The Colon Cleansing & Constipation Resource Center asked:


Protein has been garnering extra attention as the health conscious realize the benefits of including protein in their diets. Protein is needed to help rebuild the body’s tissue, which is particularly important to athletes and bodybuilders. In fact, the body is in need of a continual supply of protein in order to repair and to build its tissue. Protein is also essential for producing antibodies, hormones, new muscle tissue, and blood hemoglobin. All protein that is lost within the body must be replaced and protein must be present in order for new tissue to be constructed.

While athletes swear by the ability of animal protein to build muscles, researchers are concerned about the potential effects of animal protein on the liver and the kidneys, as well as the link between animal protein and osteoporosis. As a result, many are turning toward soy protein and whey protein instead. But, what are the benefits, drawbacks, and differences between these different forms of protein? And, how much should you include in your diet in order to garner the benefits you are looking for?

Soy Protein

Soybeans contain high quantities of protein (considered to be of equal quality as animal protein) and also contain substantial amounts of amino acids. In addition, soy has been observed to lower cholesterol. Even the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stated 25 grams of soy protein per day can reduce the chances of developing heart disease.

Soy protein has also been found to reduce the symptoms of menopause, to reduce the risk of developing osteoporosis, and to help prevent a number of diseases related to hormonal issues. These include endometrial cancer, ****** cancer, and prostate cancer. Soy protein has also been shown to speed up the metabolism of the thyroid, which can help with obtaining a leaner body. If you are intolerant to soy, however, its specific protein can actually have the opposite effect.

A number of soy protein products can be found at health food stores, including food bars, soy burgers, and even soy-based beverages. Those products containing soy protein isolate generally have the highest saturation. Other products containing soy protein include soy flour, whole soybeans, and tofu. Be sure to check the product label in order to determine the amount of soy protein the product contains.

Remember, however, soy isoflavones, which are sold as supplements in health food stores, are not the same substance as pure soy protein. Nonetheless, soy isoflavones possess a number of beneficial effects, such as improving kidney function and preventing bone loss.

If you are not allergic to soy, there are very few side effects to including soy in your diet. In some people, however, consuming soy on a routine basis can lead to an upset stomach and may even cause diarrhea or constipation.

Whey Protein

Like soy protein, whey protein has been shown to provide a number of benefits. For example, clinical studies have shown whey protein can:

Act as a natural antibacterial or anti-viralAssist in maintaining the proper weightReduce the symptoms of Chronic Fatigue SyndromeReduce liver damageImprove the function of the immune systemImprove blood pressureImprove athletic performanceImprove the function of the digestive systemReduce gastric mucosal injury

Whey protein is very high in biological value (BV), which is highly sought by athletes. In short, BV is the amount of protein your body can replace with 100 grams of consumed diet. The only other foods containing high levels of BV are whole eggs and egg whites. Unlike eggs, however, whey protein does not contain high levels of fat.

While soy protein is derived from soybeans, whey protein is derived from milk as a diluted byproduct of the cheese-making process. Fresh liquid whey protein contains only about 1% protein because it is mostly comprised of lactose and water. For this reason, it takes about 229 liters of milk to produce just one kilogram of high quality whey protein isolate.

While in its original form, whey protein affects the digestive tract in much the same way as yogurt. Therefore, it is considered to be a natural remedy for many intestinal issues. In fact, it is often used in Sweden to help prevent bowel problems, gas, and constipation. Nonetheless, it can have the opposite effect and actually lead to constipation for some individuals.

The amount of whey protein recommended in a person’s diet depends on his or her weight, gender, age, level of activity, and overall health. Including both soy and whey protein in your diet can be very beneficial to your health; but, since both can lead to constipation, be sure to follow a high fiber diet to help keep your bowel movements regular. Try one or both of these all-natural health supplements and discover the results for yourself!



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Jason Cox asked:


Resistance training is a form of strength training in which exercises are performed against a specific opposing force. This helps define and build muscles and can contribute to weight loss.

There are two different types of exercise positions within the resistance-training realm. One type is the isotonic exercises, which are movements of a specific body part moving against a force, and isometric exercises are movements in which the body (or part of the body) is holding still against the force.

There are different ways in which resistance training can be performed for your overall health and well being. For instance, weight lifting, which is a large part of resistance training, can help you. These are the best type of resistance exercises, which help you build muscle. In fact, you can perform nearly your entire workout with a pair of adjustable dumbbells (the smaller ones that look like miniature barbells) and set of weight disks.

Many people start out using weight disks that are as light as five pounds each. You can also find some that are less than five pounds each, but these are usually ones that are not adjustable or interchangeable (There are two types of dumbbells, one is the fixed weight kind, and the other is the already mentioned adjustable kind). Both of these types have a specific purpose, which is to provide you with a force that you can work against to increase skeletal muscle strength and size.

Usually in order to lose weight while engaging in resistance training, it is recommended that you combine the weight training with certain aerobic exercises. Many times you can jog with weights, or complete certain step routines with them. In order to make it easier for you to use weights during high-impact exercise such as aerobic routines or jogging, it is usually easier to use weights, which you can fasten to your wrists and/or ankles.

Other types of resistance training include exercise machines, both those that have weights on them and those that do not. The ones with the weights on them add an extra force in which to help you work up a sweat quite a bit faster, depending upon the speed in which you do them. A unique type of device that is much like an exercise machine is the swimming machine, which is a small basin of water in which the user swims in place, similar to how someone would if that person was fighting for his or her life.

Other exercise devices that provide a degree of resistance are stair climbing machines and even treadmills. Any exercises where you are completing rapid motions within a confined area can not only help you with muscle formation but it can also help you burn excess calories. The degree of resistance of each type of exercise machine varies, and also depends upon how the user sets the resistance level on each machine.

Another type of resistance is the use of the humans own body weight. The most common example of this is when a person does push-ups. These can be the full push-ups in which the knees do not touch the ground, the half push-ups in which the knees touch the ground, and an alternative style pushup, in which a person starts out with their buttocks to the ground sitting up. These help build a persons arm muscles.

Sit-ups and crunches (like sit-ups but only lifting your head half way, often with your hands behind your back) often provide an amount of resistance to your abdominal area. Again, any type of resistance exercise can help you lose weight if you are performing them at a fast enough pace in which you will be able to burn calories and fat.

All of the above exercises should be performed at 60 percent of the persons maximum heart rate level. This is measured by taking your pulse and knowing what your pulse rate should be for someone your age, weight, and health. You can find free pulse rate calculators online, and you can find ways to figure out what your ideal pulse rate mathematically. You can also either check your pulse while you are exercising by hand or with the use of a pulse rate indicator.

You will benefit from any combination of the above exercises. If you are exercising for the first time in a long time you will need to take some precautions, however. Make sure that you start out slowly. This means you need to complete stretching exercises of all your major muscle groups (torso, legs, neck, arms, etc.) and then start your exercises at a walking pace, and gradually move faster and faster. Soon you will be working your body at a steady and moderate to brisk pace, and this is when you will burn the most calories.

If you follow all of the above tips while establishing a proper resistance training routine you will be able to lose weight before you know it. Furthermore, you will have a better quality of life.



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