More about the "Athlete Heart"

Press release:

Triathlete fiance of Hewitt suffers heart attack

French triathlete Laurent Vidal, fiance of Kiwi competitor Andrea Hewitt, is in hospital after suffering a heart attack during training.

Vidal felt chest pain during swimming training before suffering from cardiac arrest.

He was revived after a few minutes and regained consciousness before being flown to a Montpellier hospital.

He is in an induced coma for at least 48 hours.

Hewitt said she was "shocked and so worried", in a tweet posted this morning.

Vidal was sixth at the ITU World Series grand final in London last year and finished 10th in New Plymouth last month.

_____________________________

Gary:

While we do not know the exact circumstances of Laurent Vidal's health problems and my wishes go out to him and his family for a speedy and full recovery, this unfortunate incident further highlights the growing evidence that intense and exhausting exercise may be more damaging to the heart than it is protective. 

 I was deeply saddened, just the other day, when I learned that one of New Zealand's best junior and interprovincial runners of 30 or so years ago, Gary Weston-Webb, died suddenly while at his desk just a few weeks ago.  I was in awe of Gary's running ability when I shifted to Wellington from Dunedin; but I wonder if he ever really noticed me because, when the start gun fired, he was off like a greyhound with me and most of the field left behind eating his dust! Gary is just a few months older than me, which is unsettling.  Again, I do not know much at all about his health; however, his untimely passing further underlines the fact that exercise does not necessarily give one immunity from heart problems.  Too many talented runners and multi-sports athletes who once kicked my butt with great ease are, sadly, no longer with us.  Dr O'Keefe and Co appear to be right: Extreme exercise damages the heart.

Should we all stop doing extreme exercise, like discourage everyone from running or cycling etc more than three times a week and for less than an hour at a time?  My answer to that question is a qualified "No!"

Here is a moving tribute to Gary.  My heartfelt condolences to his family for their terrible loss.

Nutritional balancing: The key to a healthy heart - regardless of age

The good news is that there is a lot that one can do to protect one's heart from harm - be that from lack of exercise, stress, medication, a sugar-laden-nutrient poor diet, or excessive exercise.  The key comes down to getting the right balance between intensity, rest and relaxation - and being completely obsessive about nutritional balancing.  By the way, this does not mean following the food pyramid:  It means testing yourself to identify your nutrient imbalances.  For example: How do you know if you really need more iodine or more magnesium?  Have you ever had these tested?  There are accurate tests available now which can tell you what you need to take - and what not to take. 

Hair Tissue Analysis showing excess calcium relative to magnesium

If, for example; you are magnesium deficient (80% of us are) and, if - at the same time - you have an excessive calcium intake relative to magnesium, it is inevitable that there will be the precipitation of calcium into the soft tissues, including the lining of the arteries (arteriosclerosis).  By the way, a tell-tale sign of this process is red cheeks during exercise and, later in life, spider veins on the cheeks.

Reverse Arteriosclerosis

The good news about arteriosclerosis - the process of gradually turning to stone - is that it can be reversed: Arteriosclerosis may be intimately linked to getting old, but it ain't really.  However; reversing arteriosclerosis is not easily achieved.  It takes an obsessive devotion to lifestyle changes for the rest of your life and the daily use of dietary supplements to correct nutrient imbalances as identified by nutrient testing.

Protect your heart - Start by getting rid of the guessing!

More reading

I am an obsessive exerciser: At 60 years old I completed 60 km of mountain biking yesterday then another 30 km to the top of Makara Peak and back this morning, followed by a short run.  In a week I'll be competing in the Crazyman Duathlon which is 30 km mountain bike followed by 13 km running - all over the most challenging terrain imaginable.  Of course, I'll be fighting to win my category.  This is all in preparation for the World Mountain Bike Championships in Norway in August this year.  It is my intention to win the 60+ age group.   I reckon I am in with a chance because as one gets older, winning has little to do with who was the fastest: It comes down to who is the best at managing health and injury issues.  I reckon I have those nailed.

