FitSugar

Apple Cider Vinegar Fires Up the Cylinders

Michele Bell — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 09:00:48 PDT

Did you know that more than 50 percent of Americans drink at least one cup of coffee a day? That statistic may not be too surprising if you're one of them. While the dark drink certainly has its benefits, there are other ways to get a boost of energy - and I'm not talking 'bout sodas.

The next time you need a jolt of energy, try sipping on apple cider vinegar. The tart liquid is known to boost one's immunity and help with digestive issues, but it's also credited for adding some pep to one's step. A couple of tablespoons of the golden liquid mixed with a full glass of water can make the difference between a productive energy driven day and an afternoon snooze fest doozy. Before you run to the pantry to make yourself the concoction, heed these two tips: Drink it with a straw to protect your pearly whites and if you're prone to heartburn, you might want to try adding some baking soda to the mix.

You Asked: Is Kombucha Tea Worth All the Hype?

FitSugar — Tue, 12 Feb 2008 03:00:00 PST

You're asking and I'm answering . . .
Dear FitSugar,
Kombucha tea seems to be all the rage at my local grocery store. There are
many purported health benefits such as improved digestion and circulation.
Can you please let us know if there is substance behind the Kombucha hype?
Many thanks!!
– Kombucha Betty

I know many folks, Cameron Diaz for one, that love, love, LOVE this tea. It is true that the benefits listed on the bottles are endless – Kombucha seems to cure just about everything but bunions. All that aside, clinical studies in humans are seriously lacking so there is no direct scientific evidence to back up the health claims found on the bottle. However, researchers have found potent antioxidant effects as well as stimulation of the immune system in animal populations with limited toxicity. That is good news. Kombucha is prepared by fermenting sweetened black tea with a symbiotic culture of yeasts and bacteria, creating a slightly carbonated "tea" thus earning the nickname "champagne of life." It could be the high caffeine and sugar content that provide drinkers of this "Manchurian mushroom" (that isn't really a mushroom) a boost in energy.

Bottom line: None of the purported health benefits of Kombucha tea can be backed with scientific evidence in human populations, so hopefully someone will study this soon. The fact that a not-so-pleasant tasting, slightly acidic drink has been around since 221 B.C. suggests some folks truly find it beneficial. So drinking it can't really hurt you, but do be wary of homemade brew because it is easily contaminated.

Source

"Cocaine" Pulled From Shelves

FitSugar — Tue, 08 May 2007 03:00:00 PDT

The energy drink called Cocaine was pulled from shelves because of nationwide concerns about its name.

The FDA issued a warning letter last month to the distributer, Redux Beverages LLC of Las Vegas, saying that they were illegally marketing the drink as a "legal alternative" to the street drug and as a dietary supplement." On the company's website, the drink is advertised as “Speed in a Can,” “Liquid Cocaine” and “Cocaine - Instant Rush.”

The company argued that their energy drink has NO cocaine in it and nobody thinks it does. The drink provides a cocaine-like energy boost because it contains more caffeine than any other energy drink (and twice as much as coffee). The FDA is just concerned that although it's not actually "cocaine," the drink is glorifying the use of this illegal drug.

So the energy drink has been pulled from shelves until they come up with a new name for it (chances are low that they will name it Meth, but you never know). I guess we will just have to stick to Red Bull spiked with espresso.

Coke and Pepsi Jump on the Energy Drink Bandwagon

FitSugar — Wed, 07 Mar 2007 15:15:00 PST

The fact that more and more consumers are choosing bottled water, both sparkling or non, as well as green tea beverages instigated the two cola giants, Coke and Pepsi, to rethink their products. Even though the soda business remains a $68 billion industry, profits dipped in 2005 and the big TWO are looking for new ways into consumer pockets.

Enter Diet Coke Plus and Tava, Pepsi's stab at a healthy non-soda alternative. Both companies will be releasing their new carbonated, vitamin and mineral fortified beverages in upcoming months. Diet Coke Plus will be enhanced with niacin, vitamins B6 and B12, magnesium and zinc, while Tava will contain B3, B6 and E, and chromium. The companies will not be labeling the drinks "soda," since folks are starting to realize that diet sodas, while low in calories, are not exactly healthy.

The CEO of Coca-Cola’s asserts that "“Diet and light brands are actually health and wellness brands.” Yet, other players in the beverage industry feel it is a joke to market artificially sweetened soft drinks as healthy even if they are fortified with vitamins and minerals.

