You may be wondering if you need Gut Right in your life? Well, you do! Here’s why. Gut Right is a great Modbiotic supplement that can enhance metabolism and the daily functioning of the body by correcting the gut’s bug composition. From improving physical and metal composition to improving the immune system, Gut Right can set right a lot of your body’s mechanisms.
Gut Right can provide the following benefits:
Gut Right can return your gut’s bug ratios to normal
It can cure allergies and reverse intolerances
Gut Right can enhance your immune system
It can boost detoxification processes in the liver and body
Gut Right reduces inflammation
It enhances insulin absorption
Gut Right boosts a healthy metabolism
It eliminates yeast infections by killing candida (fungi, moulds and yeasts)
Gut Right enhances thinking clarity and mental performance
It removes parasites and increases Bacteroidetes
Gut Right prevents the gut wall from leaking
Gut Right harnesses the power of natural bacteria to enhance daily body functions and metabolism that, in turn, prevents infections and enables better body and mind function.
What is a Modbiotic? Why does your body need it?
Our gut microbe ratios have been disturbed by unhealthy eating.
The goal of a Modbiotic is to destroy bad bugs and increase good bugs in your body. It is required to return the body’s state to normal by elevating our rapidly deteriorating health. Has our health declined over the years? Yes. This is because our eating and recreation habits changed over the last decade. But, our genetic composition hasn’t evolved enough to deal with those changes. That’s why this generation is suffering from more lifestyle disorders such as diabetes, respiratory and cardiac dysfunction than before.
Modbiotics such as Gut Right kill bad bacteria and increase good bacteria.
Modbiotics are supplements that contain antimicrobial, antifungal, antibacterial compounds such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, glucans and other such compounds. This mix of natural components is created to correct the imbalances created by our unregulated eating. Changing the way you eat in today’s world can be tricky. There’s just not enough time or willpower in our busy lives with constant temptations created by fast food.
There are too many sugar-feeding bacteria.
Bacteria such as Firmicutes feed on the excess sugar in our body available because of our sugar-high diet which contains a lot of processed and fast food. Firmicutes increase inflammation and cause ulcers, irritation and degradation of the gut wall linings.
There’s not enough of Bacteroidetes.
Bacteroidetes bacteria are responsible for degrading fat in the body. Today’s diet includes very little Bacteroidetes, which increases our susceptibility to adding unnecessary fat to our bodies.
Gut Right destroys harmful bacteria such as Firmicutes while increasing useful bacteria such as Bacteroidetes. By returning the gut microbe balance, Gut Right can prevent many serious disorders while enhancing the quality of your life and your general health. So don't wait any longer and get Gut Right here at Sportsfuel straight away!
12 WAYS TO COMBAT STRESS, SLEEP BETTER & FEEL AMAZING EVERYDAY
Stress affects us all. Some days it's worse than others, and over time, it takes its toll on how we look, feel and perform.
Over 90% of adults say they experience stress or anxiety daily, and 74% say it's so great they feel unable to cope1. Add to this physical stress of training, injury, infection, or environmental toxins. Even certain foods can create stress on our bodily systems.
Some acute stress is helpful. However, chronic stress can be very harmful - even deadly!!
Here are ten things stress can cause and 12 ways to effectively combat stress:
Reduced Thyroid Function
Weight Gain
Muscle Loss
Gut Issues
Lowered Sex Drive
Skin Breakouts
Hair Loss
Low Energy
Irritability & Loss of Empathy
Sleep Disturbances
How do we fix this?
1) EXERCISE:
Exercise is more effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression than the top 5 antidepressant medications 2.
It might sound counterintuitive, but regular acute physical stress can significantly combat chronic mental stress. People who exercise regularly are less likely to experience anxiety and depression3.
Exercise releases endorphins and gives you confidence which may help reduce your stress. During or immediately after training, be sure to use essential amino acids like AMINO SWITCH™ to accelerate recovery. AMINO SWITCH™ also contains the adaptogen Schisandra, which has been shown to increase energy and reduce stress.
2) LAUGH:
You've probably heard the term 'LAUGHTER IS THE BEST MEDICINE. Well, when it comes to stress, that is entirely true.
When you have fun and laugh, it's hard to feel stressed. Laughing has a natural lowering effect on cortisol (stress hormones) and increases serotonin (happy hormone). It also activates the Vagus nerve, which helps transport the serotonin from your gut to your brain.
