal. Your meal will become even more anabolic, which means you can burn fat easier!
  4. DURING intense physical activity. Aside from the benefits above, weightlifters were found to have increased testosterone levels after the workout, as opposed to DECREASED testosterone levels that most people unknowingly experience.
  5. Who am I kidding? You can take BCAAS ANYTIME ANYWHERE!

My own personal use:

  • BCAA’s before and after workouts
  • I bring along a bottle in my bag for when I’m mobile. I would use BCAAs instead of McDonalds anyday. But, usually it’s best when I’m staying in someone elses place for the night.
  • At work during breaks.

If you are interested in any of the above benefits that I experience on a daily basis, go try a bottle. Right now, I’m using…

For some its about looks, for me its about strength.

For some it is about looks, for me it's about strength.

and for bumping up the power of my Green Vibrance health shakes, I often use:

Three Aminos in a powdered form, value and quality.

Three Aminos in a powdered form, value and quality.

Final points:

  • BCAA’s are as good for women as they are for men
  • Strength and muscle only comes through hard work, and nutrition is KEY.
  • Average serving size is 4-6 capsules, if you can’t swallow those, choose BCAA in powdered form.
  • BCAA’s are just one secret we have today for healthy, permanent leanness. Why would you pass it up?
Physical Fitness by Dre
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Burning Fat without EVEN thinking about Calories!

Burning Fat without EVEN thinking about Calories!

  1. Consume a diet 33% protein, 33% carbs, and 33% fat.
  2. Increase ratio of protein to carbs in as many meals as possible. Tip: Lean meat, fish, cottage cheese, yogurt, and protein shakes can be the foundation of protein in the diet.
  3. Eat HIGH Protein ALL DAY LONG. However, consume more of your carbs in the morning, and more of your fats in the afternoon for optimal nutrient efficiency. For example, enjoy a bowl of oatmeal in the morning, and then have almonds as a snack in the afternoon.
  4. Decrease overall carbohydrates consumption. EXCEPTION: High density carbohydrates are beneficial to body composition. You can eat as many vegetables, fruits, and greens as you want. In addition, beans and oatmeal are also especially healthy and give great energy for the days events.
  5. MORE Fiber! Okay, there is such a thing as too much fiber, but don’t ask me about that, pal! Anyway, 25 grams fiber per day is a healthy amount, keeps you regular and relatively detoxified. More importantly, fiber also controls your blood sugar so you are no longer a slave to hunger!
  6. Exercise, Exercise, Exercise! No brainer here. More energy expended on physical activity has a whole range of health benefits as well as promoting the BURNING of PURE fat!
  7. Surround yourself with fit people. Yes, genetics plays a role, but lifestyle is key. Does your current support system encourage your weight loss or are their negative habits toxic? Communication helps, so lets make sure we’re all on the same page about each other’s health. Personally, I like when my family, friends, and girlfriends enjoys living healthy with me. I suppose our healthy habits rub off on each other. In fact, my father’s dedication to exercise and running accomplishments have inspired me for years.

My final points are simple and practical

  • Exercise and Nutrition reduce incidence of nearly every disease known to man.
  • Sick family is emotionally painful, while a sick healthcare system is expensive.
  • Fitness is a path to vitality that hundreds of millions are traveling, but each experience is unique as the person behind the subcutaneous fat.
  • Do it for you, not for anyone else.
  • Fitness can be highly satisfying, improve relationships, and SAVE YOU TONS OF MONEY!

I look toward the future, knowing we’re all on the same team.

...and it works...

Sometimes all it takes is a little perspective.

Time is Money Weightloss Now
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Arm and Shoulder PAIN! Could it be from your posture?

Earlier today, a customer complained of an aching elbow at his triceps. Scanning the selection, he confidently chose a powdered blend of herbs, spices, and proteins for anti-inflammatory joint rujivination and remarked, “Even though I feel this way, I’m going to continue to push on.” I approve of his supplement choice, which I see as a check deposited into his personal bank of health. Yet, I often consider that it is but one piece in the puzzle.

Great supplement, but just one slice of health.

Great supplement, but just one slice of health.

Anyone who has ever lifted a weight has probably felt what is known as “Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness” which occurs for up to several days after a physically demanding session. That is normal and expected anytime you try a new exercise or routine, and the soreness disapears after you increase exercise frequency. Some people actually enjoy they muscle soreness because they feel like it is a constant reminder of making new progress.

