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Omega-3 supplements for exercise inflammation
The growing interest in using omega-3 supplements for exercise inflammation stems from the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of these polyunsaturated fatty acids. Exercise produces both inflammation and oxidative stress, which might sound like a bad thing but it’s actually good. The biological responses to exercise allow the body to adapt to training. However, excess inflammation can be counterproductive, especially when it interferes with subsequent training or, even worse, competition. Similarly, injuries and illness generate inflammation and oxidative stress which should be mitigated under certain circumstances. This article is based on a systematic review of 13 studies that analysed the effects of omega-3 supplements on various markers of inflammation and muscle…
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Inflammation and diet
Chronic low-level inflammation is a feature of most chronic health conditions. The link between inflammation and diet is multi-factored and can’t be reduced to individual foods or nutrients. What is inflammation? Inflammation is an important mechanism of the immune response. Under normal circumstances, it acts as a local response to cellular injury. The characteristics of inflammation are increased blood flow, capillary dilatation, leukocyte infiltration, and localised production of chemicals (1). The signs and symptoms of inflammation include heat, redness, swelling, pain, and loss of function (2). Types of inflammation Broadly speaking, there are two types of inflammation: acute and chronic. Acute: This is the “good” kind of inflammation, which happens in…
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What is glycine?
If you remember chemistry or biochemistry from high school, the word glycine might ring a bell. If not, read on to answer the question: what is glycine? What is glycine? Glycine is the simplest amino acid. Amino acids are chemical compounds that contain an amino group (NH2) and carboxyl group (-COOH). The chain between is composed of carbon and hydrogen atoms and its length defines the amino acid. Amino acids are the building blocks of all proteins. Amino acids are normally categorised in non-essential (produced by our bodies) and essential (which must be consumed in our diets). Glycine is a non-essential amino acid; however to be more exact it should…
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My experiment with the Bulletproof® protein fasting
A while ago I listened to a lecture by Dave Asprey in the Living La Vida Low Carb podcast. While I don’t agree with everything Asprey says, when he mentioned his protein fasting protocol I remembered hearing solid stuff related to this concept from Mat Lalonde. It made sense, so I decided to give it a go. According to the Bulletproof® Diet‘s infographic, the Bulletproof® protein fasting is “a biohack used occasionally to get a greater reduction in inflammation. About 1-2 times a week, limit your protein intake to 15-25g to help cleanse your inner-cells without muscle loss. To keep you full and energized, consume a cup of Bulletproof® Coffee…
