Inactivity Changes the Brain

Have you ever wondered if spending a weekend binge-watching tv shows on Netflix is really that bad for your health? Researchers are saying that there could be actual detrimental effects in neurons as a result of leading a sedentary life.

 

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Is Running a Marathon Healthy?

Many people turn to physical exercise, such as running, to increase their cardiovascular and overall health. It seems to be common sense that running must be healthy—in fact, it is beneficial to nearly every biological structure and function in the human body. Running burns calories and builds muscle, helping exercisers maintain healthy body weights. Running releases chemicals in the brain that improve mood. Running even prevents diseases, such as diabetes and heart attacks, and extends life expectancy.  

Fluid Replacement Beverages for Athletes: Why rehydration is so crucial and how to do it most efficiently

Fluid replacement beverages can be used in a wide variety of circumstances, but are most commonly associated with their use by athletes to optimize physical performance. Studies have shown that even modest dehydration (2 percent of body weight) can result in as much as a 20 percent decrease in physical performance in normal temperatures, and up to a 40 percent decrease in physical performance in hot temperatures. It is clear that remaining well hydrated is crucial to performance, but simply drinking water may not be the most efficient solution. Progressing knowledge of human physiology has revealed that specific concentrations of additives to water can actually help to improve performance. Most of us are aware of the popular branded fluid replacement beverages such as Gatorade, Powerade, Muscle Milk, etc, but recent studies have revealed that fluid replacement beverages should not be treated equally among athletes. Different compositions are beneficial for different purposes. For example, endurance athletes would benefit from specific concentrations of components, such as water, sodium and carbohydrates, in their drinks that differ from those that would be most beneficial to athletes performing a lot of work in a short amount of time.

What to Buy at GNC: Whey and Blend protein supplements have different physiological affects

With the increasing popularity of fitness competitions and high-intensity sports like CrossFit, the market for nutritional supplements has grown exponentially. Protein supplements such as Whey Casein protein are often consumed post-workout by athletes wishing to increase muscle mass to get the most out of their strength-training or resistance workouts. While most athletes have a preference of what type of protein supplement they prefer to use, it is unlikely that many know the biological mechanisms of how these supplements work, and the physiological differences between the various types. If you are wondering which type of protein you should consume after an intense workout, Paul T. Reidy and his team of researchers may have the answer for you.