One study showed laughing could help healing by activating the immune system, which could further reduce the effects of physical and emotional stress4. When we are stressed, it lowers our immunity which can result in increased inflammation and reduced recovery.
Try watching comedies or hanging out with people who make you laugh and enjoy life. Once you start, it can become infectious. 😊
3) SING:
Like laughter, singing also boosts serotonin and activates the Vagus nerve. This has a relaxing effect and has been shown to reduce tension, stress, and anxiety.
In one study, the music you enjoyed, because it brought back happy nostalgic memories, was the most effective at reducing stress markers.
So next time you're in the car on your way to or from work, belt out a tune you love at the top of your voice and watch your stress levels drop.
4) SPEND TIME WITH FRIENDS:
People who live the longest, healthiest lives have two things in common: Purpose and community. Supporting friends and hanging out with friends and family can be stress-reducing.
One study showed men and women with the least social connections had the most significant levels of anxiety and depression.
However, pick your friends carefully and hang around people who support your goals and are genuinely fun to be around.
5) SUPPLEMENT:
Many natural ingredients can reduce stress. Here is a list of the top 7 and the supplements you can find them in -
· Magnesium – ADRENAL SWITCH™ & ALPHA SWITCH™
This super important mineral is involved in over 600 bodily processes per day. It is critical for energy metabolism, nervous system relaxation, muscle recovery, energy, and so much more.
Nearly 75% of the population is not getting enough magnesium for their daily needs. Simply supplementing with magnesium citrate after exercise or before bed will profoundly benefit your recovery and lower your cortisol (stress).
· Ashwagandha – ADRENAL SWITCH™ & ALPHA SWITCH™
Known as the king of herbs. This Ayurvedic medicinal root has been used for centuries to help combat fatigue, reduce stress, and support energy. It is an adaptogen class of compounds that aid our mind and body adapt to stress.
Ashwagandha contains a natural compound called Withanolides that have been shown to lower cortisol (stress) and support natural hormone balance.
· Schisandra – AMINO SWITCH™ & ESTRO SWITCH™
This traditional Chinese medicinal berry supports qi (energy & life force). It elicits some of its benefits through liver detoxification. It is also an effective adaptogen (like ashwagandha) and improves how your body responds to caffeine by reducing jitters, improving energy levels and preventing an energy crash.
Schisandra needs to provide high levels of Schisandrin A like that found in AMINO SWITCH™ & ESTRO SWITCH™.
· Alpina galanga – COFFEE SWITCH™, THERMAL SWITCH™ & POWER SWITCH™
This unique alpine grown galangal extract has been shown to improve your tolerance to stress. It was voted 2019 innovative ingredient of the year and outperforms caffeine in focus and alertness scores without activating the central nervous system (without producing adrenaline or cortisol).
Alpina galanga will often be found in combination with caffeine or coffee, as it has been shown to amplify your body's response to caffeine by 30 – 50% and make it feel cleaner & longer lasting.
Alpina may also reduce adenosine in the brain. Therefore, preventing mental fatigue, tiredness and procrastination. It also boosts D2 dopamine receptor sensitivity, which helps combat stress by boosting mood.
The feeling of Alpina and Caffeine together is one of happiness, alertness and profound focus.
· Glycine – ADRENAL SWITCH™ & COLLAGEN SWITCH™
This non-essential amino acid has many benefits, including its tonifying effect on the nervous system. Glycine also helps support connective tissue recovery, immune response, and energy by supporting endogenous (internal) creatine production.
Like GABA, it has a calming effect if used after exercise or before bed. However, Glycine can be consumed before training, where it can help improve energy.
· L-Theanine – ADRENAL SWITCH™
L-Theanine is another non-essential amino acid with the ability to calm your body and brain. L-Theanine is found in green tea and has been shown to take the edge off caffeine (reduce jitters or anxiety) while promoting focus and elevating mood.
· Medicinal Mushrooms – VITALITY SWITCH™ & COFFEE SWITCH™
Medicinal mushrooms have been used in traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine systems for centuries. They are adaptogens that help support your body's response to stress. They're also great at lowering inflammation which could be causing chronic physical stress. Medicinal mushrooms like Shitake, Maitake, Turkey Tail, King Trumpet and Cordyceps support energy and immunity while fighting pathogens like viruses, bacteria, fungus etc.
