Monday, September 20, 2010

Cardio May Be a Waste of Time Without This Knowledge


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The most important factor for improving cardiorespiratory fitness (cardio or CR) is the intensity of the workout. Changes in CR fitness are directly related to how "hard" an aerobic exercise is performed. The more energy expended per unit of time, the greater the intensity of the exercise, the greater the effect on cardiorespiratory fitness.

You have to know how hard is "hard" to determine if an aerobic exercise like running is producing a CR training effect or if it's just burning a few calories. The heart rate during work or exercise is an excellent indicator of how much effort you are exerting. Only by keeping track of your heart rate during a workout can you be sure that the intensity is enough to improve your CR fitness level. In other words, your ability to monitor your heart rate is the single most important key to success in CR training.

Training Heart Rate (THR) = Desired Intensity of the Workout

THR is the heart rate at which you need to exercise to get a training effect. The U.S. Army fitness gurus have given us two methods to determine THR. The first method, percent maximum heart rate (%MHR) is simpler to use, while the second method, percent heart rate reserve (%HRR) is more accurate.

%MHR Method

With this method the THR is figured using the estimated maximal heart rate. You can estimate your maximum heart rate (MHR) by subtracting your age from 220. Thus, a 20 year old would have an estimated maximum heart rate (MHR) of 200 beats per minute (220 - 20 = 200).

A person who is in poor shape should exercise at 70 percent of his MHR; if he is in relatively good shape, at 80 percent MHR; and, if he is in excellent shape, at 90 percent MHR.

Examples:

A 20 year old in good physical condition would have a THR of 160 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 20 = 200 * .80 = 160 BPM.

A 30 year old in good physical condition would have a THR of 152 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 30 = 190 * .80 = 152 BPM.

A 40 year old in poor physical condition would have a THR of 126 beats per minute (BPM). 220 - 40 = 180 * .70 = 126 BPM.

%HRR Method

A more accurate way to calculate THR is the %HRR method. The range from 60 to 90 %HRR is the THR range in which people should exercise to improve their CR fitness levels. If you know your general level of CR fitness, you can determine which percentage of HRR is a good starting point

for you. For example, a person in excellent physical condition could start at 85 percent of his HRR; if he is in reasonably good shape, at 70 percent HRR; and, if he is in poor shape, at 60 percent HRR.

Most CR workouts should be conducted with the heart rate between 70 to 75 percent HRR to attain, or maintain, an adequate level of fitness. A person who has reached a high level of fitness may derive more benefit from working at a higher percentage of HRR, particularly if he cannot find more than 20 minutes for CR exercise.

Exercising at any lower percentage of HRR than 60 does not give the heart, muscles, and lungs an adequate training stimulus. Exercising at more than 90 percent can be dangerous. Before anyone begins aerobic training, he should know his THR (the heart rate at which he needs to exercise to get a training effect).

The example below shows how to figure the THR by using the resting heart rate (RHR) and age to estimate heart rate reserve (HRR). A 20 year old in reasonably good physical shape is the example.

STEP 1: Determine the MHR by subtracting your age from 220. i.e. MHR = 220 - 20 = 200.

STEP 2: Determine the resting heart rate (RHR) in beats per minute (BPM) by counting the resting pulse for 30 seconds, and multiply the count by two. A shorter period can be used, but a 30 second count is more accurate. This count should be taken while you are completely relaxed and rested. For this example we use a RHR of 69 BPM.

STEP 3: Determine the heart rate reserve (HRR) by subtracting the RHR from the estimate MHR. i.e. HRR = 200 - 69 = 131 BPM

STEP 4: Calculate THR by (1) multiplying HRR by the relative fitness level as a percentage and (2) adding the result to the HRR. For example, our 20 year old in good physical condition will exercise at 70% HRR.

(1) .70 * 131 = 91.7
(2) 91.7 + 69 = 160.7

In summary, a reasonably fit 20-year-old with a resting heart rate (RHR) of 69 BPM has a training heart rate (THR) goal of 161 BPM.

During aerobic exercise, the body will usually have reached a "Steady State" after five minutes of exercise, and the heart rate will have leveled off. At this time and, immediately after exercising, is when you should monitor your heart rate to see if you are within your desired THR range.

If your pulse rate is below the THR, you must exercise harder to increase your pulse to the THR. If your pulse is above the THR, you should reduce the intensity to reduce the pulse rate to the THR goal.

Cardio Exercises-Low Or High Intensity Exercise Burn Body Fat Faster?


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Have you ever wondered which cardio exercises are best for burning off extra body fat? Is walking (low intensity) better or running (high intensity) better for burning body fat?

