FITNESS

Exercise performance, blood, and muscle oxygen levels aren’t bad for healthy individuals wearing a face mask during tough workouts, a new study reveals. Exercising! This study was conducted by the University of Saskatchewan (USask). However, there were a few questions raised in this study.

What was the question?

Would wearing a mask during vigorous exercise compromise oxygen uptake or increase the rebreathing of carbon dioxide, wherein increased carbon dioxide replaces oxygen in the blood.

However, the study published in the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public Health hasn’t found any proof or evidence to bring out these concerns.

The researchers who worked on this study state that people can wear a face mask while exercising with no serious effects on performance and a little impact on the blood and muscle oxygenation.

Moreover, having a mask on the face is like a shield and less risky in a closed place where everyone would be exercising in a group when all fitness centers open up.

The study focused on evaluating the use of a three-layer cloth face mask. This kind of mask was recommended by Dr. Theresa Tam, Canada’s Chief Public Health Officer.

How was the study conducted?

This study included 14 physically active and healthy women and men. Around 24 hours before the test, they controlled their diet, previous physical activity, and sleep.

Phil Chilibeck, a professor in the USask College of Kinesiology, who was a co-author of the study said that if people wear face masks while working out indoors, they would feel safer and this would allow gyms to remain open even during covid-19.

This way, sports would continue without a hindrance.

What did the participants have to do?

All the participants had to warm-up on a stationary bike. Later, increasing the intensity on the bike while they maintained a required pedal rate.

The test was over right after they failed to keep with the pedal rate. Based on the fitness level, a participant tends to feel exhausted anywhere between six to 12 minutes.

Observations

All the participants were assessed and they did the test three times each, once wearing a surgical face mask, once wearing a cloth face mask, and once with no face mask.

The participant’s blood and muscle oxygen levels using non-invasive measurement tools were assessed throughout the test.

Chilbeck believes that this study was done at the right time when new public health orders go into effect with making masks mandatory in indoor public spaces in Regina, Saskatoon, and Prince Albert to stop the spread of COVID-19.

The others who were included in the USask research team were kinesiology alumni, Keely Shaw, John Ko, Scotty Butcher from the School of

Rehabilitation Medicine, and Gordon Zello from the College of Pharmacy and Nutrition.

How To Stay Safe While Exercising With A Mask?

Here are a few tips that would help you stay safe while exercising with a mask. Take a look!

If you have a respiratory or cardiovascular condition, it is better not to exercise with a mask on. Check the oxygen saturation of your blood using a pulse oximeter.

Immediately stop working out if you experience dizziness, extreme shortness of breath, numbness, or tingling. Listen to what your body says. It won’t guide you incorrectly.

So, use a face mask to protect yourself from the infection. However, don’t ignore those uncomfortable signals your body gives you.

7 Healthy Foods To Eat On An Empty Stomach

You are sure to feel less energetic and get distracted when your stomach is empty. What if you had to work or study when your stomach is empty? Would you be able to focus well?

No, you wouldn’t, because at some point all your attention would be diverted to what to eat next. While it is natural to feel that way, the foods you choose to eat on an empty stomach is what makes all the difference.

To boost metabolism, even nutritionists claim that you should eat a small meal on an empty stomach.

That being said, here are some of the healthy foods that you can confidently eat on empty stomach.

No 1 - Soaked Almonds

should eat almonds on an empty stomach is because almonds help release an enzyme called lipase, which is good for digesting or you can even say melting the fats in your body.

No 2 - Chia Seeds No 3 - Warm Water and Honey

Almonds are filled with effective antioxidants and folic acid. All its nutrients would easily benefit your body in the best possible way.

First off, it is light, soft, and can easily digest. Secondly, it helps your body absorb all its essential nutrients.

It would do you good if you soak almonds overnight and then eat it the next day.

One of the most interesting reasons as to why you Chia seeds are loaded with micronutrients, fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and proteins.

These seeds are tiny and eating them can drastically stabilize your blood sugar levels. In other words, this is one of the best foods for helping individuals manage diabetes.

Given the fact that chia seeds are filled with fiber, it improves bowel movement and boosts digestion if consumed early in the morning on an empty stomach. Honey is filled with rich antioxidants and is known for its healing properties. Studies claim that eating a spoon of honey is good for your heart’s health and acts as one of the best remedies for a sore throat.

It has antibacterial and antifungal properties that effectively chase wounds and infections away.

The presence of amino acids, minerals, and vitamins are good for absorbing cholesterol and fat, one of the best mixture for weight loss.

As soon as you wake up, drink a mixture of honey and warm water. This would help you get energized and

alkalized.

No 4 - Watermelon

you should simply choose to have wheatgrass powder with water.

It is an amazing detox drink and is highly effective for your intestines.

No 7 - Raisins

Lycopene is one of the best nutrients in a watermelon. It is excellent for your heart and eyes.

Apart from this, you should watermelon on an empty stomach because it keeps the body hydrated with a good amount of fluids.

In addition, watermelon is boosted with antioxidants, amino acids, and potassium.

No 5 - Papaya

Papaya is boosted with antioxidants and is one of the best fruits for glowing skin. If you eat a few pieces of papaya every day, your immunity would get better and it thoroughly removes all the toxins in your body. Having said, papaya is one of the best foods that should be eaten on an empty stomach is because it can reduce your cholesterol levels, prevent heart diseases, and flush out all the toxins in your body.

No 6 - Wheat Grass Powder With Water

Raisins are healthy and tasty. It is a good source of fiber and is recommended to be eaten on an empty stomach because it boosts digestion and treats several digestive issues like constipation or indigestion.

That being said, every morning, it is good to have raisins that were soaked in water overnight.

In summer, if you wish to keep your body well hydrated and wondering as to which is the best juice to have on an empty stomach,

5 Kinds Of Toxic People You Need To Stay Away From

While being a little toxic with our negative qualities is normal. However, going overboard is exceedingly bad for the person who is toxic as well as the people closely associated with him/her.