MSM also known as Methylsulfonlymethane. It is a biological sulfur found in all plants, soils, fruits, vegetables, fish, poultry, eggs, meats and milk.

Sulfur is essential in your bodies continual process in rebuilding of all your cells. Sulfur is a potent and much needed building block for improving and achieving optimal health. MSM provides our bodies with the sulfur it needs in order to create a perfect environment  for optimal vitamin, amino acids, and collagen.

Sulfur also has a role in tissue breathing. This is a process where oxygen, as well as other substances, are recruited to build cells and release energy.

In current, multiple research projects and clinical trails it has been discovered that MSM can be ingested by all tested organisms in almost unlimited amounts without the suffering of a toxic, or adverse effect. Although MSM is in the sulfur family, there is a clear difference between MSM and sulfa drugs. MSM does not have the same contraindications, or allergy reactions. It also does not cause gas or body odor.

So what exactly does it do?

MSM makes the wall of our cells permeable, more absorbable. Do to its influence on the  absorbency capabilities of our cells, macro and micronutrients are allowed to enter into our cells more fluidly. Some of these essential nutrients include water, vitamins, and mineral.

Another interesting fact. The most common and popularly known building blocks of the body are amino acids. Amino acids are sulfur binding, and play a very important role in the production of hormones and important enzymes that regulate our systems activities.

Another interesting fact. The mineral Sulfur is found in very high concentrations in all of our body tissues. Nearly half of the body’s total sulfur concentration is in our muscles, and the other half in our brain, hair, skin, and bones. Sulfur has an important relationship with protein. Sulfur is found in the amino acids methionine, cystine, and cysteine. These amnio acids are known as the sulfur bearing amino acids. And if you know anything about fitness, and muscle building, you know that amino acids are the building blocks of protein. I hope this is beginning to help you understand the need and the greatness of MSM.

Methionine is absolutely essential to health. This means either you eat enough of the foods high in MSM or you must supplement in order to suffer from deficiencies. Inadequate amounts of protein in our diets will account for the lack of organic sulfur needed for optimal health. PROTEIN CONTAINS SULFUR, CARBS AND FATS DO NOT!!

VERY IMPORTANT:

If you take supplements it is important to understand that co-enzyme 10 locks with MSM. So in order for your body to take full advantage of this nutrient, you must take MSM with it. Other vitamins, minerals, and acids that lock with MSM are vitamins A, D, and E, Pantothenic acid, inter-enzymes, amino acids, germanium, calcium, selenium, and this is not a complete list. Maybe you should just take MSM to be sure……ya think?

Low values of MSM in our bodies has been known to cause unspecified complaints of fatigue, depression, elevated sensitivity to physical and psychological stress.

Many athlete use MSM because they have discovered it’s amazing anti-inflammatory abilities, and helps in the general recovering, as well as joint recovering and maintained health. It is also known for helping with muscle pain and cramps.

MSM can be a contributor to enhancing muscle gain and recovery by inhibiting toxic buildup caused by exercise, and increasing nutrient absorption (due to the increased permeability of the cells) promoting the building of collagen, and optimal health in muscles, and joints.

Another way it can help the athletically minded is by assisting in the uptake of glucose into the cells, unleashing available energy as a component of insulin.

MSM has been shown to help with chronic pain. The following list the many ways pain is  alleviated by MSM:

MSM blocks the transfer of pain impulses through nerve fibers

MSM is a great anti-inflammatory. It also enhances the activity of cortisol, a organic anti-inflammatory hormone produced by the body. Of course too much cortisol is not good. But that is another article. To keep your levels in a good place make sure you sleep, you keep stress low, exercise, keep drinking to a minimum, do not skip meals, keep a diet of whole grains, protein and  good fats

MSM enhances the cells ability to absorb nutrients, vitamins, and in turn eliminate  waste within the cell

MSM relaxes the muscles.

MSM slows down and aids in the restoration of collagen cross-linking. Cross-linking is a process in the formation of scar tissue. Scar tissue is often hard and painful

MSM is a blood vessel dilator. This enhance blood circulation. This speeds up elimination of waste and speeds up the healing process.

Also, find below a few other amazing properties and characteristic of MSM:

MSM is also a very powerful anti-oxidant.

MSM is also known for dissolving organic and inorganic compounds, aiding in detoxification.

MSM aids in in managing stress.

MSM has been known to help the skin and hair smooth and glossy.

MSM has been shown to improve mental alertness.

MSM has been shown to help eliminate constipation.

