Health, Wellness & Wealth with Sportron

Sportron is a company helping people with their health, wellness and wealth. The company has nutritional supplements, special products for the sporting types, a weight loss programme, great personal care and safe home cleaning products.

“So what’s different with Sportron to any other health company” I hear you say.

The difference is that Sportron has one of six licenses issued worldwide for “Foodstate® Technology”. “Foodstate vitamins and minerals are in a similar form to those found in natural food which greatly assists our bodies to better absorb, retain and utilise them”

Please go to www.sportron.co.za to read about Foodstate Technology in greater detail and also the clinical trials, and all the products.

Visit this site regularly as I will discuss different products.

All About Stress

Don’t know about you, but I see severe stress in peoples lives is becoming the norm rather than the exception. Short bursts of stress are fine. The body can cope (eg the fight or flight reaction). When stress becomes constant and excessive various untoward things start to happen in the body as the whole Nervous system becomes involved.

1. There is an increase in epinephrine (adrenalin) production which suppresses the action of the T-cells. T-cells play a vital part in the immune function of the body.
2. There is an increase in cortisol production. This is also potentially immunosuppressive.
3. There is an increase in production of beta-endorphins. This tends to reduce the NK (natural killer ) cells ability to recognise and kill virally infected cells.

Indicators of Long Term Stress Exposures

As a result of the above 3 reactions the immune system is weakened and one suffers from all sorts of ailments. The bodies ability to fight bacteria and viruses gradually becomes more and more weak and therefore cannot fight the colds, flue, cancers, shingles etc. Stress causes the heart to beat faster, but with constriction of the blood vessels, therefore high blood pressure could be the result.
Depression, an abnormal emotional state, with melancholy and feelings of inadequacy, can be the result of stress. With this may come weight gain or loss, insomnia, headaches etc. Commonly depression is treated with SSRI (Selective Seratonin Re-uptake Inhibitor). These create a “dam” which stops the re-absorption of Seratonin and tricks the body into thinking all is well. The body stops producing Seratonin and becomes sluggish so when you stop taking the anti-depressant you crash.

Suggestions for Destressing

1. Exercise – this expends some of the energy produced by the fight or flight response.
   - helps boost the circulation, therefore the body can flush out metabolic waste which accumulates in muscles.
   - releases endorphins which help one to feel better and more able to cope – even if ones situation is unchanged.
2. Remove yourself from the stressful situations as soon as possible – if possible.
3. Relax in a long hot bath.
4. Get plenty of sleep – use soft soothing music, hot milk drink etc to help you get to sleep and sleep better.
5. Smile and laugh as much as possible.
6. Take 10 minute breaks regularly from what you are doing and do or think of something quite different (change from left to right brain – do something creative, meditate, read poetry etc)
7. Practise time management.
8. Supplement wisely.

Suggested Supplements

Sportron has a wonderful product called NEUROTRON which has been specially formulated for support of the Nervous System. In conjunction with the Ultragard or better still the Wellness pack (which consists of Ultragard, Calcitone and Omegatone), Neurotron has a wonderful calming influence.

Burnout

Burnout is different to Stress. Burnout is not having enough energy to cope and is being too tired. Stress is one of the causes of burnout. Burnout involves the energy system in the body. This is a rechargeable system. We don’t make energy, it is recharged and is an on going process. Many people do not manage their energy well enough and if stress is not managed adrenalin burnout can occur. (non refreshing sleep, craving sweets, constant excessive tiredness, niggling illnesses etc.)

Please read on the Sportron web site www.sportron.co.za a presentation on burnout. Do the 16 questions to check where you are. Click on Resources, Training and downloads, then on Re-energise.

Supplement

After looking at the presentation click on Sportrons latest product called Energard. This has been specially formulated to help the body to recharge.

8 Suggestions for Destressing

1. Exercise – this expends some of the energy produced by the fight or flight response.
   - helps boost the circulation, therefore the body can flush out metabolic waste which accumulates in muscles.
   - releases endorphins which help one to feel better and more able to cope – even if ones situation is unchanged.
2. Remove yourself from the stressful situations as soon as possible – if possible.
3. Relax in a long hot bath.
4. Get plenty of sleep – use soft soothing music, hot milk drink etc to help you get to sleep and sleep better.
5. Smile and laugh as much as possible.
6. Take 10 minute breaks regularly from what you are doing and do or think of something quite different (change from left to right brain – do something creative, meditate, read poetry etc)
7. Practice time management.
8. Supplement wisely.