6) GET YOUR MACROS & MICROS RIGHT:
Undereating or eating calorie-dense but micronutrient depleted food can profoundly affect your mental health, stress, and body fat levels.
Keep in mind 'FOOD CAN CHANGE YOUR MOOD'. Eating food that spikes and then drops your blood sugar levels can leave you exhausted, tired, grumpy, and hungry.
Being in a chronic calorie deficit can increase cortisol (stress hormone), slow fat loss, increase muscle loss, and increase inflammation and stress. Make your diet cyclical and have higher calorie days mixed in with your calorie deficit. Using KETO SWITCH™ between meals or during fasting on your calorie deficit days can reduce muscle loss, support brain function, and reduce hunger.
7) MEDITATION & MINDFULNESS:
We all know meditation and mindfulness are helpful ways of reducing stress. However, some people have difficulty clearing their minds when attempting meditation. Apps like 'Head Space' and others can teach you or guide you through meditation, which can be life-changing.
8) CUDDLE:
Cuddling, hugging, kissing, and sex can relieve stress by promoting the release of oxytocin and serotonin. These practices have been shown to lower blood pressure, heart rate and other emotional and physical symptoms of stress.
Chimpanzees also cuddle friends and family who are stressed, and it has the same hormonal response in our closest primate relatives.
9) YOGA & STRETCHING
Yoga is an ancient Ayurvedic practice that has been shown to lower stress and anxiety for centuries. Studies looking at Yoga's overall effects have shown it to boost mood and lower stress. It may be as effective at treating depression as some medications.
10) BREATHE:
Slowing your breathing helps to activate the parasympathetic (rest, digest, relax & recover) nervous system. It is the opposite of the fight or flight sympathetic nervous system, which is activated by shallow quick breaths.
If you get into anxiety or panic, try 'Box Breathing'.
· Breathe in through your nose for 4 seconds.
· Hold your breath for 4 seconds.
· Exhale through your mouth for 4 seconds.
· Hold the exhale for 4 seconds.
· Repeat 4 times.
11) GET A PET:
Pets are like cuddling. They help us release oxytocin and serotonin. However, sometimes pets are even better because they generally provide unconditional love in return, and the relationships are not as complicated as human ones.
Having a pet may also keep you active as you must exercise them daily, which is stress-relieving.
12) GET OUT IN NATURE:
Being in nature, surrounded by trees, mountains, lakes, streams or even on the beach, listening to the crashing waves is therapeutic and stress relieving. Part of the stress-relieving effect is due to our connection to the planet, and part of it is the disconnection from emails, social media and more which can increase stress.
Another part is the sunlight on our skin boosts Vitamin D, endorphins and oxytocin, which have immune-boosting, hormone-regulating and stress relieving benefits. Disconnect at least once a week and exercise in nature (not just in the gym or around the block). Breathe in the fresh air and take in the calming effects being away from the city provides.
SUMMARY:
There are so many stressors in our lives and multiple ways to help manage or destress. You need to consider what is stressing you the most and make efforts to remove these stressors from your life.
If you practice all the above techniques but continue to expose yourself to a stressful job or relationship, it is like trying to put out a forest fire with a garden hose. It will help but may not prevent all the adverse effects of stress.
Switch Nutrition aim to help people live healthier, more active lifestyles providing your body with all it needs to get the most out of each day with their wide range of products. Check out their range of products here.
One of the most apparent symptoms of stress is a lack of energy or enthusiasm. Getting a good night's sleep by having ADRENAL SWITCH™ before bed will be the number one place to start.
And when you wake up, try replacing your daily brew with COFFEE SWITCH™ for longer-lasting healthier energy!!
Disclaimer: The above article is merely a guide and is in no way a recommendation or a treatment protocol for any health conditions or diseases. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before changing your supplement, training, or nutritional strategy. Formulated Supplementary Sports Foods must not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women, anyone consuming prescription medication or children under the age of 15 unless advised by a qualified healthcare provider.
Magnesium deficiency (or hypomagnesemia) is a common, yet often overlooked health issue. And if left unchecked it can lead to serious health problems.