Well, both low and high intensity exercises will help you burn off body fat. The question is which is more effective and burn more body fat. What is your fat burning zone?

When scientists first reported that during intensive exercises, your body burn glycogen, which is a form of stored carbohydrates stored in your liver and muscles for energy and during low intensive exercises, your body burn body fat, everyone suddenly change their workout routines to perform low intensity exercises to burn body fat.

Does it work? Obviously it does not work because there are still so many fat people around although they are working out with low intensity exericies isn’t it? Why is that so?

Well, the scientists were right when they said that our bodies burn more body fat during low intensity exercises like walking or a leisurely swim. But during a high intensity exercise like running, our bodies burn a lot more calories. Even if some of the calories burnt are from glycogen, we will still burn many fat calories as well.

To add icing to the cake, when your store of glycogen is low, the carbs from your meal you eat later gets converted into glycogen to fill up the store and will not be converted to body fat when left unused for energy.

Furthermore, high intensity cardio exercises crank up your metabolism even after your workout is done. This means that you body will continue to burn body fat hours after you have left the gym. This effect is almost non existent in low intensity cardio or aerobic workout. Accumulatively, your body burns up many many more calories during and after high intensity cardio exercises than lower intensive ones.

You can inject high intensity exercises to your cardio workout by introducing some interval training. You can walk briskly for 5 minutes, then breaking into a jog for another 5 minutes. Then walking briskly again until you caught your breath and then sprint for a minute before walking again for another minute. From this point, alternate between a sprint and a walk, a minute each and do this for the next 15 minutes and you are done.

Do this for 5 days a week and before long, you will be steadily losing unwanted body fat and weight healthily and naturally.

Cardiovascular Disease and Women


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Cardiovascular disease, also known as CVD, is the number one killer of men and women of all ethnic groups in the United States. Cardiovascular diseases include such ailments as high blood pressure, arrythmia, valve disease, congestive heart failure and stroke. Though worries of more "high profile" diseases such as breast cancer are on the forefront in many women's minds, the hard truth is that one in four women are affected with some form of cardiovascular disease.

Risk factors for cardiovascular diseases are things such as high blood pressure, obesity, abnormal blood glucose, and even the use of tobacco, among other factors. When caught at an early age, these risk factors can be muted to help prevent manifesting themselves as cardiovascular disease later on.

Altering your lifestyle can help to lower your chances for cardiovascular diseases. Such alterations as eating a diet that is low in fat and cholesterol, adding more fruits and vegetables to your diet, drinking enough water daily, and exercising for half an hour a day are all ways that physicians suggest can assist in lowering your chances for cardiovascular disease.

Cardiovascular diseases are known as silent killers, as they often have no symptoms. If you think you may be having any symptoms of heart disease, you should speak to your doctor about the many tests available. Doctors often begin with simple tests, the results of which can lead to tests that are more complex.

In connection with cardiovascular disease are "extra" heartbeats, which typically happen when there is an irritation in the lower part of the heart's pumping chambers. They interrupt the normal heart rhythm, which can feel like a missed beat. This can actually be a harmless "quirk" of your body's functions, or can lead to problems that are far more serious.

If a woman has these palpitations or any other symptoms such as dizziness, blurred vision, or shortness of breath, she should contact her doctor right away. A complete medical history, physical exam, and other tests will be run to determine the cause of these behaviors, which can be anything from stress-related behavior to something far more dangerous. The advice and consultation of a physician where heart disease is concerned is the only way to go.

Butea Superba Mens Secret Supports Healthy Cardiovascular System


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For us, the human cardiovascular system looks as follows: Oxygenated blood is pumped from the left ventricle of the heart into the aorta. Conclusion The cardiovascular system of animals consists of the heart and blood vessels. The blood that is returned to the heart is then recycled through the cardiovascular system. cardiovascula´re [TA] the cardiovascular system: the heart and blood vessels; see under system. The cardiovascular system includes the heart and the blood vessels. The cardiovascular system (CVS) consists of the heart, lungs and blood vessels, and the blood that circulates through them. Blood pressure is normally directly proportional to the volume of blood within the cardiovascular system. The circulatory system or cardiovascular system is the organ system which circulates blood around the body of most animals. The cardiovascular system includes the heart, lungs, blood vessels and a gallon and a half of blood. Also, the cardiovascular system detects this as acute blood loss so the pulse increases to maintain cardiac output. Gary Farr 5/28/2002 The cardiovascular system is made up of the heart and all of the blood and lymphatic vessels in the body. Includes health- and research-related information on the cardiovascular system, the lungs, and blood.