According to Dr O'Keefe, I am damaging my heart.  I am quite confident that I am not because, if I was, I would surely be feeling a lot worse instead of feeling a lot better.  Over the last 10 years, I have taken a number of measures that protect my body from the damaging effects of extreme exercise.  It has worked and I have the evidence from the testing and from the performances on the race track.  

Now, none of this would ever have seemed even remotely possible just 10 years ago when I felt like a burned-out athlete with quickly evolving heart problems. 

Winning has little to do with who was the fastest:  It comes down to who is the best at managing health and injury issues 

If you have any concerns about your heart and health in general, but appear to be in quite good health or even excellent health, the first thing to do to is to order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and consultation with me, then take things from there.

Here is the link to the right packages to order:

New Zealand based clients: 

https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/htma-comprehensive-test-nz-clients-only

International clients: 

https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/htma-follow-up-test-international-clients

My new Super Smoothie Recipe

The Super Smoothie comes up with a recipe that ticks all the right boxes nutritionally, is affordable and mostly sourced from New Zealand manufacturers.

The Super Smoothie is not a food supplement. It is a nutrient-packed meal. It is not additional to your groceries - it is part of your groceries.  

It can replace one of your daily meals, such as breakfast. It is a recovery meal following hard exercise.  Share your smoothie with your family, especially your children. 

It is perfect to drink daily during pregnancy and breast-feeding, for the elderly, the infirm, or anybody who needs a nutrient-packed meal without a huge number of calories.

It's the most affordable way to get all your nutrients - and more - without resorting to taking large numbers of vitamin pills.

___________________________

"Was just writing to let you know that the recipe and powder you gave me is working a treat! 

After my 10km run, my legs were feeling like they could get quite sore! They were achy on Sunday, but Monday I was totally fine! I can't believe it! Usually, I get the sorest muscles and they last four-five days!"

"I ran 59.51 so just made my goal and was 3rd in my age group so was super stoked! :-)"

Hannah

                                                     ___________________________

Recipe

• UltraProtein 1/2 scoop per smoothie: https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/douglas-laboratories-ultra-protein-plus-948g.  This contains all the base vitamins and minerals - and more - that one needs for daily nutrition.
• Plain Nutratech NZ Whey Protein 1-2 scoops per smoothie: https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/nutratech-whey-powder-1kg
• Sujon NZ Blackcurrant powder.  1 teaspoon per smoothie: https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/sujon-blackcurrent-powder
• Waihi Bush NZ Flax Balance. 1 dessertspoon per smoothie:https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/waihi-bush-oil-flax-balance-500ml

Storage and convenience

Mix the powders in the ratios above, then store the mix in 1-2 large glass containers, ready for quick use when in a hurry. Put the rest away, sealed tight in a cool dry place.

Add these according to taste and preferences (you'll need a blender if adding solids)

• Seasonal fruits and/or vegetables.
• Coconut cream. Coconut water.
• Full cream non-homogenised milk (silver top).
• Water (avoid fruit juice because too much sugar) if needed.
• Blend.
• Add one fresh free-range egg with 10 seconds to go (do not blend egg too long to prevent damage to the delicate nutrients).

How much protein do you need daily?

Here is a handy calculator and informative article about protein:

https://fitnessvolt.com/protein-calculator/ 

When to take it

Most people prefer to start the day with a Super Smoothie. It is a meal and energising!

You may find it refreshing and regenerating to have an extra Super Smoothie at the end of a hard day.  It is the obvious choice of refreshment following a hard physical workout.

It is perfect for after a hard exercise session. Many athletes find it convenient to carry a small pot of premix and a shaker with them to training, or when on the road, so that they can whip up a quick shake with either plain water or some other liquid such as milk, coconut milk or coconut water.

It is perfect for hiking. Compact, light - just add water.

Handy Tips

If a person, such as a child, must take a pill or two but has trouble getting them down, the thick creamy liquid of the Super Smoothie may do the trick as compared to water alone. The thick liquid will grab the pills and sweep them down the throat and mask any unpleasant taste.

