5 Natural Arthritis Solutions That WORK!

Too often, we assume that our aches and pains are a permanent byproduct of life, and that as the years take their toll, we're condemned to accept these chronic conditions.

In fact, even some MDs believe that "getting old" is part in parcel with new muscle and joint problems; making the pains greater while our movements lessen every year.

If there is one thing that holistic health science has taught us, it's that the symptoms we accept as "normal aging" are not truly "normal", but rather the results of health opportunities which we have missed along the road of life. We'll address muscle pains and other forms of damage in a future blog posting. Below, however, are the cutting-edge, fitness science ideals, as presented from PPT's clinical wellness team, that you need to know to reverse and prevent the most common form of joint pain:  Osteoarthritis (OA).

OA is the actual breakdown of cartilege (the joint's "cushion"), which often eventually leads to the painful "bone-on-bone" action.  This creates pain through an inflammatory response and through other channels as well.

There Are Five Powerful Corrective Actions:
#1: Give the body (and therefore, the joints) high doses of antioxidants to combat destructive free radicals:
Fruits and vegetables are excellent sources of antioxidants, as are zero-calorie over-the-counter supplements such as CoQ10 and Resveratrol. Even more beneficial tend to be many natural compounds such as glucosamine and chondroitin, which are effectively used to rebuild damaged cartilege.  Other effective, zero-calorie solutions are healing herbs such as parsley, astragalus, and boswellia, all of which contain antioxidants that have demonstrated an ability to help damaged & inflamed joints heal.

#2: Build muscular strength, balance & flexibility in the joint's surrounding muscles:
PPT's strength-training programs have a much greater ability to improve muscular structures than exercise classes or less-personalized fitness trainer approaches. The reason is that our resistance and programming selections are particular to clinical norms for the improvement of muscular synergy. For many with arthritis, tight muscles with poor ability to contract properly are putting an unhealthy pressure on the joint. By creating healthier muscle tissue around the damaged joint, there is a greater ability for the lost cartilege to rebuild and to reduce inflammation.

#3: Stimulate the rebuilding of cartilege through well-crafted resistive/strength exercise:
Above, we discussed how having healthier muscles can improve a damaged joint.  But the actual act of strength training, when performed approriately, has its own ability to stimulate cartilege re-growth. The movements must be very natural, and the execution should be against the proper resistance for the proper amount of time, with the proper frequency of occurence. When all variables are correct, the action of strength training will actually improve the integrity and life of the joints that are conditioned.

#4: Hydrate the body throughout the day:
Water plays a vital role.  Consume adequate water throughout the day and rely on foods in your diet that are of a higher water concentration.  Your PPT health coach had specific and personalized answers for you.

#5: Avoid abrasive, impactful movements on your joints:
Many popular exercises and sports involve harmful and aggressive movements that wear down the joints. Conversely, there are smooth, steady movements that improve the joints, as described in #3 above.  Keep your daily activities free of pounding motions. Or, if your favorite sports involve these types of movements (ie, hard running, squash or tennis) then plan to trade some of that athletic time for more constructive, clinically-appropriate exercise. The end result will likely be a more pain-free life of richer, more healthful mobility.

Also Helpful: NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) are commonly used to mask symptoms of pain, but these can also have some serious side effects. NSAIDs have been clinically-demonstrated to decrease the protective lining in one's stomach, which can easliy lead to ulcers in some users.  One study found that in the US alone, over 100,000 hospital admissions and more than 16,000 deaths each year are due to intestinal bleeding caused by NSAIDs. We recommend the five natural solutions above as opposed to taking NSAIDs.

If you're not yet a client of PPT's, then find out how personalized & preventive our action plans really are:  Just visit http://perfectpersonaltraining.com and click Sign Up for your free in-home fitness and wellness assessment.

We look forward to your incredible successes!

Are You Eating Right? Take This Test and See!

