Muscle fatigue

In a series of trials involving trained distance runners, researchers found that ingesting a cranberry supplement for 28 consecutive days led to noticeable improvements in both performance and muscle fatigue following 1,500-metre time trials. Reoxygenation rates were faster and running speeds improved by 1.5 per cent. The researchers found that 28 days of cranberry extract consumption by elite level endurance runners demonstrated a trend toward increased speed in 1,500-metre time trials but not in 400-metre ones. However, they did notice that lactate buildup was reduced following the 400-metre but not the 1,500-metre compared to baseline. The data also indicated that the cranberry extract promoted better oxygen extraction by the muscle, improved lactate clearance and slower muscle deoxygenation. Competitive athletes are always looking for an extra edge that can help them improve performance. According to a new study by Concordia researchers published in the journal Physical Activity and Nutrition, they can find one in the common cranberry. In a series of trials involving trained distance runners, the researchers found that ingesting a cranberry supplement for 28 consecutive days led to noticeable improvements in both performance and muscle fatigue following 1,500-metre time trials. Reoxygenation rates were faster and running speeds improved by 1.5 per cent. "When it comes to elite athletes, any advantage can make the difference between finishing fifth or on the podium," says Andreas Bergdahl, an associate professor in the Department of Health, Kinesiology and Applied Physiology and the paper's senior author. Effects of different energy systems The researchers recruited 14 high-level runners from Concordia's varsity track and field team and from two Montreal running clubs, who are performing at least five hours of endurance training a week. The athletes ran two time trials over three separate visits, one a 1,500-metre, the other a 400-metre. The first visit was used as a baseline. At the second, they were given a single large dose of cranberry extract two hours before running. The athletes were then instructed to consume a small dose of cranberry extract daily for 28 days, after which they repeated the runs for a third time. "We selected these distances to test the effects the cranberry extract had on different energy systems," says Francis Parenteau, a PhD candidate and the paper's lead author. "The 400-metre is shorter and of higher intensity and involves the anaerobic system. The 1,500-metre uses the aerobic system but is shorter than what the athletes usually run. Since they do not train to run that distance, we were able to isolate training effects as a variable." Besides their running time, the researchers measured their post-exercise blood lactate, a marker for potential muscle fatigue and lack of oxygen. They also attached a portable near-infrared spectroscopy device to the runners to measure muscle oxygenation levels before, during and after their runs. Following data analysis, the researchers found that 28 days of cranberry extract consumption demonstrated a trend toward increased speed in the 1,500-metre time trial but not in the 400-metre. However, they did notice that lactate buildup was reduced following the 400-metre but not the 1,500-metre compared to baseline. The data also indicated that the cranberry extract promoted better oxygen extraction by the muscle, improved lactate clearance and slower muscle deoxygenation. A runner's best friend, made in Quebec Cranberries are extraordinarily rich in polyphenols, a natural compound with antioxidant properties. These characteristics help protect the body from the harmful effects of free radical molecules produced by strenuous exercise. Cranberries are also indigenous to and a major industrial crop for Quebec. The province produces roughly 60 per cent of Canada's cranberry yield, according to Statistics Canada. "The beauty of this is that it is all natural," says Bergdahl. "It is an ergogenic aid, meaning that it is performance-enhancing, but it is not an anabolic steroid. Athletes can get this important boost in their performance just by consuming more cranberries."