It is not just for athletes

The Super Smoothie is ideal and totally safe for children, expectant and nursing Mums, the elderly and the infirm. It is great for anybody struggling with ill health or poor recovery following an injury. It is the superior alternative to multivitamins.

One Addition

Add 2-4 capsules of Algotene daily. This is nutrient-packed and includes potent fat-soluble anti-oxidants and a wide range of trace elements, including a little iodine and lithium.
https://www.garymoller.com/product-page/icl-algotene-180-caps

Some Research

1. Sujon Blackcurrant Extract: http://blog.garymoller.com/2015/08/research-that-validates-health-benefits.html

Read, read and read:

Become the World's greatest expert in your own health!

 About this website 

I give freely the advice in these articles, without promise or obligation. It is all about giving you and your family the tools and information to take control of your health and fitness.

I am looking to start making my own cereal bars

"Gary,
I am looking to start making my own cereal bars and wanted to know if you have any ‘must add’ ingredients or perhaps something that I should add specifically for me? I have found a few recipes off various web sites so will start with them.

I’m fed up with paying out top $$$ and them not really stacking up to what I need or don’t need.

(Name supplied)

_____________________________________________
Gary:
(The writer is a triathlon and Iron Man competitor and I assume he is referring to protein and energy bars)
I can't say what to add specifically for you; but I do have some general ingredient suggestions for those making their own bars:

• Add unflavoured plain whey protein.  This helps bind the mix during cooking and the end result will be less crumbly.  The protein will provide some slow release energy and, more importantly, provide substrate for tissue repair and production of all manner or biochemical substances necessary for sustained exercise and recovery.
• Add some pure virgin coconut oil and butter while avoiding oils, like flax oil, that are prone to oxidation and do not like heat.  These stand cooking well and provide a good range of fat for exercise and recovery (you need fat the same as you need protein).
• Use whole rolled oats for slow release carbohydrates.  You may find blending them to a finer grade may help with a less crumbly bar.  If the bars are too crumbly you may find they disintegrate too much while they sit in your jersey pocket or back pack.
• Use honey or golden syrup for the simple sugars.

You can add nuts and seeds, raisins, chopped up dates and anything else that grabs your fancy.

Vitamins and minerals:  Best keep these in high quality pills, or other preparations, rather than trying to incorporate them into bars - cooking may damage them.

About this website 

The advice in these articles is given freely without promise or obligation. Its all about giving you and your family the tools and information to take control of your health and fitness.

Candida and Fungal Infections? Gary Moller recommends you explore this programme: Click Here!

Mary-Ann Moller's Fitness and Nutrition Blog

If you are a "younger" person, working on improving your fitness, you might want to follow my daughter's blog about her

quest to become super fit.

"My plan for this blog is for it to be a way to share my progress with my friends and family and also to motivate and keep myself on track. I will be posting my goals, photos, progress, training sessions, nutrition, motivational quotes and random thoughts!"

Mary-Ann is at home, here in Wellington, training as hard as one ever could, ably partnered by Step-Mom, Alofa.  Mary-Ann has one year to complete at Otago University to become a nutritionist.

She already has written many articles which help the reader make sense of training and nutrition, including how to keep healthy.

_______________________________________

About this website

The advice in these articles is given freely without promise or obligation.  Its all about giving you and your family the tools and information to take control of your health and fitness.

Do you think beetroot juice improves athletic performance?

"Do you think drinking beet juice is a good thing? And can you get the benefits from a tablet"

Richard

_______________________________________

Gary replies:

Richard, I would not be surprised if drinking beet juice will bring about an improvement in athletic endurance. This is because most athletes are lacking sufficient nutrients in their bodies to supply the needs of intense and exhausting exercise.

Nitrates (natural ones found in food including beetroot) are essential for maintaining flexible and relaxed arteries and nitric oxide for directing blood to the right places. If the diet is poor in foods containing these nutrients then performance is, of course, going to improve if big doses are then introduced into the diet.