Is your daily nutrition truly healthy? Take this quick test to see if you're making decisions that will equate to long-term wellness!  Remember, there is always a solution -- our nutritionists are eager to help you get fit and well!

Question #1:

"Is your daily protein intake correct?"

Daily protein intake is essential to healthy eating.  This is the building block of metabolism, muscle function, and postural health throughout the aging process. Your protein intake should be at least 1 gram consumed for every 2 pounds of body weight. For those who exercise at higher intensities and more than three days weekly, this number should be virtually doubled.

Give yourself a point if your daily protein intake is appropriate for you.

Question #2:

"How many servings of fruits or vegetables do you consume on an average day?"

Fruits and vegetables contain anti-oxidants that are essential for healthy immune and cardiovascular systems. Smaller people require 5-6 servings daily, whereas larger people may need as many as 10 servings.

Give yourself a point if you're consuming an appropriate amount of fruits or vegetables on a daily basis!

Question #3:
"Are you appropriately hydrated?"

Hydration is the key to every component of good health, including weight management. In general, the amount of water a body needs each day (in ounces) is approximately 1/2 of the total bodyweight. For those that consume caffeine, heavy salts, or who sweat more than most due to exercise or weather, this number should be nearly doubled (water in ounces consumed should be equal to bodyweight in pounds).

Give yourself a point if you're staying appropriately hydrated!

Question #4:

"Are you supplementing your diet with additional anti-oxidants?"
Supplements such as multi-vitamins, Resveratrol, vitamin C, CoQ10, Turmeric, and Astragalus are believed to help build the immune system and improve biological processes.

Give yourself a point if you're supplementing with anti-oxidants on a daily basis!

 

Question #5:

"How often do you consume a meal involving fats, proteins, and carbohydrates?"

The traditional concept of three square meals per day is not ideal for metabolic health and organ function. Our bodies are more optimal when fed four or more times per day, roughly every three hours.

Give yourself a point if you're consuming more than four meals daily, each separated by three hours or more.

Add Up Your Score!

• If you've scored a 4 or a 5, then you're probably in fairly good nutritional health and making strong choices.
• If you scored a 3 then you are missing at least two of the major criteria responsible for better living, and we recommend some changes to your nutrition
• If you scored a 2 or below, then your nutritional health should definitely be improved for long-term health and wellness

A Perfect Personal Training nutritionist will be glad to help you achieve personalized prevention. Contact us at (877)698-3648 today or visit us at http://perfectpersonaltraining.com

 

 

74-Year Old Finds Fitness Success With In-Home Wellness Program



Marcia Closson, PPT Client since 2007

To most, growing older means weaker muscles, weaker bones, a weaker spirit, and a greater number of daily medications. For Detroiter Marcia Closson, the last six years have shown anything but weakness or a reliance on medications. Read her surprising and uplifting story, in her own words:

I first began exercising with Perfect Personal Training in 2007. My husband was already a client, and we learned that both of us could train, together, in our home for the price that he paid in the gym. I had been retired from teaching for two years and had tried Yoga, Pilates, and a general exercise class, but needed a regular exercise program to strengthen bone density and build upper body strength. At that time, I had been taking Fosamax for seven years, and I didn’t have the strength to lift my garage door easily. By 2010, after working with PPT for three years doing strength training and cardio, my doctor took me off Fosamax because my risk of fracture had gone from severe to mild. My bone density test in 2012 showed that my bones are still in the mild or no-risk-of-fracture category although I haven’t taken any medication in two years.

My husband was with PPT for two years before he died of cancer. He had decided to seek no treatment, but to live life as well as he could before his death. During the last year of his life, our Perfect Personal Trainer was a great help in keeping Bob as strong as possible. He was on pain medication for a short time before he passed, but still exercised with Perfect Personal Training three times a week. I am grateful for our very kind, sympathetic and knowledgeable trainer who knew exactly how to help us during this difficult period in our lives.

