A look at energy drinks: Do these beverages really work?

It’s Monday and you still have a weekend hangover. You go to work, turn on your computer, sit on your chair, and just stare at the monitor. You decide to go to the pantry and grab an energy drink, thinking it will help you start the day right.

This is a common scenario in the workplace. But can energy drinks really boost your energy?

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According to the Mayo Clinic, most energy drinks contain large amounts of caffeine, which can give you a temporary energy boost. Some contain sugar and other substances, and the energy boost is short-lived and can be accompanied by other health problems.

Energy drinks that have sugar may contribute to weight gain, and consuming too much caffeine can lead to you experiencing irritability, insomnia, nervousness, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure.

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The advisable dose of energy drink for adults is about 16 ounces every day. The American Academy of Pediatrics also notes that adolescents should get no more than 100 milligrams of caffeine a day. It is best for younger children to stay away from energy drinks as their caffeine content can result to health problems.

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If you’re constantly feeling tired, look for a healthier way to boost your energy. Nutritional experts, such as Robert Pastore, Ph.D, recommend getting enough quality sleep and exercise, and eating a healthy diet.

Next time you decide to grab a bottle of energy drink from the fridge, think about your health. To be sure, do a little stretching or eat fruits for snack instead.  

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Robert Pastore on coping with insulin resistance

Robert Pastore, PhD, is a clinical nutritionist who uses a biochemical approach in addressing health conditions such as insulin resistance. Insulin resistance happens when the cells in the muscles, liver, and adipose tissue are resisting the effects of insulin.

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Insulin is a hormone that functions mainly to control how the body utilizes carbohydrates like sugars and starches, lipids or fat, and proteins. The hormone allows the cells of the body to open up and take in glucose which has been absorbed into the bloodstream. Glucose can be converted into fat to provide energy. When the cells do not take in glucose, the body releases more insulin to stabilize blood glucose and this can lead to a condition known as hyperinsulinemia or ‘too much insulin in the blood.’

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Robert Pastore, PhD, mostly likely to have encountered patients with insulin resistance and have advised them to be extra cautious about their health because they have higher risk of developing Type 2 Diabetes, which is a lifelong chronic disease. A way of dealing with the condition is following a diet designed specifically for people with insulin resistance. Commonly, patients are advised to adopt a low carbohydrate and low glycemic index nutritional roadmap to lower blood sugar and avoid initiating high insulin release. Regular exercise, getting enough sleep, and maintaining medical surveillance are also important in getting by with the condition.

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To know more about low carbohydrate and low glycemic diet, consult Robert Pastore, PhD by visiting www.drrobertpastore.com.

Robert Pastore: Protein shakes and false promises

Exercise gyms and fitness clubs promote wall-to-wall advertising that insist athletes require a daily protein shake to build and strengthen muscles. However, athletic nutritionists, like Dr. Robert Pastore, would be hard-pressed to find proof of a protein deficiency in the everyday balanced diet. When examined, there is little evidence to support the need for protein supplements– particularly if an athlete already abides by the recommended daily intake of lean meat, fish, and dairy products.

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Although athletes require more protein than average, only 15 percent of total calories need to come from protein. While a sedentary person requires 0.4 grams of protein per pound, competitive athletes require 0.6 to 0.9 grams. Knowing this, the latter subscribe to the “protein bar promise,” spending on supplementary snacks, shakes, drinks, and pills to meet the daily mineral requirement.

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Nutritional expert Robert Pastore customizes diet plans to fit the specific needs of clients like athletes in the NHL, NFL, and the NBA.

Research published by the University of Bath found that protein-based sports drinks neither improved athletic performance nor provided more benefits than a regular meal. Nutritional experts also warn that there is no guarantee consuming more protein is “better” in any way. This assumption could cause an athlete to consume more food or wrong food.

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Upsetting the balance between protein and carbohydrate intake jeopardizes the effectiveness of a muscle-building or exercise regimen. Although the body uses protein to build muscles, it primarily requires carbohydrates for any activity. If inadequate carbohydrates are consumed, no amount of protein will compel an athlete to keep moving.

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Dr. Robert Pastore on wise use of health supplements

Normally, people can get all the necessary nutrients from a balanced diet. However, expert nutritionists like Dr. Robert Pastore may recommend dietary supplementation for people who experience nutrient deficiency or health conditions.

 
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As health supplements aren’t strictly regulated compared to prescription drugs, people have the freedom to go overboard on their intake. In addition, the onslaught of many new diseases associated with unhealthy lifestyle and diet compels people to drink excess amounts of health supplements, thinking that doing so could lead to improved health. People rely on nutrient pills to shield them from illnesses because they cannot afford to stay unproductive during the day. Furthermore, the public is led to believe that drinking supplement pills is enough to promote overall health.