While there aren't sufficient statistics here in New Zealand, in the United States around 2% of the population are magnesium deficient, while other studies suggest 75% are not meeting their recommended daily magnesium intake.
Magnesium deficiency can also be hard to detect, as the obvious signs typically don’t appear until your levels are unhealthily low. Serious health problems that can develop as a result of low magnesium include: diabetes, celiac disease, hungry bone syndrome and more.
To help you avoid running into these health problems in future, here are 10 signs you might need a magnesium pick me up this winter:
1. You Experience Muscle Twitching And Cramping
Do you experience constant twitches, tremors, or muscle cramps? According to scientists, these symptoms are caused by an increased flow of calcium into your nerve cells. This causes your muscle nerves to become over-stimulated. Supplementing with magnesium is a great way to help calm your over-excited nerves and relieve twitching or cramping.
2. Mental Health Issues
Mental health issues such as depression or anxiety can also be enhanced by a magnesium deficiency. Recent studies found that low magnesium levels came with an increased risk of depression. Scientists have also theorised that low magnesium may promote anxiety - although more research is required on the subject.
3. You Constantly Feel Fatigued Or Weak
Feeling fatigued or tired is another common symptom of magnesium deficiency. Fatigue can be defined as experiencing physical or mental exhaustion. We all feel fatigued from time to time, so you’re likely to have to experience additional symptoms before being diagnosed with a magnesium deficiency.
4. You Have High Blood Pressure
A variety of observational studies have shown that low magnesium levels along with a poor diet, can lead to a rise in blood pressure. Other reviews also found that magnesium supplements had positive effects in lowering blood pressure, which also reduces the risk of heart disease.
5. You’re Asthmatic
Interestingly enough, magnesium deficiency is often found in those with severe asthma. This is due to the fact that a lack of magnesium can lead to a buildup of calcium in the lungs - which constricts your airways and makes breathing more difficult. In some cases asthmatics are given an inhaler with magnesium sulfate to help relax and expand the airways.
6. You Have An Irregular Heartbeat
One of the more serious symptoms of magnesium deficiency is an irregular heartbeat (or heart arrhythmia). Patients who suffered from heart failure were shown to have lower levels of magnesium compared to healthy people. Treating heart patients with magnesium is also proven to help improve the health and function of the heart.
7. You Suffer From Migraines Or Migraine-Like Headaches
Multiple studies have shown that low magnesium levels in the brain can be related to migraines. This is because magnesium is needed for optimal nerve function in the brain. Taking magnesium supplements helps improve your nerve function and can lessen the likelihood of migraine attacks. Just remember to speak to your doctor if your migraines / headaches still continue.
8. You’re Having Trouble Sleeping
Magnesium can help relax the body and the mind, which helps you get a better sleep. It also helps the “GABA” receptors in the brain function properly. GABA is the neurotransmitter which allows the brain to reach a restful state.
9. You Have Weak Bones (Or Osteoporosis)
Osteoporosis is a disorder where your bones become weaker and are more likely to damage or fracture. Factors such as old age and lack of vitamin D and K are commonly associated with this disorder, however magnesium deficiency can also increase the risk of osteoporosis. As well as weakening bones, low magnesium levels can reduce the blood levels of calcium, which is also crucial for bone health.
10. You’re Pregnant
Often the higher the estrogen or progesterone levels in a woman’s body, the lower the magnesium levels. This commonly occurs during pregnancy. This is part of the reason why pregnant women experience more cramps and other muscular problems in the second half of their cycles - as during this time their magnesium levels usually drop.
How Much Magnesium Should You Be Taking?
According to the National Institutes of Health's Office of Dietary Supplements, adult men should consume between 400g and 420mg of magnesium per day.
Women on the other hand should be consuming between 310mg and 320mg daily. It’s also recommended that pregnant women consume a higher dose than those who are not pregnant (as touched on above).
Need high-quality Magnesium?
Check out Sportfuel’s range of magnesium supplements today.
The dreaded weight loss plateau. Has this happened to you? You have been sticking to your diet and the weight has been steadily coming off for several weeks. You, of course, are thrilled and just know that you will be at your goal very soon. Then, one morning you hop on the scale and the number is the same as yesterday. Maybe it's even the same as last week! The number just will not move. You have hit the wall and now you are feeling discouraged and thinking about cheating. You know you have to break through this plateau but don't know-how.