In 2009, three of my neighbors and I formed a group class. We meet in my basement to train three times a week. The fact that we have a trained, qualified professional planning sessions to meet our specific needs, and that we don’t have to go anywhere far from home to exercise makes PPT very valuable in our lives. Not only have all of us seen a positive change in our strength, balance, and general health, but we also have fun socializing while we train.

My greatest accomplishments since I’ve been with PPT are that I’ve learned how to pursue physical fitness, not just through exercise, but through good nutrition and by eating several small meals rather than three large meals each day. I also know how to control and use my muscles a lot better than I did before beginning my sessions with PPT. I feel healthy and well and am able to lead an active full life at 74 yrs. old.

~ Marcia Closson

For more information on beginning your personalized fitness and wellness program with Perfect Personal Training, just visit http://perfectpersonaltraining.com or call (877)698-3648.  We love to change lives for the better!

 

How Long Will It Take You To Get Fit?

It's almost February!  For many Americans, that New Year fitness enthusiasm has already left, while others are putting in the time and effort, but not including enough fitness/nutrition science to really see the results they are seeking.


So, you might be asking yourself this question: 

How long does it take to get fit? More specifically, how long will it take YOU to get fit?





Just answer these four questions to find out:

• How fit are you now?
• How much time will you devote each week?
• What obstacles might we encounter?
• How fit do you want to be?

How Fit Are You Now?
Fitness levels are measured in many ways.  Most common and valuable assessments are body composition (ratio of fat weight : muscle weight), aerobic capacity, aerobic endurance, blood pressure, and each muscle's strength.  A Perfect Personal Trainer will be happy to determine your current fitness level, or a "baseline" from which to assess your progress.

How Much Time Will You Devote Each Week?
Only you can answer this question.  Some advice for those who don't feel that they can make enough time for steady exercise includes:  Multi-task -- incorporate some light exercise during phone calls, TV time, and even with the family.  You can also find time to exercise while listening to audio books. And of course, take a bit less time for social connections, and make more time for exercise.  Your social circles are important, but your heart and health should be #1.

What Obstacles Might We Encounter?
Obstacles can be psychological or physiological.  An example of the former would be the desire for inappropriate rewards, such as those rich in unhealthy calories.  An example of the latter would be a health issue (asthma, low back pain, etc) that may, potentially, reduce your rate of fitness progress.

How Fit Do You Want To Be?
See How Fit Are You Now, above.  Let's set some goals involving any of the fitness measurement tools that you read in that list, or involving other criteria, such as cholesterol, reducing arthritic pain, posture, or mobility.

Fitness success all begins with determining your starting point, your goal, and creating a plan that works for your lifestyle.  Call us today at (877)698-3648 or visit http://perfectpersonaltraining.com to request your free consultation with a wellness professional or personal trainer from Perfect Personal Training.  Whether weight loss, muscle gains, or health issue resolution, a Perfect Personal Trainer and our team of researchers will create your personalized answer!



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PPT Client Sees Amazing Wellness Successes

 

Rikki Schwartz

Although Rikki Schwartz of Waterford, Michigan has created a very successful career as a chemical engineer, her health was not always as prosperous. “I was exhausted all the time; I rarely had any surplus energy, and thereby resisted most varieties of social activities,” Rikki explains. “I couldn’t climb a flight of stairs without being winded.” Rikki was growing increasingly exasperated with her inability to keep up with friends and family—even attending a simple art fair was exhausting.
With her upcoming 46th birthday, Rikki knew that she had to make lifestyle changes. “I realized that the distance to 50 was shorter than the distance from 40,” she says. “I concurrently realized that I likely would not make it past 60 if I didn’t do something as soon as possible, or if I did make it past 60, my quality of life would be dismal.” Admitting her diminished well-being was just the first step. The exercise component, which she knew had to be a part of her journey to better health, was a different obstacle entirely. Rikki not only associated exercise with discontentment, but also with fear. The thought of working out was daunting. As Rikki explains: “Exercise had always meant two things to me: pain and humiliation.” Much of her insecurity stemmed from grade school, where she had struggled to keep up with her peers. Avoiding fitness altogether just seemed easier, though it led to a multitude of issues for Rikki as she approached middle age.

