Fish oil is known to provide countless health benefits. It is good for the brain, eyes, joints and heart. And many bodybuilders believe it may also help their athletic performance. Studies have shown that the anti-inflammatory properties in fish oil reduce muscle soreness, so you are ready to take on each workout with maximum focus and energy.

This article will review the benefits fish oil provides to bodybuilders and how much you should be taking each day if you want to give your workouts your all.

What is Fish Oil?

Fish oil is extracted from oily fish like salmon, herring, and mackerel. It is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are not produced by the body and, therefore, can only be obtained from outside sources. It can be found in fish and plant foods such as pine nuts, flaxseed, and walnuts.

Benefits of Fish Oil for Bodybuilders

Bodybuilders may take fish oil to see the following results.

May Reduce Muscle Soreness: Muscle soreness occurs after a workout. It can last a few hours or a few days. If muscle soreness persists, individuals may be unable to continue exercising at peak levels. Fish oil has been shown to inhibit the development of delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS) making it a great workout companion.

May Improve Workout Quality: When muscles are inflamed it can lead to reduced strength and range of motion. Studies have shown that taking fish oil reduces swelling so people can maintain their usual muscle force. Research also found that individuals who followed a low calorie diet and supplemented with fish oil maintained or increased lower body muscle strength.

May Boost Muscle Health During Aging: Many people experience a loss in muscle mass as they age. Fish oil’s anti-inflammatory properties may enhance muscle’s sensitivity to protein allowing muscles to gain size and strength as you grow older.

How Much Fish Oil Should Bodybuilders Take?

Experts recommend that bodybuilders take 2000 to 3000 mg of fish oil daily. This includes fish oils that contain both types of omega-3s, eicosatetraenoic acid (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA).

If you want to take advantage of the benefits of fish oil and are not taking it for bodybuilding, a 250 – 500 mg daily dose should be sufficient.

It is believed that the body can safely tolerate up to 5000 mg of fish oil a day.

What Fish Oil Supplement Should I Take?

If you are taking fish oil for bodybuilding, you may not be getting enough in your diet. A supplement like Professional Supplement Center’s Professional Choice Omega is recommended.

The Professional Supplement Center is known for providing the freshest vitamins and supplements available. Their Omega Supplement contains a blend of EPA and DHA from fish oil that helps the body generate pro-resolving lipid mediators. It supports heart health, mental health, and the metabolism of insulin and glucose.

While more research is needed to establish how fish oil supports bodybuilding goals, there is no doubt that it is beneficial to various parts of the body. How will you be adding it to your dietary routine?

In this world of natural medicine and spirituality, crystals have become more than just beautiful stones. They have their own healing properties that are said to be beneficial to mental and physical health.

The stones are lovely, so you may be tempted to get them all, but if you want the right benefits, it’s important to know what each is about. This article will provide insight into various crystals so you can determine which works best for you.

Clear Quartz

Clear quartz is a white crystal that’s considered to be a “master healer.” It absorbs, stores, releases, regulates, and amplifies energy. On a mental level, it is said to boost concentration and memory. On a physical level, it stimulates the immune system and balances the body.

Rose Quartz

If you are trying to make your relationships work, opt for this pink stone. It promotes trust and harmony and encourages love, respect and self-worth. It is also said to provide comfort to those that are grieving.

Jasper

Jasper is a smooth crystal also known as the “supreme nurturer.” It provides support in stressful times and empowers the spirit. It absorbs negative vibes to protect its owner and promotes courage and confidence.

Obsidian

This black stone may look evil, but it’s anything but. Its sinister appearance helps protect its owner from negativity. It reduces emotional blockage allowing for strength, clarity, and self-awareness. It also may promote digestive health and detoxification while providing relief from pain and cramps.

Citrine

If you’re down in the dumps, citrine may help. It’s said to bring joy and wonder and help you let go of fear. It inspires warmth, optimism, motivation, creativity, and concentration.

Turquoise

This blue crystal has healing properties that can benefit the mind, body, and soul. Some claim it brings good looks and helps you find a spiritual base for balancing emotions. It also may provide benefits to the respiratory, skeletal, and immune systems.

Tiger’s Eye

This gradient golden stone reduces fear, anxiety, and self-doubt. It may help you get ahead in your professional goals by giving you the power to make clear, conscious decisions while providing harmony and balance.