I guess we will all have to wait and see what they actually taste like and how many artificial ingredients they contain.

Fit's Tip: Since more and more research suggests that the best way to reap the benefits of vitamins and minerals is to eat them in real food, I say stick to water, fruit juice and tea.

Big Ballers Drink Hi-Ball

FitSugar — Fri, 09 Feb 2007 09:30:00 PST

Wanna be a baller? I recently came across this new energy sparkling water called Hi-Ball because rumor has is that A-listers like Lindsay Lohan and Mischa Barton drink it as a healthier alternative to the other energy drinks, which are often loaded with sugar. So I'm intrigued.

You guys probably already know how I feel about energy drinks, but I was intrigued with the no sugar, no carbs, no artificial additives or sweeteners and only 10 calories per bottle claim. The energy in Hi-Ball comes from a strong cocktail of: caffeine 75mg, guarana 32mg, ginseng 32mg, 1250mg of taurine and B-vitamins.

In case you're wondering, guarana, the ingredient found in most Brazilian soft drinks, promotes health and weight loss. What about taurine? Well, interestingly enough, high intake of alcohol may cause the body not to be able to use taurine fully but in Asia, they use taurine for the prevention of the side effects from excess alcohol consumption. I think I know why LL has been sipping Hi-Ball. When it comes to energy drinks, Hi-Ball sits high on my list, Red Bull being at the bottom, in terms of the ingredients and how I feel after drinking it.

Again, if you're feeling low in energy I think you should re-evaluate why you're feeling so tired all of the time before turning to energy drinks. Visit hiballer.com to find out where to buy it and Yum did a great post about all of the different waters and energy waters out there so you should check it out if you're interested.

Source

How to Keep Your Run Pain-Free

Leta Shy — Mon, 13 Feb 2012 12:54:30 PST

Sometimes, you start your run with the best intentions, only to be thwarted by recurring cramps and a headache that zaps all your energy. If you've experienced these nagging annoyances when you run, here are some tips for preventing pain and coping with it when it happens during your workout.

Headache: Often, a pounding headache that comes on during a run is due to inadequate water intake. Your body loses a lot of fluids while you're sweating it out on the treadmill, so before you even begin, make sure that you've had enough water throughout the day. During your run, sip water slowly, about five to 12 ounces every 20 minutes (or sip a sports drink with electrolytes if you are running for more than an hour), but don't drink so much that you feel all of it sloshing around in your stomach - that can lead to cramps or nausea.

More tips for pain-free running after the break.

Two Feel-Good Ways to Quicken Postworkout Muscle Repair

Leta Shy — Fri, 03 Feb 2012 02:22:10 PST

You know the feeling: sore muscles after your workout. If you want to feel better fast, help speed the process along by doing these two things soon after your workout.

Feed them right: Eating or drinking protein soon after your workout will help repair spent muscles. The best postworkout foods are a mix of protein and carbs for energy and repair (a ratio of 4:1 carbs to protein, since carbs help replenish energy stores), so grab a yogurt or drink a chocolate milk. Want to quicken the process even more? Try a turmeric tea: the spice has anti-inflammatory properties that help accelerate muscle repair.

Get a massage: Who needs an excuse to get a massage? Sports massages feel oh-so-relieving, and there's good reason why. A new study found that getting a sports massage right after a workout decreases inflammation and boosts your muscles' oxygen intake, which helps your muscles rebuild and repair. Since it's not exactly possible to book a sports massage after every workout, make sure you keep up with your postworkout stretching and foam-rolling routine.

Whether you're easing pain right after a workout or later, find more tips for dealing with postworkout muscle soreness here.

Labor Pains: 7 Ways to Ease the Pain of Labor

BabyCenter — Wed, 01 Feb 2012 11:37:43 PST

We're excited to share this post from our partners at BabyCenter! Every week, we will be bringing you the best parenting and lifestyle stories from the experts at BabyCenter, including this post from Nancy Johnson Horn about tips for easing labor pain.

I remember going into labor over 6 years ago with my first child. When my water broke 11 days early I couldn’t remember a thing, other than "pick a focus point on the wall" and breathe.

But there’s more you can do to make labor go a little smoother. Recently, I spoke to Hope Garland, an Affiliated Bradley Instructor, www.blossombirth.net, who recommended these amazing tips. So, if you’re weeks or days away from childbirth - don’t panic, just print out (or bookmark it on your smartphone) this post so you can reference it when you go into labor.