Although she knew that she had to overcome her trepidation, the thought of joining a health club wasn’t even remotely appealing. Beyond the challenge of finding motivation to leave her home to exercise, Rikki just couldn’t face the deep-rooted public humiliation that she associated with gyms. Contacting Perfect Personal Training, whose wellness professionals would come right to her home for each session, seemed like a much better fit, especially with her busy career. She loved the thought of a “gym” knocking on her door and asking her for less than an hour of her time, which for Rikki was far more motivating than packing a duffle bag full of spandex and leaving her house.

Working with Perfect Personal Trainers Val Fiott and Jordan Gruppen in the comfort of her own home, Rikki never imagined that she would trade shame for a decreased body fat percentage and new-found confidence.  But, that wasn’t before Val helped Rikki to realize something even more important: she was asthmatic. “I did not even suspect the condition until Val Fiott encouraged me to seek medical attention about three months after I began working out with him, once he believed that I was experiencing what he believed to be asthmatic symptoms during my workouts,” Rikki says. The discovery explained some unanswered questions for her, including why she had avoided most physical activities for much of her life. “That may have been addressed medically when I was younger, had I known that asthma was, in fact, largely responsible for my lack of aerobic capacity,” she says.

Asthmatic or not, Rikki wasn’t about to let anything inhibit her at this point in her life. Her continued work with Perfect Personal Training produced incredible results. Rikki hadn't realized, until her initial work with Val Fiott, how truly at risk her health was. Although she had always considered herself to be of “average” weight, she learned, through Perfect Personal Training’s in-home consultation and fitness assessment, that her body fat percentage was nearly 45 percent. “I was thereby morbidly obese,” she explains. “That was obviously disturbing.” But these numbers didn’t perturb her for too long.  Rikki still holds on to an email she received from a coworker after she began working with PPT.  In the email, her coworker remarked how fabulous Rikki looked. “I do not know what you are doing but it looks good on you,” the uplifting email read. Rikki was very happy: “It was the first time I had ever felt empowered to take credit for a physical transformation of any kind because it was the first time I’d ever put any real effort into it,” she exclaims. “As such, it wasn’t just a matter of being proud of my appearance, but moreover proud of the effort that I had invested into it.”

Since beginning with Perfect Personal Training, the now 50-year-old Rikki Schwartz has decreased her body fat percentage by nearly 10 percent, has tremendously improved daily nutrition habits, and feels much more energetic and confident. “Considering I was, prior to PPT, a dyed-in-the-wool carb addict, and ate very, VERY little lean protein, the nutritional transformation has been miraculous,” she emphasizes. “Val’s encouragement of my food journaling, along with educating me regarding my recommended limits, really helped to set me on the right nutritional path.” Her dialogue with food has completely changed, particularly her former infatuation with fast food, which Rikki said she used as a “quick high” in her old life. “Now, I think of food as a tool: ‘How will this improve my life, today and in the days to come?’ [There’s] no comparison.”

Aside from her dramatically-improved physical appearance and overall health, Rikki is clearly in love with the way she now feels. “I am prouder of my appearance, my ability to keep up with my peers, and in general, my ability to honestly say that working out is a routine, prioritized, conscious, and dedicated focus of my life,” she says. “Nobody who knew me before 2008 would ever have believed that those words could/would come out of my mouth.” Rikki attributes her success to Perfect Personal Training’s accessibility and commitment to her success.  Rikki stresses that had she even considered a gym, the added commute would double her daily exercise commitment, making a steadfast fitness routine nearly impossible for her.  Convenience, attention, and encouragement were just a few of the adjectives she used to describe the reason for her nearly five-year investment with Perfect Personal Training. “My experience with PPT has been one of structure, security and safety,” she says. “I have stuck with PPT because they deliver exactly what they promise – personalized workouts that are paced for success, in the privacy of my own home.”