However, for THIS gentleman today, his pain increased ALONG WITH exercise frequency. Watch out! Now this is a real sign of entering “Overuse Injury” territory. Pain in the triceps muscles  is usually due to overuse and should subside by laying off the muscle for a few weeks in addition to gentle stretching exercises.

But does that really solve the problem!?

AND, FOR HOW LONG?

In fact, a chronic pain in the upper arm may often be linked to either forearm weakness or shoulder girdle strength imbalances. These links must be addressed in order to promote optimal musculoskeletal performance. You wouldn’t drive a car with a flat tire would you?

I’ve found that most people’s muscle imbalances can be seen even with a t-shirt on. The main signs are excessive curvature at the spine, or assymetrical shoulders.

Many imbalances can be corrected

Many imbalances can be corrected

KEYS to Back and Shoulder Protection/ aka THE POSTURE SOLUTION

1. Improve shoulder stability at the shoulder blades by activitating and empowering connection between shoulder blade and ribcage (the serratus anterior muscle). We do a push up variation called the Scapula Push Up for two sets of 15 reps.

2. Correct imbalance between excessively weak upper back and overpowering chest muscles by strengthening the romboids, rear deltoids, and lower trapezius. Bands, dumbells, and cables are utilized to strengthen, while we stretch pectorals several times daily.

3. Encourage behavior that motivates standing and sitting with an upright posture worthy of a balanced person. Remember, chest up, and shoulder blades back and down. Oh, and tilt your head to the side if you see a friendly person that you like.

Come on, you can do it! It’s all about awareness. Being aware of your body and how it prefers to move.

As a personal trainer, I would focus on muscle activiation with ligh bands and upper back strengthening with weights.

On the other hand, many have improved their lives with other traditional methods such as tai chi, yoga, and body work. But those are topics of other blogs 😉

For now…

I’m off to do some of my own balancing.

(Technique videos coming soon!!)

Physical Fitness by Dre
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Vitamin D brings entirely bright skeletons to “get fresh air”

Healthy core for life

Healthy core for life

In between intense video gaming sessions of Halo 2 as a kid, my mom would tell me to “get some fresh air.”

But that was before I knew the power of a healthy tan.

Fantastically,

20 minutes in the sun is good enough for Vitamin D production and may even promote peaceful realizations that there is much in life to be accomplished having such a sturdy body.

Video games no longer have the influence that once gripped my time, and now I truly have direction…but am I really spending enough time in the sun for healthy Vitamin D production?

And are you?

Vitamin D: One Key to Healthy Living

The human body is a complex system of processes that requires the full spectrum of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients for healthy functioning.

Vitamin D is essential for the body because it promotes apsorption and healthy blood levels of Calcium and Phosphorus. Both minerals are imperative for health of the skeletal system.

Vitamin D is so important that most, if not all cells in the human body have Vitamin D receptors! Still think you’re getting enough D?

Health Benefits of Vitamin D Supplementation

  • Treament of bone disorders such as Rickets.
  • Skin conditions such as Psoriasis may improve with Vitamin D supplementation.
  • Studies have shown that Muscle weakness/Pain, particularly in the lower back, have improved with Vitamin D supplementation.
  • Research has shown that when blood serum levels of Vitamin D are in a healthy range, then there is less correlation to the following conditions: Cancer, Diabetes, Rate of Falling in Elderly population, Multiple Sclerosis, Osteoporosis, Tooth Loss, and Post-menopausal weight gain.
  • Combined with calcium supplementation, Vitamin D aids in STRONG, HEALTHY BONES for LIFE!

How to Get Enough Vitamin D

  • In summertime, get between 10-30 minutes per day in peak sunlight on as much of your body as (legally) possible.
  • During months or geographical locations where there is insufficient sun: Supplement with 1000-2000 IU of Vitamin D-3 per day. Choose a vitamin brand that you trust.

Vitamin D is necessary for a healthy life. The evidence and the research has shown over and over again, that Vitamin D + Calcium will have your skeletal system running lively and with density.

So…Take your pills in the winter, and get some sun TODAY!

andre

Nutrition, Immunity, and Digestion