Pack in the protein: If you were about to run a long marathon, would you eat only ice chips? No. You need to eat a protein-rich meal. It will give you the stamina needed for labor (plus many hospitals won’t let you eat once you check in anyway). Make a plan to either keep something in the fridge/freezer/cupboard or know where you can go to get your marathon meal.
Don’t fight gravity: Remain upright as long as possible. Walk around or sit up, but don’t lie on your back. (Yes, that’s really me in the pic, before I found out I should be walking around.)
Hydrate thyself: Pack (and use) a water bottle. If you properly hydrate yourself during labor, you’ll increase your energy output by as much as 30%. Also, if you can keep drinking water, you may not need an IV that will really restrict your mobility. That’s when the ice chips and clear liquids can also help.
Breathe using your abdomen: Normal abdominal breathing increases relaxation, which you’re really going to need. Chest and patterned breathing may fool your body into stress mode, and you don’t want that.
Take a virtual chill pill: You’ve got to stay relaxed. Physically, mentally, and emotionally. If music helps, bring a preloaded playlist on your iPod, locate a focal point in the room and breathe. Banish as much negative energy as possible. While it’s not easy, stay as relaxed as you can through contractions – it will let your body do what it’s supposed to do.
Move around during labor: There are a variety of positions for labor. Try to change positions so you’re not in one place for too long. Speak to the nurse about how you can be monitored and still move around. Bring slippers for those lovely grippy hospital socks so you can walk the halls.
Make sure you have support and loving encouragement: Having your husband, partner, or trained birth partner can make a big difference. That support will do more for you than any amount of medication!

Do you have any tips to make labor a little easier? What did or didn’t work for you?

More great stories from BabyCenter.com:
Quantity or quality time: Which matters more?
Five reasons you need the Origami Stroller - now!
The three greatest dangers for baby are . . .
Seven ways to spread the love this Valentine's Day
What do you say to pushy parents?

Source: Flickr User bradleygee

4 Lazy Moves That Boost Your Health

Prevention — Mon, 30 Jan 2012 04:05:16 PST

We are excited to share one of our fave stories from Prevention here on FitSugar!

You don’t have to go on a deprivation diet or spend hours exercising to ward off disease and be your healthiest self! Instead, try these supersimple tips
By the editors of Prevention

Staying healthy can feel like so much, well, work (think: logging hours at the gym and whipping up nutritious meals from scratch). However, there are plenty of small moves that you can make in your everyday life that will have big health benefits. We’ve rounded up 15 practically zero-effort ways to fight disease, whittle your waist, lower stress, and more. Bonus: many of these good-for-you moves feel good, too. So say sayonara to the old adage “no pain, no gain” and try these tips today.

Lazy Move No. 1: Protect Your Ticker by Snoozing
Need a good excuse to grab your comfiest set of pajamas and hit the sack? Skimping on shut-eye may do more than make you cranky or unproductive - it also boosts your risk of a heart attack. According to one Norwegian study, people who reported that they did not wake up feeling refreshed in the morning had a 27 percent higher risk of a heart attack, those who had trouble staying asleep almost every night in the last month had a 30 percent higher risk, and those who had trouble falling asleep almost every night in the last month had odds that jumped to 45 percent.

Twenty Ways to Sleep Better Every Night

Some researchers speculate that insomnia might trigger your body to release more of the stress hormone cortisol. High levels of cortisol have been linked with high blood pressure and diabetes, which are both risk factors for cardiovascular disease. Plus when you’re exhausted, you may be more likely to make unhealthy choices that up your heart disease risk, such as skipping your workout or reaching for fatty or sugary snacks for a quick energy fix.

Keep reading for three more lazy ways to improve your health.

Why Does Coffee Make You Have to "Go"?

FitSugar — Sat, 28 Jan 2012 21:49:32 PST

Sipping on a hot cup of coffee in the morning is one of my simple pleasures. Not only does it offer some "me time," but I love the rich flavor, and the fact that it gives me an extra pep in my step. Millions of people drink coffee for the exact same reasons, but what they may not know is that drinking joe helps relieve muscle pain as well as improves memory and that it may help prevent skin cancer while also decreasing the risk of liver cancer.

These are all great reasons to enjoy a daily cup of java, but many people also love coffee because it makes them "go," and by that I mean more than an energy rush. Keep reading to see why a java jolt helps the final stages of the digestion process.