Diet for High Cholestrol

Guide for low cholesterol food preparation

• Fats: Foods prepared for low cholesterol meals do not need to be dry. However, the type of fat used in preparation of meals is very important and fat must be used sparingly.
• Permitted fats: Olive oil, Canola oil, Peanut oil, Palm fruit oil.
• Fats to avoid: Animal fat, lard, all margarine. Butter may be used sparingly.
• Protein Foods: Remove all visible fat from meat and chicken. Grill, bake or roast meats without added fat. When preparing stews and casseroles, use olive oil sparingly. Use non-stick pots and pans.
• Legumes may be used to substitute animal protein.
• Introduce turkey and ostrich to the diet.
• Generally try to avoid fried foods. However, olive oil may be used to stir fry or shallow fry foods.
• Meats to avoid: All organ meats. All canned and processed meats. All “fatty” meat.
• Eggs: Eggs must be limited to 2-3 per week.
• Dairy Products: Use skim/fat free or low fat milk. Use low fat/fat free yoghurt.
• Limit the use of full fat cheeses (e.g. cheddar and gouda) to 100g per week.
• Use low fat or fat free cottage cheese. Read labels on all cheeses to establish the fat content.
• Products to avoid: Cream, ice cream, processed and full cream cheeses, coffee creamers.
• Bread and Cereals: Use unrefined and whole-grain products. Try to include oats in the diet. Look for low GI (Glycaemic Index) seed breads.
• Fruits and Vegetables: Include a variety of fruits and vegetables in your daily meal plan.
• Seasoning and Spices: While it is very important to flavour the food and prepare tasty meals, do not use flavour enhancers like aromat and other products containing mono-sodium glutamate (MSG). Use herbs, both fresh and dried, garlic, lemon juice, vinegar (e.g. balsamic vinegar) to flavour food.

Cholesterol

Cholesterol is a type of fat that has specific functions in the body. It has a different chemical structure from the fat used for cooking or found in the fat cells of the body.

Cholesterol, in spite of the “bad press” it receives, is an essential part of every body cell.

• It is used in the body to form hormones including estrogen.
• Metabolites of cholesterol are essential for the absorption and digestion of dietary fat.
• With the help of the ultra- violet rays in sunlight, the cholesterol in the skin is converted into vitamin D, which is an essential nutrient for absorption of dietary calcium and for healthy bones

The term cholesterol refers to two different types:

1. Blood, or serum, cholesterol which circulates in the bloodstream.

• The body produces cholesterol for its needs and most of this cholesterol is made in the liver, although every body cell can in fact produce cholesterol. Therefore, the body is not dependent on dietary cholesterol for its requirements.
• When the body makes too much cholesterol, the risk of heart disease increases as the extra cholesterol is deposited and builds up in the arteries.

2. Dietary Cholesterol that is found in foods of animal origin such as eggs, meat, fish, chicken and dairy products.

• Cholesterol is not made by plants therefore all foods of plant origin are cholesterol free.
• An eating pattern high in dietary cholesterol is one factor that may increase blood cholesterol levels in some individuals.
• In South Africa a major cause of high cholesterol is a genetic predisposition to forming too much cholesterol in the body.
• While dietary cholesterol may influence blood cholesterol levels, it does not automatically become blood cholesterol.
• The total fat intake, particularly saturated fat and trans fatty acids (found in some processed fats and oils), have a more significant effect on blood cholesterol than the actual dietary cholesterol.

Info on Acne

• The cause of acne is complex. The interaction between hormones, keratinization, sebum and bacteria determines the course and severity acne.
• It usually affects the face, back and chest and is characterized by the presence of blackheads, pustules and, in more severe cases, cysts and scars.
• Acne most commonly occurs from the onset of puberty up until about 20 years, although it may occur in adults.
• For treatment purposes, acne is best classified into superficial or deep acne, according to the severity of the condition. Usually acne does not require treatment, but how long it lasts before it clears up cannot be predicted.
• Healing without scars usually occurs in superficial acne but scarring is frequent in deep acne.
• Acne is usually more severe during the winter and improves in summer, probably due to the beneficial effect of the sun.
• Diet appears to have little effect. However, if a food is suspected of making the acne worse, it should be avoided.
• Acne may cycle with the menstrual cycle and it may clear or become worse during pregnancy.
• Misconceptions about the relationship between acne and diet, athletics or sex are common and these myths should be discussed with a doctor or health practitioner.
• Women who first develop acne in their 20s and 30s may find that certain cosmetics are the aggravating agent.

Respitron Syrup

Description

Respitron Syrup is a specially formulated liquid nutritional supplement designed to support the nutritional status of the respiratory system. It is a combination of vitamins and minerals blended with Western herbs and contained in a honey and fructose base.