 

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Perfect Personal Training, LLC
(877)698-3648
http://perfectpersonaltraining.com

Defeat Your Brain Fog

Forgetting an appointment... Misplacing your keys... Losing focus at work. Does this all sound just a bit too familiar? Memory loss and diminished concentration aren’t just normal symptoms of aging; even people in their 20s and 30s are not strangers to“brain fog”. But before you consider buying stock in Post-it Notes and Starbucks, there is a less sticky answer to boosting your brain power: Nutrition.

Many of us, jokingly, use the phrase “senior moment.” We’ve almost come to accept that getting older means “losing” our minds. While the aging process can be taxing on the mind's ability to function optimally, taking the right precautions through a progressive, well-planned lifestyle can protect our brains far more than you might think. Years of research reveal that most Americans are not consuming enough brain-boosting nutrients. We need essential vitamins, fatty acids, and minerals to fight the formation of free radicals, which are caused by environmental factors like stress and processed foods. Free radicals aren’t always bad – in fact, our bodies actually produce them to aid our immune systems and assist in hormone production. But free radicals can form in excess, wreaking havoc on cells and tissues that our bodies need to function properly. This process is called oxidative stress. In our brains, oxidative stress can lead to disease. “The most significant cause of degenerative brain diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, are mitochondrial [the energy source of each cell] decay,” says Perfect Personal Nutritional Consultant Sheryl Krohner. Making the right nutritional choices can help prevent destructive oxidative stress. “The good news is, foods that many of us have already incorporated into our eating plans to promote general health and disease prevention can help decelerate this decline,” explains Perfect Personal Exercise Physiologist Christine Waclawski.“Improved memory recall and brain motor function, as well as prevention or delay of Alzheimer’s and related dementias can be enhanced with smart food choices.”

Top Brain-Boosting Nutrients

Many health sources will recommend eating more blueberries, fish, and walnuts for better memory and focus, but they never seem to explain why. Actually, quite a wide variety of brain foods can be incorporated into your diet. We’ve examined the top brain-boosting nutritional components below, along with a list of foods packed with cerebral benefits.

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WATER

Water: Are You Drinking Enough?

Seems almost too simple, right? Yet considering that about 80 percent of your brain consists of water, it’s imperative to stay hydrated—dehydration can produce stress hormones that cause long-term damage to brain cells.

VITAMIN B12

New research reveals a correlation between low Vitamin B12 levels and memory loss, in addition to brain shrinkage. Not all Vitamin B12 forms, however, are created equal; you’ll most likely see Cyanocobalamin listed in parenthesis near the B12 listing in supplements, but Methylcobalamin is the most effective form.

The Best Way to Consume Vitamin B12: Meat, Eggs, Dairy, and Seafood.

OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS

Fresh basil: a surprising source of Omega 3s!

In a nutshell, fatty acids are the building blocks of fat and oil—two nutrients that society has been conditioned to avoid. Fatty acids like Omega-3, however, are essential in brain function. So much, in fact, that a deficiency can affect your ability to learn and recall information. A balanced diet that includes Omega-3 EFAs helps your body produce and rebuild cells, including vital brain cells necessary for memory and concentration.

Foods rich in Omega-3s: Fish (look for fish like Salmon, Sardines, Halibut, and Mackerel), Nuts (especially Walnuts, Almonds, and Hazelnuts), Flaxseeds, Soybeans, Fresh Basil, and Spinach.

ANTIOXIDANTS:

According to Perfect Personal Nutritional Consultant Sheryl Krohner, antioxidants play a critical role in protecting brain cells by fighting free radicals.

