Fitness Goop

Author Archive

• Turmeric vs. NSAIDs for Knee Osteoarthritis

  In 2009, a human trial compared the effects of turmeric (Curcuma domestica) versus a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for osteoarthritis of the knee joint. This randomized controlled study examined the safety profile and clinical efficacy of Curcuma domestica extracts for pain reduction ...

• Quercitin Increases Exercise Endurace, Study Finds

  A randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind crossover study recently published examined the effect of supplementation with Quercitin on performance during exercise (June 2009). Quercitin (a potent antioxidant and flavonoid that can be found in onions and garlic) was found to enhance the performan...

• Possible Link Between Energy Drinks and Heart Attacks

  A recent study published in the American Journal of Medicine investigated the possible link between the consumption of energy drinks and heart attacks. I found this article interesting as we often hear of "that young marathoner just dropped dead doing the New York marathon...." When we consider h...

• Relaxation Drinks: Beverages Intended to Calm You

  A recent article published in the Globe & Mail’s Health and Fitness section espoused a series of "relaxation drinks" such as ‘Slow Cow’ and ‘iChill’. For today’s fast paced environment where lunches are engulfed within minutes while driving or during a phone conversation, it would se...

• Naturopaths Are Given the Right to Prescribe Medication

  In April 2009, then Minister of Health, the Honourable George Abbott announced the approval of the revised Naturopathic Physicians Regulations which aimed to increase patient choice and provide better access to health services for British Columbians. Under the revised regulations, practitioners with...

• Preparing for a Marathon: The Nutrition Factor

  Optimum nutritional habits are essential during your marathon training. Fundamental components include hydration status, carbohydrate and protein intake as well as electrolyte repletion, and joint health. To ensure muscle recovery post-exercise and to reduce your risk of injury, consider the followi...

• Fit for February: Healthy Heart Month

  February is Heart Health month – no wonder Valentine’s Day falls in this month! To keep your heart healthy and strong, consider preventative strategies to lower your blood pressure, strokes and atherosclerotic plaque build-up.  Studies show that heart disease remains the number one cause of dea...

• Carob and Pumpkin Seed Bars

  Ingredients: 2 eggs, separated; ½ cup apple juice; 1 tsp. vanilla extract; ¼ tsp vitamin C crystals; 3 ½ tbsp. carob powder (sifted); 1/8 tsp. salt; 1 cup pumpkin seed, ground into meal in food processor; ¾ cups walnuts or pecans, coarsely chopped. Oil an 8x8 inch square pan. Cut a square of ...

• Managing Stress Over the Holidays

  Several healthy suggestions to help manage your stress over the holiday season include the following: taking deep slow breaths into your belly (inhale through the nose, exhale through your mouth); attending your favorite yoga class; 5-10 minutes of quiet meditation or prayer; and my personal favorit...

• Quinoa Vegetable Soup

  4 cups water, ¼ cup quinoa (well rinsed), ½ cup carrots, diced; ¼ cup celery, diced; 2 Tbsp. onions, chopped; ¼ cup green pepper, diced; 2 cloves garlic, chopped; 1 tsp. olive oil; ½ cup tomatoes, chopped; ½ cup cabbage, chopped; 1 tsp. sea salt, parsley chopped. Saute quinoa, carrots, cele...