Draining Energizing Drink

In my efforts to maintain an alertness during night time studies, i submitted myself to external stimulus.  With so many energy drinks or supplements on the market its difficult to keep on top of which product has the highest efficiency without debilitating side effects.  Embarrassing to admit, my scientific educational background was not ready for what i would uncover.

In 1981, Reagan and Rumsfeld looking for an alternative from pure sugar, chemically engineered a sugar product containing three naturally occurring neurotransmitters that exist in the human brain, however, occurring at high concentrations individually can become toxic and develop free radicals.  These two master mind politicians decided to make a sugar involving all three excitatory neurotransmitters which yield high toxicity for the public specifically marketed towards diabetics under the brand name Nutrasweet otherwise known as the chemical Aspartame.  Series of tests were conducted demonstrating it neurotoxicity by federal regulating agencies however Aspartame was still filtered into the public in most carbonated sugar sweetened drinks.  What motivations would elected politicians and federal consumer protection agencies benefit from inconspicuously adding this neurotoxin into the public's favorite commercially produced beverages is up for debate.  It's not surprising due to this particular introduction of crack cocaine into the urban Los Angeles, New York, and Miami areas.

Thirty years later we have discovered Aspartame influence in America and deteriorating effects after consumption with noticeable side effects.  After Aspartame is chemically broken down, by products concentrations of methanol are produced which deteriorates hippocampal functionality related to memory.  This is counter productive since most beverage consumers drink these products to stay awake , be alert, and recall information recently digested.  

after i drank two 8.5 ounces of red bull within 2 hour time period i was alert and capable to accomplish the tasks n front of me.  however once i woke up after an uncomfortable rest, i couldn't recall everything i was reading from the night before and lost majority of the day because of the mental saggy feeling i was getting.  My warning is to be aware of the beverages containing Aspartame and use only natural sources to awaken your alertness.  Eat fresh fruit, do some stretches, and try jogging as natural energizer enhancers.

Blood Type Food Based Diet

Is it too far fetched to say that dependent upon your blood type, you are able to digest foods better?  The type of food you eat, the better your body can break it down and circulate it throughout your body.  Proper food digestion is the purpose of eating.  Food sustains life, not as primordial over-indulgence just because we live in a society of quantity.  Early Greek philosophers suggested four different types of phlegm (bodily fluid) determined personality traits. These philosophers were not too far off. The following chart suggests diet profiles for each body type.

	Diet Profile	Allowed	Limited	Food to avoid for Weight Loss purpose	Food that help with Weight Loss
Type O	High Protein: Meat eaters	Meat fish vegetables fruit	grains beans legumes	wheat corn kidney beans navy beans lentils cabbage Brussels sprouts cauliflower mustard greens	kelp seafood salt liver red meat kale spinach broccoli
Type A	Vegetarian	vegetables tofu seafood grains beans legumes fruit		meat dairy kidney beans lima beans wheat	vegetable oil soy foods vegetables pineapple
Type B	Balanced omnivore	meat (no chicken) dairy grains beans legumes vegetables fruit		corn lentil peanuts sesame seeds buckwheat wheat	greens eggs venison liver licorice tea
Type AB	Mixed diet in moderation	meat seafood dairy tofu beans legumes grains vegetables fruits		red meat kidney beans lima beans seeds corn buckwheat	tofu seafood dairy greens kelp pineapple

 *chart taken from Dr. Lam, MD http://www.drlam.com/blood_type_diet/*

Current research shows that the quality of food influences the body's mechanisms and possibly, as Greek philosophers theorized, effected personality.  Aren't you happy after eating food anyway??

Too Much Muscle Mass???

Bone bearing activities reduce the risk of osteoporosis and promote the stimulation of red blood cells in the bone marrow.  Beta lymphocytes (disease fighting cells) are differentiated from red blood cells during its maturation in the bone marrow which is further promoted via exercising.  Other than denser bones and disease prevention, weight lifting (a bone bearing activity) is used for muscle development.  When is there too much mass muscle?

Muscles mass is the motivation most body builders, exercise enthusiast, and gym non-frequenters need in order to contribute to their own personal health development.  On the contrary, muscle mass should not diminish flexibility.  Muscles that become to massive may effect poor circulation comparative to fat buildup leading to high cholesterol and heart disease.  Flexibility and lean muscle mass allows proper circulation for regulatory systems in the body, and eliminates body structure rigidity.

Inability to touch your toes or scratch your back are clear indicators of extremely tight muscles that should be attended to with equal effort stretching.

Sport Drinks: What's better?

Exercise physiology says that we need to fuel our bodies to activate its potential, particularly for the activity it will engage in.  This theory makes actual sense.  However, what doesn't make sense are the types of fuels we consume enabling our bodies to be capable.  Regardless of the exercise we engage in, once we sweat our bodies need  to be replenished with the electrolytes it lost.  Electrolytes are positively or negatively charged elements which assist cell regulation throughout the 11 body systems (ex. central nervous, endocrine, & digestive).  Decrease your chances of dehydration by ensuring your sports drinks contain the following:

• sodium (Na⁺)
• potassium (K⁺)
• chloride (Cl^-)
• calcium (Ca²⁺)
• magnesium (Mg²⁺)
• bicarbonate (HCO₃^-)
• phosphate (PO₄^2-)
• sulfate (SO₄^2-)

Gatorade, VitaCoco, Powerade, etc contain a significant percentage of these electrolytes however what differentiates each brand is the amount of artificial sugar or sweetener used to enhance the drinks' flavor contents.  Gatorade and Powerade contain 35 and 46 grams of sugar respectively in a 20 fluid ounce container while VitaCoco contains 11 grams in a 8.5 fluid ounce container. If a person doubles the serving of VitaCoco, the amount of sugar does not equate in comparison to Gatorade or Powerade.  

