Creatine is a source of energy for muscle contraction. The body produces its own creatine in the liver, kidneys and pancreas. You also get it in your diet when you eat meat or fish. (Vegetarians may have less creatine.) The body stores most of the creatine in skeletal muscle to use when you exercise. The rest goes in the heart, brain and other tissues.
Creatine is an amino acid, like the building blocks that make up proteins. Creatine in the form of phosphocreatine (creatine phosphate) is an important store of energy in muscle cells. During intense exercise lasting around half a minute, phosphocreatine is broken down to creatine and phosphate, and the energy released is used to regenerate the primary source of energy, adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Output power drops as phosphocreatine becomes depleted, because ATP cannot be regenerated fast enough to meet the demand of the exercise. It follows that a bigger store of phosphocreatine in muscle should reduce fatigue during exercise. Extra creatine in the muscle may also increase the rate of regeneration of phosphocreatine following exercise, which should mean less fatigue with repeated bursts of activity in training or in many sport competitions.
A typical loading regime for a 70-kg athlete is a 5-g dose four times a day for a week. Thereafter the dose can be reduced to 2 to 5 g per day in order to maintain elevated creatine content. This supplementation protocol will increase intramuscular creatine and phosphocreatine content and enhance high intensity exercise performance. There is now some evidence that taking glucose (100 g) with the creatine (5 to 7 g) increases the uptake of creatine into muscle (Green et al., 1996a; Green et al., 1996b). Consequently, I recommend that athletes take creatine with carbohydrate (e.g. with grape juice) or ingest commercially available creatine supplements that combine creatine with glucose. For athletes wanting to promote additional gains in lean body mass, I recommend 15 to 25 g per day for 1 to 3 months. Although many athletes cycle on or off creatine, no study has determined whether this practice promotes greater gains in fat free mass or performance than continuous use.
If this has given you a taste to try and ethically enhance your training then be sure to visit a quality merchant to purchase creatine
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
Monday, October 09, 2006
Zantrex 3
Zantrex is a weight loss supplement with the additional benefits of an appetite suppressant and a high energy xanthine based stimulant. It does not contain ephedra which is a big positive for this product but it still gives you all the energy you want whilst trying to attain your weight loss goals.
This product was originally marketed in Europe with a great deal of success. It has replaced the ephedrine based products which are now obsolete and a thing of the past.
Zantrex has tended to be marketed in a different way to other weight loss products. You tend not to see the tired old before and after pictures but more of the scientific clinical data that proves it is effective and will work.
So, if you are looking for something to boost your energy levels and get you past the ordinary dieting problems then why not take a look at Zantrex 3
This product was originally marketed in Europe with a great deal of success. It has replaced the ephedrine based products which are now obsolete and a thing of the past.
Zantrex has tended to be marketed in a different way to other weight loss products. You tend not to see the tired old before and after pictures but more of the scientific clinical data that proves it is effective and will work.
So, if you are looking for something to boost your energy levels and get you past the ordinary dieting problems then why not take a look at Zantrex 3
Nitrogen Balance
This is another blogg on proteins - and starts to explain why protein is so important in gaining optimal physical performance....
Athletes tend to need more protein than sedentary individuals in order to achieve positive nitrogen balance.
In fact, protein is the key "building" nutrient for a variety of bodily tissues, many of which support muscle growth (enzymes, skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissue are all constructed from protein). Protein makes up 15-20% of ones bodyweight and is thus, next to water, the body's second most abundant substance..
There Are Three Basic States Of Nitrogen Balance
Positive: This is the optimal state for muscle growth - where the nitrogen intake is greater than nitrogen output. Essentially, it shows the body has sufficiently recovered from its last workout. The greater the nitrogen balance, the faster is workout recovery. This is the body's anabolic state.
Negative: This is the worst state an athelete can find themselves in - where nitrogen loss is greater than nitrogen intake. Not only is nitrogen drawn away from muscle, where it is needed for growth, it is also taken from the vital organs where serious damage can occur. Of course, negative nitrogen balance also destroys muscle and is consequently considered a catabolic state.
Equilibrium: This state should be what a bodybuilder might achieve at the very minimum - where nitrogen intake and loss are equal. The trainer in this state is not regressing, nor are they really gaining any appreciable muscle.
So, a caloric surplus of protein should be maintained at all times, to keep nitrogen balance positive. It is advisable to eat about six meals (each spaced two-three hours apart), each containing around 30-40-grams of protein, per-day.
An excellent way to increase the amount of protein is to purchase a high quality whey protein and one of the best on the market today is Isopure. But do make sure that you go to a high quality supplier to purchase you products.