- Vitamin E -

Avocados are a wonderful source of Vitamin E.

Antioxidant Vitamin E fights and protects against oxidative stress that can lead to Alzeihmer’s disease and stroke. According to a recent study, reported in Neurobiology of Aging, 85 percent of Alzeihmer’s patients were Vitamin E deficient. But before you run out and buy supplements, consider incorporating more Vitamin E-rich foods into your diet.

Vitamin E Dense Foods: Nuts, Eggs, Avocados, Cold-Pressed vegetable oils (like Olive and Canola), Sunflower Seeds, Legumes, Sweet Potatoes, Brown Rice, and Oatmeal.

- Vitamin C -

You may have heard Vitamin C associated with “antioxidant” perhaps more than any other nutrient. That’s because Vitamin C is one of the most dynamic antioxidants; it acts as a sort of Superman, ridding organs, including the brain, of damaging free radicals. And Vitamin C helps other antioxidants – like Vitamin E – retain their potency.

Foods Packed With Vitamin C: Blueberries, Broccoli, Brussels Sprouts, Oranges (and other Citrus Fruits), Pineapple, Red Bell Peppers, and Strawberries.

- Zinc -

Consider including more fresh garlic in your meals.

One of Zinc’s main functions is to prevent fat oxidation in brain cells (which leads to brain cell damage) and aid Vitamin E. Most people turn to this mineral during a cold or flu bout, but it’s an essential antioxidant for brain function. Be careful though: consuming large amounts can ironically increase your risk for free radical damage.

Zinc-Powered Foods:Dark chocolate, Pumpkin and Squash Seeds (roasted), Garlic, Oysters, Lamb, Crab, Lean Roast Beef, Wheat Germ, and Chickpeas.

Other Antioxidants that will help protect your brain against plaque and free radicals: Vitamin A and Carotenoids (think foods like Carrots, Tomatoes, Eggs, and Leafy Greens), Green Tea, Garlic, Turmeric, and Ginkgo Biloba.

Don't forget your Leafy Greens!

Incorporating a wide variety of nutrient-dense foods is one of the most effective measures against brain fog, memory loss, and shrinkage. And according to Waclawski, don’t forget to fit in those workouts! “Regular exercise and physical activity also plays a vital role in slowing down brain declines – it will help oxygenate your brain. That along with the adoption of a “heart-smart” eating plan will help avoid‘brain-drain’!”

Energy Drinks Examined

With the kids heading back to school and fall around the corner, life tends to get a bit more hectic. There are lunches to pack, children to drive from school to soccer practice, games and school functions to attend. For a lot of people, things at work begin to pick up as well. It’s no wonder that the transition from summer to fall may leave you feeling completely devoid of energy. And when there’s no time for a catnap, the only seemingly logical answer is caffeine – and lots of it.

More and more Americans are now turning to energy drinks to stimulate their overworked brains. Products like Red Bull, Rockstar, and Monster seem almost as prevalent as Starbucks lattes. In fact, Starbucks recently introduced its own line of energy drinks -  Refreshers - in effort to tap into the 8 billion dollar energy drink market. And the rise in popularity isn’t just among adults either – energy drinks are consumed by between 30 to 50 percent of teens and young adults, according to a study in Pediatrics, a journal published by The American Academy of Pediatrics. So is the surge in caffeine drinks a healthy one?

What Exactly Is In Them?

Energy drinks are typically made of a combination of the following:

·  Methylxanthine (pronounced  meth′il-zan′thin) -  a type of stimulant agent, often used in medications to treat asthma and COPD. Caffeine is the most widely-known methylxanthine.

·  Vitamin B – Vitamin B has become nearly synonymous with energy. That’s because the Vitamin B family is essential in converting food to energy.