With the latest NYC regulation on sugar content at chain restaurants, I think it is fair to know the amount in our sport drinks so we dictate the choice of how much sugar we need.

Stretching is Vital

Muscles and ligaments get tight after strenuous workout sessions.  when we are properly motivated, in particular to achieve a specific goal, we fully invest ourselves into leaving an attitude of "no pain, no gain."  ow do we get rid of that pain in order to gain more so we can achieve our fitness goals?  Simply by stretching out our muscles and fueling them with the right nutrients is were we can get the most out of our body.

The best time to stretch is at the conclusion of your workout.  Your muscles are warm, blood is circulating to the joints and ligaments, also stretching at the end of your exercise provides as an effective cool down.  Below I have my top five stretches listed for all major body parts. First some helpful reminders are needed to clearly understand what you are about to engage in. Each stretch should not exceed 30 seconds and treated with compassion.  Know your limits and do restrain yourself from forcing.  This will only irritate the body part causing injury.

1. V stretch (standing) - for the hamstrings

2. half pigeon - for the quadriceps 

3. backward bend (camel) - lower back, front hip

4. pectoral/upper back stretch

5. Deltoid Stretch - shoulders and upper back

These five stretches massages your muscles into elongating the total body and contributes towards lean muscle development.  The soreness you get the next day from a workout will be there but now the additional stretching will allow you to gain more for your next workout.

Oral Health

One of the first body parts we observe on a person is their face.  The face carries an abundant of distinguishable physical features that illuminate brighter on some than others.  The physical makeup include eyes, eyebrows, nose, ears, lips, and teeth.  We greet each other smiles and sometimes frowns but what's important is the health our teeth display when we meet.  Here are a few tips on how to keep low amounts of dental carries away from your mouth that could erode your teeth or even cause an infection.

1.  Pre-brush mouth wash:  This type of mouth wash not only gives you clean breath but it whitens teeth in the process.  Name brand and store bands carry Pre-brush mouth wash with no major differences other than the name.  Both have the same percentage of alcohol (approximately 8%) and inactive ingredients which makes it viable for oral health.

2.  Flossing:  Once the oral bacteria has been rinsed and spit down the sink, flossing further loosens the dental carries in between the teeth.  Floss along the curves on the teeth and along the gum line.  If you are bleeding when you floss it's either because your gums are sensitive to the brand new flossing or you are flossing too hard.  Be gentle with your gums, you only have one set.

3. Brushing:  Brush in circles!  Please do not scour your teeth like Comet cleaner in your bathtub.  No elbow grease is needed.  This will cause the enamel (a film that protects your teeth) to diminish which will cause sensitivity to foods.  Be gentle. In front, behind, and on top of the teeth should thoroughly be brushed to ensure cleanliness.  Types of toothpaste is of personal choice, however if you do suffer from sensitive teeth you might want to use Proamel or Colgate.  Otherwise Crest or Arm&Hammer are highly recommended.

These three steps not only provide a great opportunity for oral health but makes a lasting impression on strangers.  A great smile shows confidence.  Practicing oral health is the first step in seizing that confidence.

L. Jermaine Russell M.S.

Independent Microbiological Scientist

Twitter: Health4Soul
E-mail: jrussell.health@gmail.com

Smooth Scalp

The latest fashion statement and economically wise design in the recent decade has been the bald head.  I have grown accustom to this aerodynamic style.  Its highly manageable and only requires 5 to 10 minutes in order to gain the smooth shine I passionately desire.

The battle between using clippers or razors is unique to an individual's skin sensitivity and hair density.  If the hair is not cut at the right length and with the correct instrument, snagging and pulling could occur causing microabrasions.  Most scalp breathers prefer applying alcohol on their clean shaven skin to prevent baterial infections commonly caused by staphylococcus aureus.  The stringency of rubbing alcohol can deteriorate the skin, prolonging the regenerative process.

Cleaning the skin with non fragrance anti-bacterial soap (ex. Dial) and warm water will prevent harboring of Staph infection inside the scalp's microabrasions.  Applying cold water to close the skin's pores will facilitate a smooth scalp you have desired.  Lastly to increase the healing rate of the skin, apply Shea butter.  Shea butter is an anti-inflammatory fatty acid with many uses; one being a medicinal ointment and conditioner for scalp and hair.

L. Jermaine Russell M.S.

Independent Microbiological Scientist

Twitter: Health4Soul
E-mail: jrussell.health@gmail.com

My Skin Protects Me, But Still Vulnerable

Staph Infections are skin infections that are difficult to get rid of in close communities.  They develop opportunistically through skin abrasions forming pus filled layers below the skin.  The deeper the infection travels below the skin, the more destruction it can cause to the body.   Self examinations to identify physical appearances include pus, rashes, redness, and swelling aid in containing a possible outbreak.  Staph spreads by skin to skin contact and more commonly by sharing equipment, uniforms, and towels.  Prevent contamination by washing your hands, covering abrasions, and keep your belongings personal.  Keep clean and fight dirty!!


L. Jermaine Russell M.S.
Independent Microbiological Scientist
Twitter: Health4Soul
E-mail: jrussell.health@gmail.com