Athletes tend to need more protein than sedentary individuals in order to achieve positive nitrogen balance.
In fact, protein is the key "building" nutrient for a variety of bodily tissues, many of which support muscle growth (enzymes, skin, hair, nails, bones, and connective tissue are all constructed from protein). Protein makes up 15-20% of ones bodyweight and is thus, next to water, the body's second most abundant substance..
There Are Three Basic States Of Nitrogen Balance
Positive: This is the optimal state for muscle growth - where the nitrogen intake is greater than nitrogen output. Essentially, it shows the body has sufficiently recovered from its last workout. The greater the nitrogen balance, the faster is workout recovery. This is the body's anabolic state.
Negative: This is the worst state an athelete can find themselves in - where nitrogen loss is greater than nitrogen intake. Not only is nitrogen drawn away from muscle, where it is needed for growth, it is also taken from the vital organs where serious damage can occur. Of course, negative nitrogen balance also destroys muscle and is consequently considered a catabolic state.
Equilibrium: This state should be what a bodybuilder might achieve at the very minimum - where nitrogen intake and loss are equal. The trainer in this state is not regressing, nor are they really gaining any appreciable muscle.
So, a caloric surplus of protein should be maintained at all times, to keep nitrogen balance positive. It is advisable to eat about six meals (each spaced two-three hours apart), each containing around 30-40-grams of protein, per-day.
An excellent way to increase the amount of protein is to purchase a high quality whey protein and one of the best on the market today is Isopure. But do make sure that you go to a high quality supplier to purchase you products.
Why use Whey Protein
What is whey protein? It is a rich source of essential amino acids needed by the body on a daily basis Whey protein is a pure, natural, high quality protein from cow's milk. In its purest form, as whey protein isolate, it contains little to no fat, lactose or cholesterol.
Most people now understand that increased protein in-take is important for athletes wanting to maximize muscle growth. But it is interesting to note that protein is an important factor in these other areas
Weight Management
The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods (thermic effect) and as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal.
Protein also helps to stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat.
Cardiovascular Health
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Exciting new research has shown that Whey protein may help in the battle against hypertension. Both human clinical and animal studies found that a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate assisted in reducing the blood pressure of borderline hypertensive individuals.
Cancer
Whey protein has been shown through animal and in vitro studies to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer tumors. Dr. Thomas Badger, head of the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, found that feeding rats whey protein resulted in their developing 50% fewer tumors than rats fed casein. The rats fed whey protein also developed fewer tumors than rats fed soy protein and the tumors took longer to develop
Diabetes
Whey protein , a high quality, high biological value protein, is a good choice for diabetics who need to carefully manage food intake. Whey protein provides more value than equal amounts of lower quality proteins that are often higher in fat and cholesterol. In addition, whey protein helps control blood glucose levels and has been shown to be beneficial for weight management, both of which are often a concern for type-2 diabetics.
Infant Nutrition
Certain types of whey protein based infant formulas have also been shown to help reduce crying in colicky infants. While breast-feeding is preferred, infant formulas containing whey protein are the next best thing when breast-feeding is not an option. In addition, whey protein is an excellent protein choice for the expectant mother who needs increased amounts of protein. Pregnancy can increase the body's protein needs by up to 33%
Healthy Aging
The benefit of whey protein for seniors is the ability to help prevent bone loss. A recent study conducted at Boston University showed that elderly individuals who consumed low levels of protein had a significant loss of bone density four years after the start of the study, especially in the hip and spine areas. A nutritious diet including whey protein may help keep bones and muscles healthy and strong.
Wound Care
When the body is working to heal wounds and surgical incisions it requires increased amounts of protein. Protein and its amino acids are the building blocks that initiate the growth of new skin during the healing process. Therefore a high quality whey protein is important in the diet.
One way to ensure you have the optimal protein in-take is to go to a high quality supplier of a whey protein and one of the specialist whey protein products now available is Isopure
Most people now understand that increased protein in-take is important for athletes wanting to maximize muscle growth. But it is interesting to note that protein is an important factor in these other areas
Weight Management
The body requires more energy to digest protein than other foods (thermic effect) and as a result you burn more calories after a protein meal.
Protein also helps to stabilize blood glucose levels by slowing the absorption of glucose into the bloodstream. This in turn reduces hunger by lowering insulin levels and making it easier for the body to burn fat.
Cardiovascular Health
Hypertension (high blood pressure) is one of the leading causes of heart disease and stroke. Exciting new research has shown that Whey protein may help in the battle against hypertension. Both human clinical and animal studies found that a hydrolyzed whey protein isolate assisted in reducing the blood pressure of borderline hypertensive individuals.