Obesity may affect the cardiovascular system because of the increased workload the additional body mass places on the heart. >Cardiovascular DiseasesKarolinska InstituteInternational index of links related to diseases and disorders of the heart and vascular system. The heart is the pump that drives the cardiovascular system. Cardiologist A cardiologist is a physician who specializes in the heart and cardiovascular system. Ginkgo biloba can help the body neutralize toxins, as it is a potent antioxidant.(14,15) Hawthorn berries strengthen the heart and entire cardiovascular system. EFAs also nourish the cardiovascular system by enhancing proper oxygen flow to the heart. Heart Formula is designed to support your entire cardiovascular system, including the heart, arteries and veins. Heart Embryologically the heart, like the rest of the cardiovascular system, develops from a tubular channel.

We also studied the transient response of the cardiovascular system to sudden gravitational stress. Exercising, getting enough sleep, practicing relaxation techniques, and thinking positively are a few methods to help reduce stress and keep the cardiovascular system healthy. In a healthy cardiovascular system, there is a fine balance between nitric oxide and oxidative stress ... Introduction: The detrimental effects of stress on the cardiovascular system have been documented through research in animal models and humans. Promote the application and development of genomics, proteomics, and imaging tools to study brain-cardiovascular system interactions under conditions of stress. Primarily two systems mediate the stress response, by exerting an acute influence on cardiovascular function: the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenocortical (HPA) axis and the sympatho-adrenomedullary system (SAS). Recommendations: The working group underscored the biological differences between acute and chronic stress on the cardiovascular system.

Receptors, signaling, gene regulation and protein expression as related to the differentiation and development of the embryonic and fetal cardiovascular systems. During embryonic development there is extensive remodelling of the initially r/l symetrical cardiovascular system and a contribution from the neural crest to some vessels. The second section has eight chapters that summarize cardiovascular development in invertebrate and vertebrate systems. Introduction The development of the cardiovascular system is an early embryological event.

It would seem that social support and social isolation influence the cardiovascular system through multiple mechanisms. The two primary pathways through which psychological factors can influence the cardiovascular system involve health behaviors and neuroendocrine mechanisms. Psychological factors can also influence the cardiovascular system through neuroendocrine effects triggered by positive or negative emotions. Fetal cardiovascular system is influence by maternal smoking.

Men's Secret Butea Superba Pills KWAOPET THAI FDA. G. 202/42
Butea Superba is a native herb in the family of Popilionaceae. The Plant twinning woody long-life herbal plant exists only in Thailand. This species can be found in the same habitat as Pueraria Mirifica in the mountainous area. The long shape tuberous were annually enlarged and accumulated at least 15 chemicals in the group of direct chain organic acid especially flavonoids and flavonoid glycosides with c-AMP Phosphodiesterase potent inhibitor directly at the corpus cavernosum of the penis and resulted in enhancing blood flow to that area. In addition, it supports normal sexual function, erectile capacity, enhance sensitivity and better performance. After many studies, we produced Butea Superba into dietary supplement and cosmetic product.

Kwaopet is a premium grade Thai herbal product derived mainly from the Red Kwal Krua (Butea Superba) under the research of Dr. Wichai Cherdshewasart. The results of the studies indicated that this herb shows vasodilation effect especially at the penis. Thus elevate the erectile efficiency and strength. It also promotes energetic body without any nervous, muscular or cardiac over stimulation.

All Natural Dietary Supplement

Hight Flavonoid & Flavonoid-glycoside:
*Supports healthy cardio-vascular system
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*Increases energy & stamina

Ingredients: Butea Superba and other herbs (60 capsules per box/bottle)

Recommended Dosage: Take 1-2 capsules after breakfast and dinner

Precaution: Men with severe heart disease should consult physician prior taking this product. Do not take more than 4 capsules per day. If there is any sign of irregulars, stop taking the pill and seek for doctor
http://www.phuketherb.com/men_health.html

Blood Pressure Research Report - Natural Therapy for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure Part 2


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One of the more common treatments for high blood pressure are ACE inhibitors. When your kidneys detect low blood pressure, they release an enzyme called renin, which stimulates the formation of a protein called angiotensin I. Angiotensin I is then converted by the angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) in the lungs to a very potent chemical called angiotensin II. Angiotensin II is a powerful blood vessel constrictor that causes muscles surrounding the blood vessels to contract, resulting in narrowing of the blood vessels. This narrowing of the vessels increases pressure in the vessels and can result in high blood pressure .