MSM has been shown to eliminate snoring.

MSM may reduce headaches, cramps, and muscle pain induced by hormonal changes,

Imbalances (like PMS).

Dosage:

You should start by taking 1000 mg of MSM twice a day. After a week and once you know your system can tolerate this dosage you can move to three dose of 1000 mg split through out the day. After a month or two at this level you can add another dose. There is no published toxicity known. So even dosages higher than what is suggested have been administered with not adverse side effect.

It also would be best if you take Vitamin C with each dose. 500 mg of vitamin C with each dose of MSM will suffice. This makes the MSM more effective, and efficient.

As a final note. Please do your research, investigate. Learn about the things you ingest. Their benefits, and possible adverse side effects. Don’t just believe everything you read, even if I wrote it.  Research, read, learn, grow, improve, and be happy!

Gym-Free exercise strengthens the immune system, improves blood flow, reduces fatigue and increases appetite. A weakened immune system, low energy levels and poor appetite all tend to be common problems for people undergoing cancer treatments, so exercise may welcome a change. Physical activity also fights depression without the need for more medication, breeds a positive attitude and can give you hope and motivation.

Another reason that physical activity during cancer treatment is so important is because of your weight. People who are obese or overweight, or who gain unhealthy amounts of weight during or after treatment have a higher chance of their cancer becoming worse or coming back. Extra weight puts stress on the body and makes it more difficult for it to fight off disease.

Exercising is not a one size fits all endeavor with any person, especially for those suffering from cancer. The ability to exert oneself is not going to be the same for a mesothelioma patient as it would be for a breast cancer or prostate cancer patient. This is why enlisting the help of a personal trainer is a good idea. Your personal trainer will work closely with you and your doctors to specially design a fitness regimen specifically for you. The trainer will consider your medical history, weight, and age and particular type of cancer when setting up your routine in order to maximize your benefits.

Gaining the assistance of a personal trainer may be especially helpful for mesothelioma patients. Mesothelioma prognosis is usually very poor, and depression is understandably quite common. Your personal trainer will be able to encourage you and offer you moral support so that you try your best. It has been shown that exercise and positive attitude can improve the prognosis of many cancers, and your personal trainer will help to empower you and make you realize that just because you were diagnosed with cancer, it does not mean that all is lost.

Mesothelioma Community Resource Network

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By: Jackie Clark

There is more and more research and studies on brown fat and the role it plays on our ability to shed fat. This new section of my site will be dedicated to the ongoing research and findings on brown fat. How to increase it. The findings about the amazing fat loss power of brown fat has been studied for decades. I will arm you not only with practical ways to increase your brown fat levels, but also any theories backed up by scientific research, and any case studies and the results that I find.

Quick tip/info #1

Our ability to loss or gain weight, how much fat we store, burn and release are all balanced by our hormones and enzymes. In the last several decades scientist have spent tons of effort, time and money trying to come up with a “miracle” pill that would stimulate, suppress, and regulate hormonal our hormones to produce positive effects and a better quality of life. These scientist have learned throughout their research that food and essential nutrients provoke positive reactions with our hormones, just as drugs do. Below find a list of these natural nutrients. Some, most, are found in food. Unfortunately the condition of our top soil has left us with less than optimal food. Supplementation is now more important than ever. Just make sure the brand you choose is reputable and does not add garbage to their formulas.

L-Carnitine
Hydroxycitric acid
Gamma-linolenic acid
Pyruvate
Magnesium
Capsicum
Vanadium Sulfate
Tryptophan
NADH
Glucomannan
Additional protein (such as a powder
B-complex
Alpha lipoic acid
CLA
Garcinia Extract
Gugulipid
Bladderwack/kelp
Inositol
Potassium
Antioxidants
Chitosan
The three digestive enzymes: amylase, protease, lipase
Falxseed
Choline
CoQ10
Chromium Picolinate
Yohimbe
Lecithin
Bromelain
Apple cider Vinegar
Malic acid
L-glutamine
HGH promoters such as:
Arginine
Glycine
Ornithine
OKG
Glutamine
GABA

This is a long list. Some of these may sound very familiar to you, especially if you are or ever have been a client of mine. I will provide you with a breakdown of each one and what they do as this BROWN FAT section develops. I hope this has done something for you.

As mentioned above, the Lymphoid organ plays a role in immunity health, cellular nutrition and circulation just to name a few. Below I have listed the many functions of the lymphatic system.

