Dangers of Occasional Bouts of Exercise - By: Abdullah Salim

Our body produces a large amount of free radicals when we are exercising and which can lead to damage of muscles and tissues. Our body finds the need to use more amount of oxygen during workout sessions which leads to the generation of free radicals. So when athletes work out strenuously, should they be worried about free radical damage? And how can this damage be curtailed?

Free radicals cannot be easily measured in the body. Scientists have, therefore; measured the byproducts which are a result of free radical damage. When free radical generation in the body exceeds the amount of antioxidants, it can result in the byproducts which scientists measure to determine free radical damage in the body.

There have been vital discoveries made through these experiments. When we regularly exercise, our body’s defense system actually becomes enhanced and helps us fight the free radical damage caused through working out. However, when we start an intense exercise program, our body has to suddenly adapt to this increase in intensity which can be overwhelming to the defense system of our body and thus free radical damage may increase. Weekend warriors, who generally workout during the weekend may actually be subjecting their body to more harm than good! Therefore, it is important to understand the various elements involved in keeping our body healthy including diet, conditioning of the athlete, workout intensity etc.

How do antioxidant supplements help in reducing free radical damage?
The role of antioxidant supplementation in an athlete’s conditioning is quite difficult to judge. This is because there is no concrete evidence as to whether supplements help or not. However, data does suggest that Vitamin E can help prevent oxidative damage in the body during and after exercise. In this case, the amount of vitamin E required to help prevent this damage is unknown. Some athletes may require supplementation based on the amount of Vitamin E that is present in their current dietary pattern.

How much Supplementation?
Experiments have not yet been able clarify how much supplementation is actually enough for the body. It is known that large amounts of antioxidant supplementation could potentially be harmful, even toxic to the body and therefore, we should be aware of such problems before taking in any supplementations. In normal concentrations, vitamins like vitamin C and beta carotene are actually beneficial to the body and act as antioxidants; however, in large quantities they can be toxic.

Recommended Dosage:
There is no standard dosage that a person can take to make him or herself healthy. However, when people follow a healthy diet full of fruits and vegetables, and work out on a regular basis, they have basically established a healthy lifestyle for themselves. Antioxidants are provided by fruits and vegetables in the diet and free radical damage can be minimized during workouts when our body is receiving the right amount of antioxidants.

Drinking Alkaline Ionized Water:
We should also aim to drink large amounts of alkaline ionized water which helps fight free radical damage in the body. A water ionizer, which is easily available in the market, can be attached to the kitchen tap, and which will provide alkaline ionized water by electrically charging the water passing through this machine. Alkaline ionized water has the ability to act like an antioxidant and helps flush out harmful substances and toxins from the body, thus reducing oxidative damage. It also helps to neutralize the effect of lactic acid which gets produced during working out. So, for a healthy body, a good diet and lots of alkaline ionized water are vital foundations.

About the Author

Chanson water ionizers produce electrically charged alkaline ionized water. This water is a powerful natural antioxidant. Please visit: http://www.ChansonAlkalineWater.com and http://www.HealingWaterMachines.com
By Nedalee Ruiz and Abdullah Salim.
Permission granted to reproduce with links.

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