The other action which is not discussed in the article is the powerful antioxidant effect of all plants that are bright; especially the deep red and black pigmented vegetables, fruits and berries - that includes beetroot. Intense exercise causes a storm of free radicals that the body soaks up and neutralises using antioxidants. If antioxidant capacity is poor, exhaustion will rapidly set in and recovery will be poor.

If you think the results of the beetroot study are good, then read on....

I am a good example of the benefits of careful assessment of nutrient needs, first with a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis almost three years ago and then adding specific nutrients to meet the needs of work and sport. Being 56 years old and having trained and competed in sport non-stop since my early teens one can be assured that I have peaked long ago! At 56, I should be slowing down, so any performance improvements from here on have to be taken very seriously.

Now, here is the record today as compared to the exact competition situation two seasons ago in mountain biking: I am riding as fast as I was 20 years ago and fully 15-20 minutes faster over each of a series of five races as compared to when I was 54 years old. Each race is less than two hours duration and one can ride a very long way in 15-20 minutes. I am not doing any extra training. I am just healthier.

The reason for the performance gains is mostly due to improved nutrition, including a couple of "sports specials".

As a matter of interest, beta alanine is the amino acid the body uses for producing nitric oxide. This is sold on its own and in Balance Recovery Stack.

The most effective antioxidant for improving performance and protecting the muscles from damage is Astazanthin.

Other great sources of antioxidants are found in dark berries and all bright berries, including the skin of kumara. Load up Berry Brights and Fruitful Greens are concentrated sources of antioxidants that can be added to your Super Smoothies.

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My daughter is 13 and is a competitive swimmer

"My daughter is 13 and is a competitive swimmer, 5-6 sessions per week and well as partakes in triathlons, running etc, I would like advice on sports drink / supplements, which to get and which is suitable for someone of that age. how much and when to drink, ie she at times suffers from severe stitch in multisports and now doesn’t eat or drink within 3 hrs of racing, perhaps we need to look at the drinking side of it. She is flagging a bit these days, and I think just water may not be enough as some of the swim training sessions are quite intense."
____________________________
Gary responds:
Adolescence is a critical time for the female athlete with the odds sadly stacked against them continuing training and competition for much longer.

Please read the articles here and here.

Research tells us that 50% or more of young female athletes are lacking in iron. My experience is this figure is on the low side and probably more liek 80% here in New Zealand. Iron deficiency results in flagging performances, loss of lean tone, increase in fatness, excessive sleep, negativity and proneness to infections. Of course, if iron is lacking then many other nutrients will be lacking, including zinc, chromium and selenium to name just a few. Iron needs a number of cofactors to be taken up and properly utilised, including B12, protein and vitamin C. These are often lacking in the adolescent diet.

The best next action, before taking any dietary and supplementation, is to get your daughter off to the doctor for a battery of blood tests. Once you have the results, send me a copy and I will help with analysing them from the perspective of achieving optimum health and fitness as opposed to merely using such tests to detect disease. If you can afford the expense (NZ$225), order a Hair Tissue Mineral Analysis and the results will guide you perfectly as to nutritional interventions to ensure good nutrition.

Which sports drink is best for your daughter?
First ensure whatever is chosen that it does not contain artificial colourings, sweeteners and acidifiers. Most of the pre-mixed sports drinks contain one or more of these. Stay away from these because they are not healthy - rotting teeth and gums for a start.

The drink I most recommend for her is Balance Ultimate Recovery Stack. This is a wonderful addition to a good athlete diet. Practice taking it daily prior and after training. She will find she can drink it within half an hour of training and, later, competition and immdiately following. This provides a balanced mix of the nutrients that an athlete needs for exercise and recovery. She can experiment with having a Super Smoothie daily and may find she can safely drink a basic Super Smoothie about two hours prior to races such as a multisports event. She can also have a Super Smoothie with breakfast.

New Zealand is a world champion at producing junior world champions and not much more than that.