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Benefits

Micronutrients that help maximize the body’s respiratory defence mechanism against:

• Congested sinuses
• Hay fever
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Environmental pollution

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Ingredients

nutritional information
Each 10ml contains:
Vitamin A = (750µg RE) 2500iu
Vitamin D = 250iu
Vitamin E = 25iu
Vitamin C = 50mg
Thiamine (Vitamin B1) = 5mg
Riboflavin (Vitamin B2) = 2mg
Vitamin B6 = 5mg
Vitamin B12 = 5µg
Pantothenic acid = 5mg
Calcium = 50mg
Magnesium = 20mg
Zinc = 2.5mg
Betacarotene = 1500iu
Methyl Sulphonyl Methane = 100mg
Pineapple extract = 20mg
Histadine = 20mg
Tyrosine = 10mg
Chickweed = 5mg
Licorice root = 5mg
Echinacea = 5mg
Quercetin = 5mg
Garlic = 0.04mg
Drosera = 20µg
Hydrastis = 20µg
Other ingredients:
Honey
Fructose
Sodium benzoate
Methylparaben
Dosage and directions for use:
SHAKE WELL BEFORE USE.
Take 5ml (one teaspoon) twice a day or as directed.

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System Guide

• Colds & Flu – Prevention
• Hay Fever
• Nasal Congestion
• Respiratory System Support
• Sinus

Calcium Forté

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Description

Calcium is essential for many body functions and an adequate intake is important particularly because the body loses calcium every day. Calcium forté was specially developed for people with increased calcium needs and the nutrients in this product (calcium, magnesium and vitamin D) are in a Biofood™ form which ensures greater absorption and utilization by the body compared to other isolated supplements.

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Benefits

• Calcium Forte contains higher amounts of calcium for people with an increased need for calcium
• Ideal for use in pregnancy
• Assists in the management of deficiency states which lead to disease of the bones and joints
• Contains vitamin D which improves calcium absorption
• Easy to chew vanilla tasting tablets

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Ingredients

nutritional information
Each tablet contains:
FoodState Vitamin D = 200iu
Calcium Biofood complex = 800mg
Magnesium Biofood complex = 267mg
Dosage and directions for use:
Chew one tablet at night or as directed

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System Guide

• Breast Feeding
• Cramps – Muscular
• pH Imbalance
• Pregnancy Support
• Tooth Health
• Bone Loss

Respitron

Description

Respitron Syrup is a specially formulated liquid nutritional supplement designed to support the nutritional status of the respiratory system. It is a combination of vitamins and minerals blended with Western herbs and contained in a honey and fructose base.

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Benefits

Respitron helps maximize the body’s defense mechanisms against:

• Congested sinuses
• Hay fever
• Asthma
• Allergies
• Environmental pollution

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Ingridients

nutritional information
Each tablet contains:
Garlic = 30mg
n-Acetyl Cysteine = 20mg
Quercetin = 20mg
Herbal Concentrate = 400mg
Dosage and directions for use:
Take one tablet daily, or as directed.

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System Guide

• Colds & Flu – Prevention
• Hay Fever
• Respiratory System Support
• Sinus

Calcitone

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Availability

Packs of 30 & 60 Tablets

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Description

Adequate Calcium intake throughout one’s life & particularly during the developmental years is important, as once bone density is lost, it cannot be replaced. Calcitone provides calcium combined with other nutrients for enhanced absorption. It is suitable for children and adults and is a highly recommended supplement because of the synergistic combination of essential nutrients in a form which is well absorbed and utilised by the body.

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Benefits

Everyone needs a good source of calcium. Because of poor food choices, dairy products alone do not provide us with adequate amounts for the correct functioning of:

• Bones
• Immune system
• Nerves
• Muscles
• Electrolytes
• Blood

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Ingredients

nutritional information
Each tablet contains:
FoodState Biofood complex:
Vitamin C Biofood complex = 120mg
Vitamin D = 400iµ
Calcium Biofood complex = 240mg
Magnesium Biofood complex = 200mg
Potassium = 5mg
Dosage and directions for use:
Take one tablet at night or as directed.

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System Guide

• Allergy, General
• Cramps – Stomach
• Fractures
• Hay Fever
• Hyperacidity
• Incontinence
• Joint Pain & Stiffness
• Menopause
• Mouth Ulcers
• Nail Health
• pH Imbalance
• Pins & Needles
• Premenstrual Syndrome
• Respiratory System Support
• Sinus
• Sport
• Sport – Endurance
• Stress
• Tooth Health
• Circulation, Poor
• Muscular Aches
• Sleep

15 Tips to a Healthier and Fitter You

Dr Jacques Rossouw

Stress, too little exercise, poor eating habits, hours in front of a computer screen, can make you ill.  Manage your time, plan your meals better and find a sport that allows you to relax.  All of us have habits that bother us, which we would like to change.  Easier said than done!  To unlearn an old habit and develop a new and better one in its place requires dogged determination and can take up to four weeks.  Here are 15 tips that can make your life easier.