• it is responsible for the removal of fluid from tissues.
• it absorbs as well as aids in the transports of fatty acids and fats as chyle from the digestive system. ( Chyle is a milky bodily fluid which includes lymph and emulsified fats, or free fatty acids)
• It transports antigen-presenting cells (antigens are foreign molecules that trigger the production of antibodies through the immune system when presented in the body)
• Is the first line of defense against disease.
• Lymph vessels in the lining of the gastrointestinal tract absorb fats from food
• It is responsible in the transport of white cells to and from lymph nodes to bones

The importance of this system will become even more evident as you read on.

If I ask a client or an average person about the cardiovascular system, more than likely I will get a response that may not be complete, but is correct.  Yet, ask the same person about the lymphatic system and they may have heard the term, but they are unaware of the importance, influence and roll it plays on our health. Yes this system plays a huge role in Immunity, and circulation but it does more than that. It clears toxins, excess fluids, wastes, and infection from tissues of the body……assuming this system is functioning at its peak and eliminating waste through proper flow and drainage.  Some of the symptoms you may experience if you have a poor functioning lymphatic system are fibromyalgia, Chronic fatigue syndrome, bloating, poor digestion, aches, pain, multiple sclerosis, as well as fat deposits and cellulite.  So when thinking of the fit minded person, an efficient smooth running lymphatic system can assist in obtaining optimal health and fitness. When your system is running smooth the chance of illness is less, and the ability to repair and restore is at optimal levels. A fit body with a smooth running system also has the ability to transport fat more adequately and keep cellulite at a minimum….even to none. So how exactly can you improve this system. It may be a little more complex then lifting a dumbbell, but don’t worry, it is easier than you think.

Exercise

Did you think that in this article that the word “Exercise” would not be mentioned. When it comes to a more efficient lymphatic system exercise is critical. It helps with circulation, and aids in the reduction of cellulite. In order to get your lymphatic system moving, you need to get your blood flowing, and the toxins moving out. That is where the rebounder, or mini trampoline enters. The trampoline or rebounder is excellent for the lymphatic system.

Something very interesting regarding the lymph system and exercise, specifically rebounding, is the lymph system has the capability of supplying our cells with sufficient and positive amount of nutrients. This amazing and efficient system can carry nutrients to our cells, and flush waste away. However, this system is dependent on exercise….movement. If not given the adequate amount of movement/exercise, or cells are left to swim in their own waste, and lacking the the ability to transport nutrients to important cells in our body’s which is a huge contributing factor for many ailments and diseases. A short session of rebounding (jumping on a mini, more therapeutic  trampoline) can increase lymph flow by 15 to 30 times.

Now you may think well I run, I jog, I get the movement. However, the vertical motion of rebounding is much different and much more beneficial than the horizontal workouts that movements like running and jogging provide.

The lymphatic system is a system reserved to gather and eliminate waste. This system has the ability to rid the body of toxins, like dead and cancerous cells, infectious viruses, heavy metals, nitrogenous waste, as well as other toxins that are excreted by our cells. The movement during rebounding provides enough of a boost to create a free-flowing system that can drain and remove these toxins.

Below I have added a visual, that may help you better understand.

When you bounce/exercise on a rebounder there is an  upward bounce against the downward pull of gravity. This action causes the one way valves that are responsible for the flow of fluid to close shut. Moving downward releases the pressure and causes the valves to reopen. There is an increased G-force experienced when you land, and the rebounder depresses. Your body experiences many positive effects with the change in speed and direction that occurs with each jump.

Dry Brushing

We all have heard by many in the beauty field the benefits of regular exfoliating. The process of exfoliation helps to remove dead skin cells off of our body, revealing more radiant, polished skin. But did you know that dry brushing can aid in the elimination of toxins, help with circulation and stimulated the blood and lymph flow?

White blood cells circulate throughout the body and tissues through the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Dry brushing can stimulate movement of white blood cells, our body’s defense system, throughout the body. Increasing the circulation of white blood cells, while eliminating toxins, creates an even stronger immune system.

Also, I probably should add that dry brushing has shown to reduce cellulite……..makes you want to run out and get a brush immediately, huh?

* Cactus bristle brushes are one of the better bristle brushes. Also always brush towards the direction of the heart….up the legs, down the chest.

Saunas

Saunas can help your body eliminate waste, heavy metals, and toxins. When your lungs and kidneys fall short of ridding your body of possibly harmful agents, a sauna sessions can help the process of elimination and improve your health.