Cancer
Whey protein has been shown through animal and in vitro studies to inhibit the growth of several types of cancer tumors. Dr. Thomas Badger, head of the Arkansas Children's Nutrition Center in Little Rock, found that feeding rats whey protein resulted in their developing 50% fewer tumors than rats fed casein. The rats fed whey protein also developed fewer tumors than rats fed soy protein and the tumors took longer to develop
Diabetes
Whey protein , a high quality, high biological value protein, is a good choice for diabetics who need to carefully manage food intake. Whey protein provides more value than equal amounts of lower quality proteins that are often higher in fat and cholesterol. In addition, whey protein helps control blood glucose levels and has been shown to be beneficial for weight management, both of which are often a concern for type-2 diabetics.
Infant Nutrition
Certain types of whey protein based infant formulas have also been shown to help reduce crying in colicky infants. While breast-feeding is preferred, infant formulas containing whey protein are the next best thing when breast-feeding is not an option. In addition, whey protein is an excellent protein choice for the expectant mother who needs increased amounts of protein. Pregnancy can increase the body's protein needs by up to 33%
Healthy Aging
The benefit of whey protein for seniors is the ability to help prevent bone loss. A recent study conducted at Boston University showed that elderly individuals who consumed low levels of protein had a significant loss of bone density four years after the start of the study, especially in the hip and spine areas. A nutritious diet including whey protein may help keep bones and muscles healthy and strong.
Wound Care
When the body is working to heal wounds and surgical incisions it requires increased amounts of protein. Protein and its amino acids are the building blocks that initiate the growth of new skin during the healing process. Therefore a high quality whey protein is important in the diet.
One way to ensure you have the optimal protein in-take is to go to a high quality supplier of a whey protein and one of the specialist whey protein products now available is Isopure
Thursday, June 29, 2006
CLA Supplements
This is the next in a series of Bloggs around the subject of Supplements. This follows on from previous bloggs about Xenadrine, .
So here goes ...
For those people who have not heard much about CLA supplements, the abbreviation stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid. This dietary supplement has become increasingly popular among a wide variety of people from all walks of life. The main reason why people take conjugated linoleic supplements is, to battle weight loss and to preserve muscle tissue. Of course, there can also be other reasons, such as helping to fight the terrors of cancer. None the less, it is still only an attempt at prevention and not a cure.
CLA supplements are said to help in loosing weight and building lean muscle tissue. Studies have shown over the recent past that CLA supplements work really well when taken in the prescribed quantities only. Also, the customer reviews CLA supplements have been getting are very positive. People seem to be really benefiting from this great supplement.
Technically, CLA is an isomer of LA or Linoleic Acid and it is found mainly in the meat products and dairy products. Although, many people tend to be wary about any kind of supplement that promises to reduce body weight, this is a healthy alternative and does not have any harmful side effects. However, people should look at two things before starting to add CLA supplements.
The first is to make sure that they do not have any medical condition. They can consult their physician and find out whether they have a condition where they should not be having this supplement. The second is to make sure that they choose a reliable and trustworthy one of the scores of different CLA supplements that there is on the market nowadays.
Amongst other things, CLA supplements have also been proven to be very beneficial for the thyroid patients because these supplements are known to increase the metabolic rate in people. It also lowers the cholesterol level which is very essential for all thyroid patients. It also helps in developing an enhanced immune system which is beneficial to every one and not just thyroid patients.
There are very few ways through which you can get the desired amount of conjugated linoleic acid in your normal diet nowadays. And that is why CLA supplements are such a great innovation in this context. Like many similar products, CLA supplements should not be misconstrued as magic supplements. These supplements will not work wonders in the body over night. You would have to take the required dosage regularly for a fixed period of time. Moreover, like other supplements, you should follow a decent regimen of exercise. In addition, after that who knows but wonders would probably start showing in the structure of your body- including significant loss of unwanted fat and the preservation and growth of lean muscle tissue. CLA supplements do not require a prescription and are widely available both in various drug stores and on the internet.
So here goes ...
For those people who have not heard much about CLA supplements, the abbreviation stands for Conjugated Linoleic Acid. This dietary supplement has become increasingly popular among a wide variety of people from all walks of life. The main reason why people take conjugated linoleic supplements is, to battle weight loss and to preserve muscle tissue. Of course, there can also be other reasons, such as helping to fight the terrors of cancer. None the less, it is still only an attempt at prevention and not a cure.
CLA supplements are said to help in loosing weight and building lean muscle tissue. Studies have shown over the recent past that CLA supplements work really well when taken in the prescribed quantities only. Also, the customer reviews CLA supplements have been getting are very positive. People seem to be really benefiting from this great supplement.