Tip 1
What must you do if you would like to lose weight?  Losing weight is not a complicated matter – use up more kilojoules (kJ) than you take in, and you will lose weight.  An aerobic exercise like jogging is one of the best and quickest ways to use up energy.  To lose half a kilogram of weight, you have to burn up 15 000 more kJ than you take in – jogging burns up approximately 260 kJ per kilometre and the faster you run, the more kJ you will burn up.  Jogging also increases your metabolism hours after you have finished the exercise.

Tip 2
There are several interventions that can increase your rate of metabolism.  Besides being more active, the regular intake of food can lead to an improved metabolic rate.  Now day’s people are eating food that contains more energy in terms of kJ but contains less nutrition i.e. empty kilojoules.  Some scientists believe that this plays a significant role in the increase of chronic illnesses because the empty kJ foods replace the nutritional foods that contain more minerals, vitamins and plant chemicals, and relatively fewer kJ.

Tip 3
We are supposed to follow a balanced diet. The question is when is the diet balanced? The best diet takes into consideration all the needs of the body i.e. age, sex, environment, and energy consumption. A balanced diet should provide the right amount of quality carbohydrates, proteins, fats, vitamins, minerals and water. At least 50% of the kJ in the diet should come from carbohydrates, not more than 20% from proteins and less than 30% from quality fats.

Tip 4
People these days tend to eat food that contains more energy in terms of kJ, but offers less nutrition in terms of vitamins, minerals and trace elements.  According to nutritionists the foods that offer the most nutritional value i.e. the most nutrient dense foods, are fruit and vegetables. It’s recommended that you try and eat at least 5 portions a day.

Tip 5
Meals are an event and it is very important to try and eat three meals a day, at a table with proper cutlery.  Don’t eat more than one snack between meals, and preferably choose a fruit.  You can also have two meal replacement shakes during the day which will provide all the nutritional value without the fat.

Tip 6
If food is provided at meetings, try to arrange beforehand that healthier options like roasted chicken kebabs, raw vegetables, fruit kebabs en health bread will be available.

Tip 7
Water is essential for a healthy body and the regular intake of water (at least 8 glasses per day) helps cleanse the body and manage the hunger pangs.  Water is the basis of all metabolic reactions and serves as a transport system for metabolites and nutrients.  It also helps the body to burn up fat.  The liver is not only responsible for cleansing the body, but also for the burning up of fat.  If the liver is constantly busy cleansing the body of waste materials, it cannot be effective in burning up the fat.

Tip 8
Some scientific studies have shown that low-intensity exercise (30-60 minute running, cycling or walking) before breakfast improves the body’s ability to burn up more fat.  Be careful, however, not to put this energy back with a big breakfast!

Tip 9
The intensity of exercise depends on the individual, but the average person ought to exercise a minimum of 3 times and a maximum of 5 times a week, for at least 30 minutes. If you just want to be fit and healthy you can exercise at your own pace and intensive exercising is then unnecessary

Tip 10
The duration and the intensity of the exercise affect the energy source that is used by the body, and therefore the metabolism.  Low-intensity exercise (aerobic exercise i.e. exercise in the presence of oxygen) for longer than two hours burns up fats.  High-intensity exercise (anaerobic exercise i.e. exercise in the relative absence of oxygen) tends to burn up more carbohydrates which results in the production of lactic acid.

Tip 11
The key to successful long-term weight loss is to increase lean body mass – the greater the muscle mass, the more fat is burned by the body.  Research has shown that you don’t only get an increase in muscle mass using heavy weights, lighter weights, but with more repetition, not only limits injuries but also develops muscle with definition and condition.

Tip 12
The use of alcohol influences your weight.  The body does not in store alcohol and it must therefore be metabolised as quickly as possible.  Fat metabolism is sidelined and the body burns up the alcohol. This means that alcohol reduces the rate at which fat is burned for energy.   Alcohol also contains kJ that will affect any weight-loss programme; the effect is to decrease the rate of weight loss.

Tip 13
The mineral and vitamin requirements of older athletes differ from those of younger athletes and children. Vegetarian athletes may need a supplement of iron or B12.  A multivitamin/mineral that contains at least the recommended RDA (but does not exceed the upper limit) must therefore be taken daily.

Tip 14
Try to take in high-GI-carbohydrates and proteins as soon as possible after the exercise.  Supplementing the entire body’s glycogen supply, especially that of the skeletal muscles, takes place more readily at this stage than it does a few hours after exercise.  The quicker you recover, the quicker you can exercise again.

If you are a diabetic, or suffer from sensitive blood glucose levels, always stick to your intermediate-GI-carbohydrate options, even immediately after the exercise

Tip 15
If you are suffering from heart disease, diabetes, a liver or kidney dysfunction or a dietary malfunction, please consult your doctor and dietician before embarking on any exercise or diet programme.  This tip also applies if it is a long time since you last exercised.

Source: Eet slim vir sport by Delport and Volschenk, 2007