The use of a sauna for detoxification is known as hydrothermal or heat therapy. Saunas induce an artificial fever which has the same effect as a natural fever. When your body raises its temperature and you have a fever, this is a sign that your immune system is working. The fever is induced to kill off a virus or bacteria. There is an increase in white blood cells, your body’s defense system, and your circulation. This activity destroys the viruses and kills off the infection. So when you force your body into an artificial fever the same benefits are gained.

Heat therapy aids the body in the natural cleansing process, which releases toxins, waste and heavy metals throughout the body and within cellular tissues. These toxins eventually make their way through our lymphatic system and are eliminated. The perspiration that is brought on by the sauna also acts as a source of elimination.

When looking to purchase a rebounder, it is best to get one with a support bar. Also begin your rebounding program slowly, gradually increasing your intensity and time. You need to allow your body to adjust to the increased gravitational activity and load. You will feel your body acclimate to this new form of exercise. Once you notice an increase in strength you can add more time, or turn up the intensity.

By no means am I suggesting that you should use a rebounder as your only form of exercise. I would suggest that this be included along with various forms of exercise in order to create a well rounded fitness program.

Fitness is not defined merely by having a lean muscular cut body. True fitness, to me at least, means optimal health, both inside and out. Giving your lymphatic system a little bit of attention can go a long way in regards to your fitness goals. It is important to recognize the whole body in fitness, and create a system that runs smoothly. Sometimes we focus so much on one area we forget about the others. This imbalance can cause us harm, or even sometimes the cost of our lives.

The important roll of the lymphatic system is something you cannot afford to overlook. If you are feeling sluggish and bogged down, it may be time for you to give this system a closer look and get things moving  again.

Ironically enough I received a call today from someone very close to me who asked what I thought about the lemonade diet. I am not clear on ever aspect of it, but I know it is one of the many “fad” diets that promise quick fat loss. I told her I would not recommend it. She sadly admitted that she knew I would not be for it, and that she had done it for a short time, lost 5 pounds, but she didn’t feel right and she thought the weight loss was from loss of muscle. She had no energy. I agreed with her and asked her to please consult with me before she attempts anymore diets. Following these fad diets sets your body up for failure, and what awaits you are those painful years that start around 35 when you can’t shed any weight. All the years of fad dieting, yo-yo dieting, starving and so on has messed with your system and hormones so much that you have no control of your body. You risk losing muscle when you avoid certain foods when on these various diets. The loss of muscle, drives you metabolism down further, which then you gain more fat, and so the slow and painful journey begins. It is a path that leads you to stubborn fat that wont move no matter what.

But even then all is not lost. First be patient. Know it took years to get here, it may take a little time to correct these issues. Get a full hormone panel blood test from your doctor.  Eat a low glycemic index diet (low sugar). Start a moderate exercise program, and increase the intensity, frequency, or duration as you become more conditioned. When the scale moves up, if you are participating in weight training, don’t give up. Yes a pound is a pound. But a pound of fat is larger in volume and occupies more space than dense firm solid muscle. So that increase in NUMBER weight is due to an increase in your lean muscle. If you are patient and continue, guess what?  The number will drop, usually further down then where is was before it increased. The added muscle increases your metabolism, so the fat you have on your body will fall off as you continue.

The one thing I cannot stress enough to the younger generation? Stay away from fad diets. Learn how to eat and work out, and start a good “lifestyle” program ASAP, when you are still young. You will thank yourself in your 40’s.

Often I get a phone call or email from a person stating they can not get under or over a particular weight goal. Some use that famous word “plateau”, some even have excepted this stagnant period, and are basically asking for reassurance that it in fact that they can  not improve beyond what they have, and that they have done great!

I ask a few questions and within a few answers I usually inform them they have not reached their physical limit; on the contrary, they need to do more to break through and continue on the path to improvement.

To build muscle there is one very simple but important rule you must follow. It does not matter what your goals may be (bodybuilder, or just increasing your lean muscle mass), the rule is the same- always be progressing by doing more in your current workout than in your last.

This is called progressive overload. Essentially you are training nard enough to break down your muscle, then repair and rebuild with healthy foods that aid in muscle growth. Training, or overloading your muscle, is just as important as resting (sleep), and restoring and repairing, with the right foods, to give you a stronger, firmer, leaner body.

The human body has the ability to adapt to a regime or program. The famous word “plateau” that I hear all the time, really isn’t a plateau. It is your body telling you it has conditioned it’s self well enough for this current training program. You are in better shape than when you started, and now you need to push yourself again.

If you don’t add additional weight, reps, duration, frequency, and more complex dynamic moves to your program your body will maintain, or even sometimes fall back from, the level of fitness you have reached.