·  Herbal Additives –herbs like ginseng and ginko biloba are often added to these drinks for their brain-boosting properties. Ginseng has been used for centuries for its ability to fight fatigue, while ginko biloba, commonly referred to as simply “ginko” is known as the “smart herb” because of its aid in memory improvement. Guarana is another popular additive because it contains caffeine and is known for its weight loss and energy-boosting effects.

·  Amino Acids – these molecules are not only the “building blocks” of protein but also help your brain to fight toxins and your vitamins to do their job. Taurine is a common amino acid you’ll see in energy drinks, for its apparent neurologically-enhancing and antioxidant qualities.

·  Citric acid  - a natural, bitter-tasting acid, often used as a preservative. Over- consumption has been linked to tooth decay.

So They’re Healthy, Right?

Once you break down their ingredients, energy drinks may appear even more appealing on the surface. Many health experts maintain that energy drink marketers know this and are counting on you to question how a mixture of caffeine, vitamins, herbs, and amino acids could possibly be unhealthy. However, reports of their negative, sometimes life-threatening effects are popping up everywhere. Energy drinks have been linked to several harmful side effects:

·         Anxiety

·         Insomnia

·         Increased Irritability

·         Increased Blood Pressure

·         Increased Urination

·         Addiction

If consumers suffer from heart or liver disease, seizures, diabetes, or mood and behavioral disorders, these side effects are even more dangerous. Consider 14-year-old Anais Fournier, who suffered from a heart disease called mitral valve prolapse and died after consuming two energy drinks within a 24-hour period. Many experts are concerned that consumers may be fooled by the healthy additives, when in reality, over-consumption of some of them can be harmful in the long-run. “The biggest risk with most energy drinks isn't the actual contents, but the carbonation and the doses of those contents - they're often too high in guarana or B vitamins, and can sometimes lead to nerve damage,” explains Val Fiott, PPT’s Director of Operations and Client Services, who is also a former subject matter expert for the American Council on Exercise (2011) and certified lifestyle coach. “And, while we do see improved cardiac function as a result of drinking energy drinks, the cons seem to outweigh the pros overall.”

But Isn’t Caffeine GOOD For You?

We don’t blame you for being confused. Society changes its stance on caffeine more than politicians change platforms. Have you ever tried to cut yourself off from coffee or caffeine? The severe headaches, exhaustion, and moodiness that accompany the withdrawal is no joke. There’s a reason for that – caffeine can be addictive. You may have read recently that coffee, in moderation, can help fight diseases like type 2 diabetes and can even increase longevity. While these statements are valid for most, there are some whose bodies do not process caffeine properly. According to Dr. Donald Hensrud, a preventive medicine specialist with Mayo Clinic, a “fairly common genetic mutation” can slow down your body’s ability to process caffeine, putting you at higher risk for heart disease.  Additionally, keep in mind that while the FDA can limit the amount of caffeine in a soda drink, energy drinks are marketed as dietary supplements, so they are only loosely monitored. And, according to Tara Parker-Pope of The New York Times, because energy drinks are cold, they may be consumed in higher quantities than drinks like coffee that are sipped because of their temperatures. So even if your energy drink of choice has a caffeine equivalent of coffee (though energy drinks typically contain more) the amount of caffeine you may consume via energy drinks could be significantly higher than from coffee, and likely far too much to be safe.

Alternative Energy Sources

Considering an energy drink every month or two may not be an  issue; drinking them daily or weekly may be a different story. Fatigue is often a sign of bigger lifestyle issues that energy drinks can merely mask and ultimately exacerbate. What are the common reasons for lack of energy?

·         Dehydration

·         Lack of Sleep

·         Vitamin Deficiency

·         Improper Diet

·         Lack of Exercise

·         Stress

Remember, the wellness coaches and health professionals of Perfect Personal Training have solid answers for you once we have a good hard look at your food intake, lifestyle, and movement habits.  A personalized, well-researched answer is only a click away at http://perfectpersonaltraining.com/signup.php