Technically, CLA is an isomer of LA or Linoleic Acid and it is found mainly in the meat products and dairy products. Although, many people tend to be wary about any kind of supplement that promises to reduce body weight, this is a healthy alternative and does not have any harmful side effects. However, people should look at two things before starting to add CLA supplements.
The first is to make sure that they do not have any medical condition. They can consult their physician and find out whether they have a condition where they should not be having this supplement. The second is to make sure that they choose a reliable and trustworthy one of the scores of different CLA supplements that there is on the market nowadays.
Amongst other things, CLA supplements have also been proven to be very beneficial for the thyroid patients because these supplements are known to increase the metabolic rate in people. It also lowers the cholesterol level which is very essential for all thyroid patients. It also helps in developing an enhanced immune system which is beneficial to every one and not just thyroid patients.
There are very few ways through which you can get the desired amount of conjugated linoleic acid in your normal diet nowadays. And that is why CLA supplements are such a great innovation in this context. Like many similar products, CLA supplements should not be misconstrued as magic supplements. These supplements will not work wonders in the body over night. You would have to take the required dosage regularly for a fixed period of time. Moreover, like other supplements, you should follow a decent regimen of exercise. In addition, after that who knows but wonders would probably start showing in the structure of your body- including significant loss of unwanted fat and the preservation and growth of lean muscle tissue. CLA supplements do not require a prescription and are widely available both in various drug stores and on the internet.
Tuesday, June 27, 2006
Xenadrine
Hi I thought I would add a picture of myself and my daughter during a recent Ski trip - which happened to be a great way to stay in shape... anyway enough of that for now...This is another in a series of blogs I have created to highlight some of the things I have found out during many years of interest in supplements & nutrition.
I'd be interested to get any feedback
Countless ways have been devised and marketed by individuals and businesses to help people in weight loss. Although, Xenadrine treatment is yet another of those ways by which people can lose weight, it has proved to be an incredibly effective method. Xenadrine is marketed by Cytodyne Technologies and has been increasingly growing in popularity over the last few years.
The most popular Xenadrine product right now in the market is Xenadrine EFX. These are selling like hot cakes and have been getting very positive reviews from people who have been taking them for weight loss. This version of xenadrine is free of ephedrine unlike most of the other versions that used to be marketed by Cytodyne Technologies. Xenadrine RFA1 used to be really popular too but it came under the scanner, which was mostly because people tended to misuse it too much.
The main reason Xenadrine RFA1 use was checked is because it contained ephedrine, which has proved to be a topic for research for quite some time now. Most of the times, the problem was that people tend to sometimes take more the prescribed dosage in their eagerness to lose weight, as soon as possible.
Having said that, it has come to light that Xenadrine EFX has been doing really well and there has been no indication of any side effects, like the other ephedrine containing fat burners. A lot of the diet and weight loss products in the market contain ephedrine and so this Xenadrine EFX comes as a great respite in the face of all this. It proves to be a healthy alternative with no ‘negative’ ingredients.
The amazing thing about Xenadrine EFX is that it really helps in significant weight loss without the presence of ephedrine. This comes as quite a surprise because most weight loss products hardly work in the absence of ephedrine. But that is not the case here as Xenadrine EFX has proven that it can help to significantly reduce body weight and burn body fat without the presence of ephedrine.
This effectiveness is doubtless brought about by a great mix of ingredients. Some of the main ingredients include Yerba Mate, green tea extract, tyroplex, Isotherm and grape seed extract. Most of the ingredients have one benefit or the other.
Therefore, the effectiveness of Xenadrine EFX is actually not restricted to just the realm of weight loss or fat burning. For example, the tyrosine, it contains can also act as a mood enhancer and has been proven to alleviate depression in people who have taken Xenadrine EFX.
Apart from this, green tea extract helps in blocking harmful carcinogens and acts as a major anti-oxidant. Other benefits include better attention spans and greater energy. All these go a long way in saying that Xenadrine EFX is a great and more importantly a very healthy way to lose body weight.
In case, you are planning to go on a diet of this supplement, you must check the side effects and read all the ingredients. If you suffer from any chronic diseases, it is advisable to go and check with your physician.
If you want to find out more or think that this supplement may be of help then a quality site that I have found with good reviews of Xenadrine is All Your Nutrition
Friday, June 09, 2006
Xenadrine
This is hopefully the first of many articles on what I have found over the years in the area of supplements and nutrition. If you find it interesting then please post a comment.