Lava Beads

Lava beads are porous beads that are naturally black but can be treated to take on a variety of colors. They reduce feelings of anxiety and stress and are also said to relieve PMS symptoms. They are often incorporated into jewelry which can be worn for its healing properties.

If you are interested in bringing lava beads into your life, Wyndmere Essential Oils Aromatherapy Bracelet is the way to do it.  

Wyndmere Essential Oils is known for making pure, high-quality oils that improve quality of life. Their Aromatherapy Bracelet features colorful lava stones that are attractive and beneficial to health. Add the essential oil of your choice to get the most out of wearing it.

Many swear by crystals’ healing powers. They are a great way to boost physical and mental health and they are lovely to look at. Do you include them in your wellness routine?

It’s not uncommon for people to be on restrictive diets. If you plan to entertain, you will need to come up with a menu with options for glucose free, lactose intolerant, veggie, and vegan guests (to name a few). People that follow these diets benefit with improvements to health, wellness, and the planet.

But what about our pets?  Do our pets need to be on restrictive diets as well?

Many pet owners are getting on board by introducing health boosting diets to their furry friends, and the ketogenic diet for dogs is a popular trend. Read on to find out why you may want to get your canine eating keto.

What is Keto?

A ketogenic diet is based on low carbs, high fat and moderate protein. It forces the body to burn fat instead of carbohydrates as an energy source.

Cells can either use fats or carbohydrates for energy. If a person is on a high carb diet, the body will convert the carbs to glucose or store glucose in the liver as glycogen where it will later be used as fuel.

If the diet consists mostly of fat, the body will convert the fat into ketones, or short chain fatty acids, that it will use to produce energy. This makes for a metabolic process called ketosis.

Why Should My Dog Go Keto?

Dogs out in the wild are already close to a ketogenic diet. They live off other animals to get a moderate amount of protein, high amounts of fat and few carbs. This compares to a kibble diet that’s lower in protein and fat and high in carbs.

Switching your dog to keto makes for a diet closer to what nature intended.

Furthermore, keto provides several benefits to both dogs and humans including the following:

·  Reduces inflammation

·  Boosts fat burning and weight loss

·  Balances body sugar

·  Improves insulin sensitivity

·  Suppresses the hunger hormone

·  Increases energy

·  Boosts liver health

·  Has anti-aging effects

·  Reduces the risk of chronic disease

·  Increases mitochondria production

·  Helps with epilepsy and neurodegenerative disorders

The keto diet is still being looked into for safety reasons. Longer term studies will let us know how effective these diets are. In the meantime, you may consider switching your dog on and off keto mimicking his or her diet out in the wild.

How to Get Your Dog on a Keto Diet

There are various keto dog food products on the market that are designed to help your dog achieve optimal states of wellness. Vital Planet’s Living Meal Food Topper for Dogs Powder is one you can trust.   

The Vital Planet brand is known for producing innovative health products for pets. Their living food meal topper is a powdered probiotic and enzyme supplement that supports dogs’ digestive health. It contains 5 billion live cultures that maintain a healthy balance of flora and fauna in the gut.

It’s important to give your dog the nutritional support he or she needs. A keto diet may be the right solution for your pet. Will you be introducing high fat low carb foods into your canine’s dietary routine?

Yoga has long been utilized as a way to strengthen the body and mind, relieve stress and achieve mental and physical balance. As the exercise has become more popular, yogis have come up with different forms of yoga that provide unique benefits. Doga is one of these variations.

Doga or dog yoga, comes in several forms. You can help your dog into a yoga pose, you can use him or her to support your own poses, or, if your dog is really in touch with his inner self, he may be able to do his own pose. But whatever path works for you, it’s sure to come with benefits that will strengthen the pet-owner bond.

Benefits of Doga

Doga provides several benefits in the dog-owner relationship. Here are some to consider.

·  Improves the dog’s circulation

·  Provides exercise for dogs that are obese or injured

·  Provides stress relief for dogs and owners

·  Helps develop impulse control in dogs

·  Promotes bonding between pets and owners

·  Works as behavioral therapy

Many owners claim that dogs that do doga are calmer during activities like grooming and nail clipping, and more well behaved overall.