To simplify this method of progressive overload I have broken it down into 4 ways to break through the current wall and take your fitness level and body to the next level.

1. Increase the weight
2. Do the same work with a higher intensity (no resting)
3. Add new exercises to your sessions
4. Introduce additional training days into your week (say if you are training 3 days a week increase it to 4 or 5- these days can be plyometric or cardio strength training days)

You can also alternate heavy work load days with lighter work load days.

To Summarize:

Always be progressing. Always push yourself. Always challenge yourself. If you don’t you will stay right where you are and never reach your goals. This can apply to all areas of life. Always be growing, never be satisfied with average, or good enough. Be the best you can be, it may take work, it may be a challenge, but when you start seeing the level of fitness and physical development you will be ecstatic and thank yourself for pushing through and expecting more out of yourself.

There is a simpler way………BUILD MUSCLE!

Building muscle requires three things:

1. Free weight training
2. Eating right to support the work you have done in the gym, and
3. Getting enough rest.

(I will go into the hows and whys of these much more deeply in future posts, but for now, just trust me and do your best.)

Here’s how it works:

When you build more lean muscle, then your metabolism goes up. This burns fat. Period. It’s really that simple!*

Cardio training is important and should be incorporated into any fat loss program, but if you want to lose real fat and have a leaner, stronger body you must lift weights. In a 5 day-a-week training program you can alternate cardio days with weight lifting days. Or if you are fit and ambitious enough you can do 30 minutes of cardio followed by your weight training.

Your sessions need not be 3 hours long. Do 30 minutes of some moderate to intense cardio followed by 30 minutes of moderate to intense weight training, then give yourself a few months and watch what happens.

A note for those of you that look at the scale to gauge your fat loss. When you are building muscle to burn fat, your number on the scale may go up, then down, and continue this teeter-tottering for months. This is due to the fact that muscle weighs more than fat. You build new muscle and your metabolism goes up stimulating fat loss.

It may take a little time for the fat loss to be more than the muscle gain, so your scale numbers may not always be what you want to see. This process freaks women out. But you have to remain consistent. If you go through the trouble of gaining muscle, then give your body time to burn the fat with your newly increased metabolism. Too many people shy away too soon and never continue that path. They go back to the fad dieting, and end up losing more muscle, which lowers their metabolism. You see the problem?

I always tell my clients to ignore the scale. If you focus on those numbers you will become frustrated. I will give you an example of my own experience with this.

Earlier this year I invested in a spin bike. Once I had the spin bike my cardio training switch a little. I used to run every day, doing crazy miles. Now I run less and split my cardio time between running outside, my treadmill, or the spin bike. If you ever have been on a spin bike or taken a spin class you know how well it works out your glutes and leg muscle. Very quickly I noticed a change in my lower body. I had deeper cuts, a more muscular bottom, and my clothes were a little loose.

After about three months when my husband mentioned how muscular my lower body was I decided I would jump on my scale (I rarely weigh myself only because I refuse to be one of those people who are controlled by the number on the scale). Well my weight had gone up, from 115 to 119. I was not worried; in fact, I was thrilled. I knew I had developed new good muscle. So I continued. Some months went by and I started to feel lighter, saw more cuts all over, so I decided to jump on the scale again. I was back down to 115. So you see my numbers had gone up but my fat ultimately went down.

You need to be patient with yourself, your body, and your program. But most importantly, if you want to lose solid fat, and have a more tone body, weight lifting is a must. You can start slow if need be, just start.

* Sometimes people have a hormone deficiency or an over abundance. This can be due to years of yo-yo dieting and eating wrong or jumping on the fad diet band wagon. These people will struggle more than others, and I suggest they see a doctor, have all the proper and extensive blood work done to find the one, or sometimes multiple, underlying causes. But if you have not tried what I suggested yet, maybe that is something you might want to attempt first, or you can even do it simultaneously. You can start the doctor visit and blood work, while you do your part by building new muscle.

You can find her profile and and extensive interview covering her thoughts on a range of fitness related topics from her passion for fitness, how and why she got into the industry, plus her thoughts on supplements, diet, fighting cravings for junk food, and a whole lot more here:

http://www.shapefit.com/models/team-fitness-models-diane-mohlman.html

No shortcuts, no nonsense, and no excuses. We know you are in this for the long haul, and we are right there with you!

You NEED frenetic fitness. Don’t wait another minute…call Diane at 818-397-8783 and get your body moving today!