Navigate cough, cold and flu season like a pro MISSION, Kan., Nov. 2, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- (Family Features) Cooler weather inevitably means cough, cold and flu season isn't far behind. Now is the time to take precautions and set yourself up with healthy habits. "As much as we try, avoiding viruses, bacteria and germs to prevent getting sick can be a challenge," Dr. Tim Tiutan, MD, said. "However, being prepared with the right remedies, listening to your body and its symptoms and remaining diligent with a healthy routine is just as important as treating symptoms head on." Continue Reading Photos courtesy of Getty Images To help navigate this cough, cold and flu season, consider these tips from Tiutan and the experts at Mucinex. Prepare and Prevent You won't find a foolproof way to keep germs away, but you can lessen your chances of getting sick and make sure you're equipped to weather an illness. Practice healthy habits. Keeping your body in prime condition can help ensure you're in the best condition possible to fight back when germs attack. That means keeping up with exercise and ensuring you're getting enough vitamins and nutrients through a well-balanced diet. Get a flu shot. The flu shot gives your body a head start in fighting back against flu bugs. If you're exposed to the flu after receiving the shot, your body can immediately go on the offensive against those germs. You may not stay completely symptom-free, but you're more likely to experience a mild case and be back on your feet quicker. Restock the medicine cabinet. The start of cough, cold and flu season is an ideal time to dig through your medicine cabinet. Start by discarding any medications that are out of date and make a list of anything you need to replenish. Be sure to include pain relievers, fever reducers, decongestants, antihistamines and cough syrups to fight symptoms. It's also a good time to restock items like tissues, cough drops, hand sanitizer and anti-bacterial soap. Treat Symptoms Although the flu can hit fast, it's often hard to tell at first whether your symptoms are due to a simple cough, cold or a case of the flu. Either way, managing symptoms like a cough can bring relief and help you keep comfortable and get plenty of rest. Give your body time to heal. Sleep plays an important role in your overall health, especially when you're under the weather. On average, you need 7-9 hours each night to give your body enough time to fully recharge. When you're sick, you likely need even more, and it's a good idea to dial back your activity level, too. Pushing your physical limits often only delays your recovery time. Take medications as directed. Nagging symptoms can often keep you from getting the sleep you need. One way to give your body the break it needs is to effectively manage symptoms. A hacking cough is a common symptom that can be painful and disrupt your sleep. Consider an option like Mucinex DM 12-Hour, a cough suppresent which relieves chest congestion and thins and loosens mucus, giving you an extended reprieve. It's clinically proven to last up to 12 hours, provides relief for chest congestion and makes coughs more productive. Prevent Spread Getting sick may be beyond your complete control, but you can take steps to protect others from germs when you're feeling ill. Keep germs to yourself. Washing your hands often, covering your nose and mouth with a tissue when you cough or sneeze and sneezing into your elbow if you don't have a tissue are simple ways you can limit the spread of germs, especially within your home or workspace. Frequently wiping down high-touch surfaces can also help reduce the spread of germs. Skip socializing. If you're feeling under the weather, stay home. Even a mild cold can easily spread, and an illness that affects you mildly could cause significant distress for someone else. Avoid unnecessary errands and take advantage of services like curbside pickup if you must get out. Also check with your employer about working remotely if you're up to it. Find more ways to stay healthy and limit symptoms by visiting Mucinex.com. Cold vs. Flu There's a lot of overlap between cold and flu symptoms, so it can be tricky to figure out whether the bug you're fighting is a cold or influenza and how to tackle it. While both the common cold and the flu are respiratory illnesses, they are not caused by the same viruses. Although colds are inconvenient, they are far less likely to develop into anything more serious, as the flu can. What is a Cold? Generally, colds are milder than the flu, and more likely to cause runny or stuffy noses (while the flu can cause stuffy or runny noses, it's less likely to do so). You won't feel good, but you'll probably be able to do some or all of your daily tasks. The flu typically hits harder, making it difficult to go to work or follow your usual routine. What is the Flu? The flu often feels worse than a cold; you might experience the same symptoms but amplified. The flu comes with more pain and fever than a cold. Common flu symptoms include sore throat, chills, fever, runny or stuffy nose, muscle fatigue or aches and headaches. The flu can also develop into more serious conditions and complications, making it more dangerous than the average cold. While the common cold is rarely serious, the flu can be dangerous for young children, the elderly, pregnant women and people with compromised immune systems. Treating a Cold vs. Flu You can be vaccinated against the flu. There is no such vaccine for common colds. If your provider recommends it, getting the flu vaccine each year can go a long way toward preventing sickness. Whether you have a cold or the flu, symptom relief is largely the same. Get plenty of rest, drink plenty of fluids and take over-the-counter medicines to relieve symptoms. Stay home to avoid spreading sickness. Wash your hands frequently and cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Watch for shortness of breath, chest or abdomen pain, confusion, sudden dizziness, severe or persistent vomiting and flu symptoms that improve then return with fever and worse cough. If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor. Photos courtesy of Getty Images Michael French [email protected] 1-888-824-3337 editors.familyfeatures.com About Family Features Editorial Syndicate A leading source for high-quality food, lifestyle and home and garden content, Family Features provides readers with topically and seasonally relevant tips, takeaways, information, recipes, videos, infographics and more. Find additional articles and information at Culinary.net and eLivingToday.com. SOURCE Family Features Editorial Syndicate

ALPHARETTA, Ga., Nov. 1, 2023 /PRNewswire/ -- Redefine Nutrition family member, FINAFLEX®, a pioneering force in the dietary supplement industry, is thrilled to announce its groundbreaking collaboration with none other than bodybuilding icon Branch Warren. This monumental partnership has birthed a high-octane pre workout supplement known as WRN™, poised to revolutionize a new standard in the supplement industry. Finaflex Supplement Logo. Shows glyph that looks like two F's back to back with word "FINAFLEX". Finaflex Glyph: Shows glyph that looks like two F's back to back in black color. Branch Warren Bodybuilder Posing in front of bench at the gym. Branch Warren Bodybuilder doing dips with heavy chain around his neck Hand grabbing WRN pre-workout off of shelf. WRN Pre-Workout set amidst weight plates in gym. Branch Warren scooping WRN Pre-Workout into ice-shaker cup in gym. FINAFLEX® Partners with Bodybuilding Legend Branch Warren to Unveil WRN™: The Ultimate High-Intensity Pre Workout Post this FINAFLEX®, with a rich history of delivering cutting-edge supplements, has embarked on a new chapter with the launch of WRN™. This pre workout is intelligently designed for those who live and breathe in the gym pushing their limits to the extreme. Branch Warren, a revered figure in bodybuilding, boasts a remarkable career, with multiple accolades and titles to his name. As a two-time Arnold Classic champion and a consistent top contender on the world's most prestigious stages, his relentless dedication and indomitable spirit have made him an inspiration to countless bodybuilding enthusiasts. With a career spanning decades, Branch Warren is the epitome of "Train Insane" - a slogan he lives and breathes. Furthering the brilliance behind WRN™ Pre Workout, Scott James has brought his expertise in the pre workout category to the development of this innovative new supplement line. A health and fitness mogul with over 25 years of experience creating a proven track record as an entrepreneur, his company, Bio Engineered Supplements and Nutrition (BSN) was the world's largest supplement provider with over $250M in annual revenue when he sold the company in 2011. He now takes pride and joy starting brands that he can lend his expertise to and has a passion for. The WRN™ pre-workout epitomizes the very spirit of "train insane" in a supplement, a formula meticulously crafted for excellence. It features a robust blend of ingredients designed to elevate your workout experience, enhancing blood flow, delivering both rapid and sustained energy, combating muscle fatigue, fostering strength gains, and intensifying focus. Branch Warren, alongside the dedicated FINAFLEX® team, invested countless hours in the lab to create a blend that embodies Branch's personal fitness aspirations and gym-driven goals. Try WRN Pre Workout to experience the next generation in elite supplements! Contact your FINAFLEX® sales representative today or visit for more information.