The ACE Inhibitors block the action of the angiotensin-converting enzyme in the lungs so that angiotensin I is not converted into angiotensin II. This allows blood vessels to remain widened, which results in lowering of the blood pressure. ARBs block the action of angiotensin II itself, so that vessels dilate, making it easier for the heart to pump blood, and results in lower blood pressure .



The natural bio active casein hydro lysate tripeptide's in Melaleuca's ProStolic™ act as a natural blocker to the formation of angiotensin II. Also included in this proprietary blend is pomegranate juice powder, which inhibits activity of the angiotensin-converting enzyme as well. A third ingredient is passion flower extract. Although researchers don't know exactly how passion flower works, they believe that flavonoid and alkaloid compounds in the plant regulate the neurotransmitters in your nervous system that reduce anxiety. One of these flavonoids in particular, chrysin, helps to calm your central nervous system and lower your blood pressure.



Combined with the proprietary blend of tripeptide's, pomegranate juice powder and passion flower extract, ProStolic™ also contains potassium and calcium to provide a well-rounded natural remedy to help promote healthy blood flow and naturally maintain healthy blood pressure, but without the side effects so common with medications.



Tripeptide's are formed when milk casein is broken down into smaller pieces. Several different peptide's have been studied, but a significant amount of research has determined that the tripeptide's Isoleucine-Proline-Proline (IPP) and Valine-Proline-Proline (VPP) have the most supportive evidence for their efficacy, safety and bio availability

The natural bio active hydrolyzed casein (a combination of tripeptide's IPP and VPP) is an active ingredient included in the proprietary blend in Melaleuca's ProStolic™. These tripeptide's are derived from nonfat milk casein, and have been clinically proven to help maintain healthy blood pressure. Most studies show that blood pressure is lower after 2 weeks of daily consumption of IPP and VPP, and reach a stable level after 4-6 weeks.



Like the mechanism of action of the commonly prescribed ACE Inhibitors, the natural action of tripeptide's block the formation of Angiotensin II, which normally causes the blood vessels to narrow. But that's where the similarity ends. Studies show that IPP and VPP tripeptide's accomplish the blockage of Angiotensin II without the side effects so common in ACE and ARB medications. In 2001, an 8-week placebo-controlled, double-blind study was conducted on 30 people with mild or moderate hypertension. Results of the study showed a significant decrease in blood pressure of IPP and VPP test subjects, but no change was seen in the placebo group. In addition, no adverse reactions such as dry cough, digestive tract symptoms or abnormal changes were observed.



Over 20 human clinical trials have been conducted with the IPP and VPP peptide's over the past 10 years and more than 10 double-blind clinical studies have been conducted on the particular formulation of tripeptide's used in Melaleuca's proprietary blend. A 1996 placebo-controlled study on the blood pressure of 30 elderly hypertensive patients, most of whom were taking anti hypertensive medication, showed a significant decrease in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure after 4 and 8 weeks, but no significant changes were observed in the placebo group.



A British Journal of Nutrition article reported a single blinded, placebo controlled study of 131 people with high-normal blood pressure or mild hypertension to determine the efficacy of hydrolyzed casein containing IPP and VPP in reducing blood pressure. The authors concluded that these peptide's could assist in the prevention of hypertension in people with blood pressure that is above normal.



Melaleuca's Prostolic also contains other natural hypertension treatments including pomegranate juice, passion flower, potassium and calcium. All the benefits of these natural ingredients will be discussed in Natural Therapy for Maintaining Healthy Blood Pressure Part 3.

Blood Pressure Monitors – Why You Should Consider Monitoring At Home


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Of all the organs of our body the heart is without doubt the most critical and rightly so as, if it stops pumping blood around the body and delivering vital oxygen to the other organs, including the brain, death will occur very quickly.

Despite its importance however many of us pay little if any attention to the health of our heart until forced to do so, when it is often too late. And yet keeping a check on the heart by simple routine measurement of our blood pressure could not be easier.

As with most things in life, if the heart starts to run into problems then there will be warning signs giving us time to take remedial action and these warning signs often come in the form of abnormally high or low blood pressure.

The principle role of the heart is to take freshly oxygenated blood and pump it through the main arteries and then through a network of smaller blood vessels to all parts of the body. As the heart contracts forcing blood out into the arteries pressure is exerted on the walls of the arteries. Then, as the heart relaxes and its chambers refill ready to pump again the pressure in the arteries falls.

By measuring these two pressure levels we can get an indication of just how well the heart is pumping blood around the body and thus see whether or not it is working normally.