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Health experts have long warned the public that more is not always better when it comes to health supplementation. Even Dr. Robert Pastore, a renowned nutrition expert, agrees that dietary supplements cannot completely make up for unhealthy diet and lifestyle, and that anything in excess poses serious health risks. For instance, excess amounts of Vitamin B6 can cause nerve damage and difficulty in walking, while exceeding the recommended daily I.U. of Vitamin A can cause birth defects, liver disease, and bone conditions.

 
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Dietitians say that it’s important to first consult a health care provider before deciding to take dietary supplements. In this way, serious health risks are avoided and the right form and dose of supplements are determined.  

Nutrition expert Dr. Robert Pastore can help you decide if there’s a need for dietary supplementation. Go to DrRobertPastore.com to learn more.

Robert Pastore, Ph.D., and why not one diet fits all

Robert Pastore, Ph.D., is a well-known nutritional sciences scholar who specializes in biochemistry and nutrigenomics. He sees almost 1,600 patients annually.


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A person’s ideal diet is very much like his DNA—and through a maze of cells, acids, nutrients, and enzymes, they are probably connected. A structured diet is well and good, especially when this diet is balanced and complete with all the dietary essentials. However, there is not one dietary model that could answer every person’s individual needs.

Take an individual with lactose intolerance, for instance. Dairy products are an excellent source of calcium and protein. However, a person with lactose intolerance may find himself in embarrassing—or even fatal—situations after a morning’s breakfast of eggs, milk, and cheese.


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Robert Pastore, Ph.D., has probably seen many cases like this. Among the persons with the most propensities to lack the necessary nutritional elements are those with medical conditions, including allergic reaction to certain food. Persons with heart diseases and conditions pertaining to the liver, bones, and digestive system likewise fall into this category.

Hence, alternatives have to be taken. Integrative health care, that is, the expansion of diets through pharmaceutical dietary supplements, is growing in popularity. This method is effective in that it provides a person with the necessary nutrients without the adverse effects associated with other ingredients in natural sources of such nutrients.


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In any case, a person with serious medical conditions has to consult with a qualified nutritionist or a doctor before adding any supplements to his or her diet.

More information about Robert Pastore, Ph.D., is available through DrRobertPastore.com.

The champions' diet: Dr. Robert Pastore on the nutritional needs of athletes

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Dr. Robert Pastore is a nutritional expert specializing on diets that are tailor-made for individuals’ biochemical composition. He has 17 years of experience in the industry, thus earning him the title “biochemical detective.” He also specializes in sports nutrition and has worked with some of the world’s greatest professional athletes from the MLB, NFL, NHL, NBA, and the world of endurance sports, such as professional cycling, Iron Man triathlons, and marathon running.


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Athletes need plenty of calories and nutrients to support performance goals and recovery, so the food must have optimal proportion of carbohydrates (for energy supply) and protein (to help build and repair muscle). Dr. Robert Pastore understands that while this is the general rule for all athletes, the carbohydrates-to-protein ratio varies depending on the particular type of exercise and sport training.


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Endurance athletes, for instance, need more carbohydrates than strength athletes. Competing in long-distance running, swimming, or biking requires eight to 10 grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight daily. Skill, sprint, and strength athletes, meanwhile, such as football and basketball players, need around five to six grams of carbohydrates per kilogram of body weight daily. Athletes need about 35% of their daily calories from unsaturated fats for optimal performance, according to the National Strength and Conditioning Association.

A diet that is rich in fiber, vitamins, and minerals such as whole grains, fruits, vegetables, beans, nuts, seeds, lentils, low-fat dairy, and lean protein works best in helping athletes stay in top form at all times. More about Dr. Robert Pastore and his nutritional plans may be found at DrRobertPastore.com.

Robert Pastore on the importance of detoxification

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Robert Pastore is an expert in human nutrition. He has years of experience helping clients deal with their health conditions by designing special dietary plans.


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His areas of include sports nutrition, prenatal support, blood sugar control, weight loss, joint health, detoxification, nutritional supplements, and health maintenance. He believes that diets don’t always work for everyone, and a type of diet that works for one person may not work for another because everyone has a different genetic makeup that directly affects how diets work. Taking into consideration any health issue his clients have, he customizes the dietary plans for those with nutritional issues such as PCOS, Celiac disease, allergies, gastrointestinal discomfort, food intolerance/sensitivities, and those who are concerned with aging.


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Robert Pastore believes that for the body to optimize nutrition absorption, occasional detoxification is required. Detoxification is important because it cleans the body of wastes and other toxic materials that block essential nutrients from getting absorbed and utilized properly by the body. A detox program helps the body’s natural cleaning process by resting the organs through fasting, stimulating the liver to drive toxins from the body, promoting elimination through the intestines, kidneys, and skin, improving blood circulation, and refueling the body with healthy nutrients. Detoxifying at least once a year is recommended. For people with irritated skin, unexplained fatigue, sluggish elimination, allergies, bags under the eyes, a distended stomach, menstrual difficulties, or mental confusion, detoxifying is a great way to get rid of these conditions.

More about Robert Pastore, his clinical expertise, and how he helps people with their nutritional concerns can be found at DrRobertPastore.com.