How to Get Started with Doga

You can start doing doga at home or you can join a class. If you can’t find a studio that offers doga classes, call around to see if there are yoga studios in your area willing to accommodate pets.

Working with a teacher will provide guidance on your doga journey, but here are some poses you can start out with if you’re going the “at home” route.

Chaturanga

This pose resembles a push up and is meant to strengthen the back, arms, and core. Your dog may not be able to get into this pose in the traditional sense so have him lay on his stomach while you pet his back for a modified version.

Heart to Hound Mudra

For this pose, you will begin seated with your left hand on your heart and your right hand on your dog’s heart. Breathe slowly while closing your eyes. This will connect your energy with your dog’s energy.

Puppy Paw Mudra

The Puppy Paw Mudra requires your dog to lay on his stomach with his front paws extended. Kneel behind him with your head on his back and your hands on his paws. Turn your head to the side while breathing deeply. This is another great way to forge a connection.

The Right Products Can Help

Whether you do yoga with your dog or not, the right products can help you reach a deeper meditative state. Badger Yoga Meditation Balm Stick is a great example.  

Badger is a family-owned business that prides itself in using all natural, high-quality ingredients in their personal care products. Their Meditation Balm is designed to promote calmness and balance during the meditative process. It is formulated with an essential oil blend that supports inner peace.

Doga is a great way to build a bond with your pup. It provides beneficial physical and mental activity for both dog and owner. Will you be bringing this form of exercise into your routine?

After a long day of work, many of us look forward to going home and soaking our feet.

A foot bath has a soothing sensation that can make anyone feel relaxed, but it can be even more effective if Epsom salts are added.

Epsom salts contain magnesium. Some believe that a lack of magnesium can cause muscle cramps. Therefore, adding Epsom salts may reduce cramping that can contribute to foot pain.

If you think an Epsom salt bath might benefit you, read on to find out how to mix one up.

Directions for an Epsom Salt Foot Soak For Pain Relief

Here is what you will need for an Epsom salt foot soak that soothes achy feet.

Ingredients:

·  ½ cup of Epsom salt

·  3-6 drops of essential oil (optional)

·  1 tbsp carrier oil if essential oils are being used

Directions:

1. Add Epsom salt to bath and stir to dissolve.

2. If using essential oils, stir them with a carrier oil in a separate bowl.

3. Add essential oil mix to water.

4. Soak feet for 20 minutes.

5. Towel dry.

For even more pain relief, massage feet during the soak or add marbles to the bottom of the basin for similar effects. You may also massage essential oils into the feet after the bath is completed.

Directions for an Epsom Salt Foot Soak for Relaxation

Epsom salt can also be mixed into a foot bath to promote relaxation. Here’s how it’s done.

Ingredients:

·  ½ cup Epsom salt

·  3-6 drops essential oil (choose one that promotes relaxation such as lavender or chamomile)

·  1 tbsp. carrier oil (jojoba oil is recommended)

Direction:

1. Add Epsom salt to the bath, stir to dissolve.

2. Mix carrier oil and essential oils in a bowl.

3. Add essential oil mixture to the bath.

4. Soak feet for 20 minutes.

5. Dry with towel.

Benefits of an Epsom Salt Foot Soak

An Epsom salt foot bath is great for reducing muscle cramps and offering soothing relief. Here are some other advantages it provides.

·  Softens skin and reduces bacterial overgrowth

·  Improves muscle and nerve function

·  Helps prevent blood clots

·  Reduces and prevents athlete’s foot

·  Loosens skin to make it easy to remove splinters

·  Treats toenail fungus

·  Minimizes pain from sprains and bruises

·  Reduces pain and discomfort caused by gout

Best Epsom Salt Product

A foot bath is a relaxing experience but getting all the necessary ingredients and mixing them up might cause more stress than anything! That’s why it’s good to know that Hyalogic sells a Powdered Bath and Foot Soak with hyaluronic acid and essential oils already mixed in.

Hyalogic is an industry leader known for producing all-natural products rich in hyaluronic acid. Their foot soak contains hyaluronic acid, jojoba oil and peppermint oil that soothes and moisturizes skin and maintains joints and muscles. It is gluten free, cruelty free, and vegan friendly.

During the day, your feet take a beating. Treat them well by letting them soak in a nice, warm Epsom salt bath. How do you like to mix yours up?