Until quite recently it was necessary to visit the doctor's office to have your blood pressure measured. The doctor would place a cuff around your upper arm roughly at the level of the heart. He would then place his stethoscope over the brachial artery where it runs close to the surface of the skin on the inside of your arm at the elbow and proceed to inflate the cuff.

As the cuff is inflated it tightens around the arm preventing blood from flowing through the brachial artery. The pressure in the cuff, which is indicated by a mercury manometer attached to the cuff, is slowly released and the point at which blood starts flowing through the artery, and which the doctor hears as a "whoosing" sound through his stethoscope, is noted. This is the point at which the pressure in the cuff equals the pressure in the artery as the heart pumps blood through it and is known as the systolic pressure.

The doctor then continues to slowly release the pressure in the cuff and to monitor the sound of blood being pumped through the artery until no sound at all is detected. At this point the manometer indicates the pressure in the artery as the heart is at rest and refilling ready to pump again. This lower pressure is known as the diastolic pressure.

Blood pressure will vary from person to person and will also rise and fall within each of us depending on a variety of factors such as the time of day, our level of activity, whether we are feeling stressed, our general state of health and whether or not we are currently taking particular forms of medication.

For the average person at rest however systolic blood pressure will be around 120 mm Hg (millimeters of mercury) and diastolic blood pressure will be 80 mm Hg. As an indication of the degree of variation between individuals, and within any one person, the normal range of systolic pressure is considered to be 90 – 135 mm Hg and the normal range of diastolic pressure is 50 – 90 mm Hg.

If your blood pressure falls outside these readings, then your doctor will need to investigate further to discover why your blood pressure in either unusually high or unusually low.

Since most of us do not visit the doctor on a regular basis, and only venture into the surgery when we absolutely have to, it can often be many months, or even years, between blood pressure checks and we could well be walking around blissfully unaware that we have a time bomb ticking away inside us.

Today however there is a whole range of very simple to operate and relatively inexpensive blood pressure monitors available for use in our own homes and absolutely no reason at all for not keeping a regular eye on our most valuable organ.

So, before tragedy strikes either you or one of your loved ones, why not take a few minutes to check out the range of blood pressure monitors available and buy yourself some peace of mind.
Friday, September 17, 2010

Blood Cord Bank: An introduction to cord blood stem cells

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Finding a source of primitive stem cells.

There are news reports about the positive impact that research on cord blood stem cells is having on the possible cure for numerous life threatening diseases. But with so many varying reports about it or even factions it is impossible to keep track of all its useful facts. Stem cells show a great level of plasticity which means they can generate and regenerate into many different types of cells and even organs within in our body. Potentially, if they can be removed from the donor and transfused into the patient then in the future, stem cells could be used to cure virtually any illness.

Stem cells are more frequently found in babies or even in embryos although it has been discovered that adult stem cells do exist. To date these have mostly been found in the brain but are dispersed freely amongst millions of other cells making the extraction incredibly difficult.

Cord blood stem cells, on the other hand, are very easy to remove. Because the process is completed after the child has been born and the umbilical cord cut and clamped there is no effect whatsoever on the baby, the parent or the birth itself.

How stem cells become T cells.

T cells are the cells that are responsible for fighting infection in children and are created when stem cells pass through the thymus gland. If the patient does not have an adequate number of effective stem cells in their blood then they will not be able to create the T cells. And subsequently they are much more likely to suffer serious infections. This, in turn, means that cord blood stem cells can be used to recreate T cells as well as other vital cells within the body of your child. The stem cells will then create an army of T cells to fight off infection and leave the body to function in a normal manner. As with a blood transfusion it is imperative to the operation's success that the stem cells transfused are of the same type as the patient's own blood. Using cord blood stem cells belonging to the patient themselves all but guarantees that this will be the case.

Stem cell testing.

The umbilical cord stem cell matrix is called Wharton's jelly and is rich in primitive stem cells. These cells are one that has yet to progress, transform or produce other cells. Primitive stem cells are the most effective type of stem cells that can be used in a transfusion on any patient.

Typically a lot of testing has been done on animals to prove the viability of using stem cells taken from cord blood of newborn babies and amongst the most prominent of these tests, according to the online journal "stem cells", have been tests carried out on pigs. In a human blood cord, similar to a pig umbilical cord, two arteries & vein are found and tests have shown positive results concerned with the storage and potency of the blood. The journal "stem cells" contains a lot of data relating to stem cells and articles on various related topics.

At present leukemia and anemia are the two most common diseases treated with stem cell transfusions although since stem cell research has grown in volume and results diseases such as Parkinson's, Multiple Sclerosis and many different forms of cancer are also showing positive results.

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