Well I've been looking around over number of years at the best weight loss supplements around and I firmly believe that the Xenadrine family of Products provides the best results. I've tried to summarise what I've found and learnt below
I believe that Xenadrine-EFX provides the most effective and safest approach to losing weight on the market today. This innovative formula was created by the same researchers that brought you the original Xenadrine. The result is a true thermogenic breakthrough that is unequaled in its ability to increase metabolism and promote the fastest possible fat-loss, muscle-sparing results.
In one major university study, the increase in metabolic activity and caloric expenditure produced by Xenadrine-EFX was so extraordinary that even the researchers were shocked. In further case studies, participants lost up to 20 pounds of fat in only 14 days time! These stunning results were up until now, completely unheard of! Scientists believe that Xenadrine-EFX is so much more effective at promoting rapid fat loss because it directly targets a multitude of key metabolic pathways, simultaneously! This is a scientific first! And on the way, this one-of-a-kind supplement also greatly enhances mental focus and acuity, increases energy, suppresses appetite and provides valuable antioxidant activity, all at the same time.
Let's quickly review a few of the key ingredients in Xenadrine EFX.
1) l-tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine: tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor for a number of neurotransmitters related to our feeling and mood. A deficiency in this results in depression and reduced ability to cope with stress, so with Xenadrine EFX you may get a lift in your mood. :) A good thing.
2) Green tea extract: what can you say about green tea? Pretty much everything good, and nothing bad. Take a look:
Green tea is a powerful antioxidant. (Antioxidants control all the free radicals in your body, which can be harmful.)
It helps block the cancer-promoting actions of carcinogens, ultraviolet light from the skin, stomach, small intestine, liver or lung.
The polyphenols in green tea extract shows promising results supporting weight loss through increasing energy expenditure.
3) PEA: Phenylethylamine (PEA) helps increase attention and activity and has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients.
4) Yerba Mate: This herb contain a gentle form of caffeine, it also supplies vitamins, minerals, and 15 amino acids. Research suggests that yerba mate may aid with sleep irregularities and joint pains. Many people drink yerba mate to boost energy without the side effects of coffee.
So if after hearing all of this you want to get into shape then why not try it - if you want a low cost high quality site then why not take a look at ALL YOUR NUTRITION which specialises in Xenadrine
Well I've been looking around over number of years at the best weight loss supplements around and I firmly believe that the Xenadrine family of Products provides the best results. I've tried to summarise what I've found and learnt below
I believe that Xenadrine-EFX provides the most effective and safest approach to losing weight on the market today. This innovative formula was created by the same researchers that brought you the original Xenadrine. The result is a true thermogenic breakthrough that is unequaled in its ability to increase metabolism and promote the fastest possible fat-loss, muscle-sparing results.
In one major university study, the increase in metabolic activity and caloric expenditure produced by Xenadrine-EFX was so extraordinary that even the researchers were shocked. In further case studies, participants lost up to 20 pounds of fat in only 14 days time! These stunning results were up until now, completely unheard of! Scientists believe that Xenadrine-EFX is so much more effective at promoting rapid fat loss because it directly targets a multitude of key metabolic pathways, simultaneously! This is a scientific first! And on the way, this one-of-a-kind supplement also greatly enhances mental focus and acuity, increases energy, suppresses appetite and provides valuable antioxidant activity, all at the same time.
Let's quickly review a few of the key ingredients in Xenadrine EFX.
1) l-tyrosine and acetyl-l-tyrosine: tyrosine is an amino acid that is a precursor for a number of neurotransmitters related to our feeling and mood. A deficiency in this results in depression and reduced ability to cope with stress, so with Xenadrine EFX you may get a lift in your mood. :) A good thing.
2) Green tea extract: what can you say about green tea? Pretty much everything good, and nothing bad. Take a look:
Green tea is a powerful antioxidant. (Antioxidants control all the free radicals in your body, which can be harmful.)
It helps block the cancer-promoting actions of carcinogens, ultraviolet light from the skin, stomach, small intestine, liver or lung.
The polyphenols in green tea extract shows promising results supporting weight loss through increasing energy expenditure.
3) PEA: Phenylethylamine (PEA) helps increase attention and activity and has been shown to relieve depression in 60% of depressed patients.
4) Yerba Mate: This herb contain a gentle form of caffeine, it also supplies vitamins, minerals, and 15 amino acids. Research suggests that yerba mate may aid with sleep irregularities and joint pains. Many people drink yerba mate to boost energy without the side effects of coffee.
So if after hearing all of this you want to get into shape then why not try it - if you want a low cost high quality site then why not take a look at ALL YOUR NUTRITION which specialises in Xenadrine
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