Think of yourselves as being your daughter's Guardian Angels. Coaches seldom look beyond the end of the immediate season and, despite statements to the contrary, may not be working to her best longterm interests as a person and as an athlete. Swimming, like athletics and cycling, is notorious for burning out promising young talent. Your duaghter does not mature physically and emotionally until her mid to late 20's. Thrashing her in training and competition while so young achieves nothing for the longterm and is statistically weighted in favour of failure. She needs time to grow, to study and get good grades and she needs have time and energyto socialise. Look after her best interests to ensure she grows into well-rounded and healthy young woman. With regards to swimming, this means concentrating on developing perfect stroke, health and recovery. The endless km in the pool can happen later once she has the physical and emotional maturity to handle and thrive on the work.

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London Marathon 2009 - Feedback from a Happy Camper

Hi Gary,

Well I've managed to finish in one piece, so I'm quite relieved! 2.53 was the final time. I held 4min kms comfortably for the first half (halfway in 1.25ish), but tiredness (or more precisely lack of fitness) came on quite quickly around 25km, so it was grovelling time from there to the finish.

Photo: Lorraine Moller winning the first London Marathon: An all women event, organised by Wellington, New Zealand, resident, Kathryn Switzter.  The intention of this event was to demonstrate to the IOC that the women's marathon was an event worthy of inclusion in the Olympics.  Female runners were finally allowed to run the Olympic marathon at Los Angeles 1984 where Lorraine finished 5th.  The London Marathon has gone on to become a truly international spectacle.

Very sore quads in the last 10km, so I'm going to need a wheelchair for the next few days! Pleasingly the calves held up well. Got moments of tightness every now and then, but to my huge relief I was able to run through it and it passed. So fingers crossed that I've got over these calf
problems and can look forward to some training this winter.

London marathon is an incredible event. I would put equal with New York. Every marathoner must do one of these events in their marathon career.  Masses of people, both running and supporting. Superb organisation.

I can't thank you enough! You got me to the start line (when 4 weeks ago I had given up all hope) and I was able to run all the way. Thank you, thankyou, thank you!

I will be back to see you when I return. I suspect my quads will need a lot of work over the coming months.

Cheers, Todd

______________________________

Gary comments:

Despite not being able to run with jsut four weeks to go, I never doubted that Todd would make the start line: It was only a matter of how fast he would be able to run and the condition he would be in at the finish.

Treatment up untill he came to see me consisted of a number of months of physiotherapy plus massage.  Interestingly, his calf injury was suspisciously close to the fitting of $400 orthotics which I replaced with a pair of Formthotics Shock Stop.  Treatment was simple:

• Formthotics Shock Stop inner soles.
• Foot pronation exercises.
• Replacement of various nutrients that he appeared to be low in and that might be slowing healing and reducing exercise capacity.
• Massage of the calf muscle and all the running muscles.

To my advantage is a lifetime of intense sport and a dozen sub-3hr marathons myself; so I knew what was involved which sure does help with zeroing in on the problems and sorting them out without wasted time, effort and money.  

Far too much medicine, including most orthotics is hit and miss stuff.

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Michael Phelps: Is he the Supreme Champion of the Junk Food Nation?

Phelps' typical breakfast order from Pete's Grille in Baltimore, Maryland, as is recounted in Phelps' autobiography Beneath the Surface:

"Start with three [white bread] sandwiches of fried eggs, cheese, lettuce, tomato, fried onions, and mayonnaise; add one omelet, a bowl of grits, and three slices of French toast with powdered sugar; then wash down with three chocolate chip pancakes."

When young, one can get away with this kind of diet; but not from about age 30 onwards. If he was to continue this for long, he will begin to struggle with performance as muscles begin to lock up, tissues become inflamed with accumulating toxins as the liver begins to fail under the huge workload and the arteries begin to clog with all that unhealthy over-heated trans fats.

Swimmers are notorious for going to fat upon retirement with many dying prematurely from the complications of obesity such as sleep apnoea and diabetes.

An athlete who follows a healthy dietary regime will perform consistently to a very high standard and their career will go on for so much longer. Imagine the possibilities if Phelps was to do that!

Do you have a question?
Email Gary: gary at myotec.co.nz (Replace the "at" with @ and remove spaces). Please include any relevant background information to your question.