How to Beat the Weight Loss Plateau
First, keep in mind that it is completely normal to hit a plateau. But when you do, you should double down and get back to basics. If you do, you will soon be at your goal. To help you re-start your weight loss, here are eight tips that will help you get your enthusiasm back and lose the rest of that weight.
State Your Weight Loss Goals Clearly
Your goals need to be realistic or you will become discouraged and quit. If your diet is healthy and rich in nutrition, you should be able to lose one or two pounds every week, on average. Of course, some weeks you may lose more and sometimes less.
When setting your goals, keep in mind that people have different body types. You will become discouraged if you compare yourself to someone else. You are unique and your body will tell you what its ideal size and weight should be. Listen to it and see what weight makes you feel the best. That weight is your "ideal" weight.
Follow a Low Carb, High Protein Program
If your program is providing enough protein for maintenance of your lean muscle mass, chances are you will have already lost your stores of muscle and fat. Because it's not good to burn your muscle mass when you are losing weight, you need to take in enough protein to maintain your muscle tissue. For women, that means taking in about 100 grams of protein per day and for men it is about 150 grams per day.
If you find that you are losing muscle mass as you are losing weight, you should focus on building that muscle back up. It will take more calories to build muscle so, when you eat this extra protein, you will begin to lose weight again. Just make sure your program does not sacrifice your muscles and you will be fine.
Include Resistance Training in Your Program
Another great way to boost metabolism and break through the plateau is to include aerobic exercises in your program. For example, you might add free weight or machine resistance training to your routine. This will increase muscle mass and, as a result you will burn more calories faster. And the bonus is that your metabolism will stay higher for up to 21 hours after your workout!
Watch Out For Hidden Carbs
If you have reached a plateau and you are not losing weight, check your diet to be sure you are not taking in vampire carbs that sometimes just sneak in. For example, you would be surprised what foods have hidden sugar. It is found in salad dressings, barbecue sauces and ketchup. It can also be found in prepared gravies and sauces or cornstarch in pre-made foods. It is a good idea to write down everything you eat and drink for a day or two. If you are taking in hidden carbohydrates, they will show up in your journal. They are sabotaging your weight loss and you need to get rid of them. When you do, you should be able to start losing weight again.
Minimize Refined Foods
This means it is important to get refined sugar and grains out of your diet. This includes white rice, pasta, pastries, cookies, cakes and white bread. You will be surprised how much giving these foods up will help you break through your weight loss plateau. As a bonus, you will have more energy and be healthier.
Do Not Let Yourself Be Hungry
If you're like most people, it probably sounds reasonable to you that if you eat less you will lose more. It's counter-intuitive, but that is not the case. Instead, eating several small meals often throughout the day will leave you much less hungry and will help get you through that plateau. Of course, these small meals should consist of healthy snacks and crunchy, raw fresh vegetables. For example, you can grab cucumbers, green peppers and celery sticks when you want something to eat. They also have a very satisfying "munch" quality and you will not feel so deprived.
Drink Plenty of Fluids
With any weight loss program, it is critically important to keep your body hydrated by drinking lots of water every day. That is because your weight loss will actually slow down if you don't get enough water. It is good to get into the habit of carrying a water bottle with you wherever you go. Following this advice will not only help your body burn fat more efficiently but you will not be as hungry.
Remind Yourself Often About Why You Want to Lose Weight
As with many other parts of our lives, we often start a weight loss program with our motivation high and dogged determination to succeed. There is lots of excitement as you drop the first pounds but, as time goes on and you reach a weight loss plateau, you become weary and forget why you ever wanted to lose weight.
This is a good time to remind yourself of your goals
Did you want to lose weight for a special occasion such as a wedding or class reunion? Or maybe you were dieting to lose that extra pregnancy weight or because your doctor told you to get your weight under control to improve your health.
Think about whether or not your original motivation is still working for you. If it is not, find a new reason to lose weight. If you do this, you will re-ignite the enthusiasm that made you originally go on a diet and you will be successful.
These tips have worked for many people when they hit that dreaded weight loss plateau. They can work for you too. Why not give them a try?
Ever gone through periods of training where it seems like no matter how many hours you’re putting in at the gym, or how hard you happen to be working, you simply aren’t seeing the results that you should be seeing?
