In my neighborhood health food store, they sell natural steroids. Are these supplements safe?

The health food supplement industry is unregulated. Anyone can sell anything. The majority of products sold in these stores have never been tested. Moreover, the quality of the product varies from store to store. Many of these so called natural hormones are often combined with other chemicals and then marketed as dietary supplements- otherwise the FDA will be on their arse. Hormonal products are not allowed to be sold without FDA approval and thus, whatever you buy in these  stores is probably junk, fake or counterfeit. The safest way to buy steroids is to get a prescription from a doctor. 

However, it is unlikely any decent physician will write you a prescription just so that you can build your body-otherwise the FDA will be on their arse. The FDA has been clamping down on unscrupulous doctors who write such prescription chiefly because these hormones do have many  side effects and the drugs have the potential to be abused. Best advice, avoid health food stores and stay away from steroids.  Build your body the hard and natural way-this will be safe and more gratifying.

I am a bodybuilder who uses steroids and am unable to get an erection. What can I use?

Viagra has also found wide usage among bodybuilders. Many bodybuilders take anabolic steroids, which cause testicular atrophy and impotence. 

To counter these side effects, bodybuilders can now take  Viagra to boost their sex life. An added bonus of Viagra in bodybuilders is its ability to enhance exercise endurance and improve stamina. The effects of Viagra on exercise endurance only occur when the pill is taken on a regular basis for several months. 

Unfortunately the effects are not sustained and disappear once Viagra is discontinued.

How much should I eat prior to exercise?

In general, one should eat the complex carbohydrates about 30-45 minutes prior to exercise. 

How much to eat is strictly personal. Some individuals can eat a small amount and do well; others need to eat a large meal to sustain them for the duration of the workout. However, it should be noted that eating large meals prior to exercise can make you feel bloated, lead to cramps and can make you nauseated. 

For most people, a small amount of nutrition is the way to start and then gradually increase or decrease on how you feel during the exercise.

Do you recommend high energy bars prior to exercise?

There are a variety of high energy bars available for athletes, but these are not only expensive but can often lead to bloating. These energy bars should be consumed in small amounts to help sustain blood sugars and prevent the stomach fullness. 

Personal opinion is that these high-energy bars are a rip-off and one is better off eating some decent homemade pasta followed with some fruit. This is healthier, cheaper and more palatable. 

If you have money to burn and hate cooking at home, then there is no harm in buying these energy bars. Rest assured it is not the nutrition you eat that builds the body, it is the type of exercise you perform that is vital.

What are the best foods to eat prior to exercise? I am 27 years old

Experts in sports nutrition recommend that athletes who perform intense exercise should consume foods high in carbohydrates. This includes food like vegetables, fruits, pasta and a variety of whole grains. These complex carbohydrates are slowly absorbed from the stomach and maintain stable blood sugars. 

If you just eat simple carbohydrates like candy or chocolate bars, the sugar levels are not sustained and you may feel dizzy or weak. Moreover, eating too much candy is not good for your teeth.

Should I use Androstenedione to build my body?

Androstenedione is a natural hormone precursor synthesized in several organs in the body including the ovaries, adrenals and testes. In humans, enzymes can convert it to the male sex hormone, testosterone and in the female, to estradiol

Androstenedione is also made synthetic and offered for sale on the internet. The entire hormonal industry is unregulated and so the product quality or quantity cannot be confirmed.

Every website that sells androstenedione hypes up their product claiming it is the most potent anabolic steroid on the market. These same people also claim that by buying androstenedione, you will have a stronger body with bulging muscles- of course you will also be a top notch athlete- at least these are the claims.

The facts- make no mistake androstenedione is a potent compound and can be used to make testosterone. Testosterone is often given to children with growth retardation and hypogonadism and can help them enormously. However, as far as bulging muscles and strength, the data on the topic are scare. Children with growth deficiencies who had been given testosterone have not been followed for long periods- rest assured not all have gone on to become Olympic champions.

There is some evidence that androstenedione does not always increase muscle mass, power or the ability to heal after an injury. Part of the reason is that the products used in these studies could have been fakes or counterfeits.

In any cases, use of anabolic steroids in sports is frowned upon by the sporting agencies. Almost every professional sports agency randomly checks urine for a variety of drugs.  

Androstenedione is now classified as a controlled substance and is a banned anabolic steroid. This means it is illegal to possess, use or distribute the drug and there are harsh penalties, when the authorities catch up with you.

What people never talk about is that androstenedione is not an innocuous drug. It has a number of disturbing side effects including severe acne, decreased libido, diminished size of gonads, and mood alterations. In women, this drug can cause a deep voice and features of masculinization. Another side effect which is often not mentioned is that most anabolic hormones decrease your good cholesterol and put you at risk for future heart attacks.

Therefore, the choice is very simple. Take androstenedione and build rip-roaring muscles with a lot of acne, decreased libido and small testicles or work hard, build your body the natural way, have an acne free face and keep on “banging” away for many years. 

Do sporting agencies check for Viagra in the urine?

You bet they do. 

What should be appreciated is that Viagra does have well known benefits on blood flow and muscle. Viagra has been shown to be of benefit to individuals who live at high altitude. Thus, many sports experts suggest that Viagra may be of benefit for individuals who participate in skiing, cycling, jogging, weight lifting and long distance running. There have been several studies which show that Viagra can have a profound increase in oxygen concentration in the lung. In fact, many mountaineers often use Viagra pills to increase their exercise endurance at high altitudes. 

However, a word of caution. Many sports agencies have now started to check athletes for Viagra in the urine because evidence indicates that the blue pill provides an unfair competitive advantage.

Should I buy Viagra-mimics online to build my body?

Today, there are hundreds of so-called Viagra related products marketed for bodybuilders. These supplements are said to contain substances, which are related to nitric oxide. Unfortunately, the majority of these supplements have never been evaluated to see what they exactly contain or their clinical benefits. 

Bodybuilders are notorious for taking almost any supplement, herb or mineral that will help them boost their muscles and increase exercise endurance. In many cases, these supplements are fake and do not contain anything that resembles Viagra. 

So best advice is not to buy any medicine online unless it is a bona fide pharmacy with a good reputation. Most European pharmacies are scams and you will also have a hard time explaining to US Customs why and how you ordered 10 boxes of Viagra from Russia!

How often should bodybuilders take Viagra?

To be effective for exercise endurance, Viagra must be taken at least 3-45 minutes prior to starting the exercise program. The effects of Viagra usually last anywhere from 4-6 hours. For bodybuilders to derive the maximum benefits from Viagra, the pill must be used regularly.

The benefits of Viagra for bodybuilders are not immediate. Most individuals begin to see some increases in exercise endurance after about two-three weeks. These effects only last as long as Viagra is continued. 

As soon as Viagra is discontinued, the benefits immediately disappear. When Viagra is taken regularly for months, exercise endurance gradually results in bigger and powerful muscles.

Why do bodybuilders use Viagra?

One of the most common side effects of anabolic steroids is testicular atrophy and impotence. Thus, to counteract the decreased libido, many male bodybuilders also use Viagra to achieve erections. 

While there are no extensive studies on bodybuilders who use Viagra, anecdotal reports do indicate that when Viagra is used on a regular basis. Viagra is said to profoundly increases exercise endurance and improves workouts. These benefits of Viagra are thought to be related to its ability to open up blood vessels. 

Almost all bodybuilders who take Viagra to increase exercise endurance also claim that their sex lives are much improved.

I am a 25 year old male bodybuilder and would like to use Viagra. Any thoughts on the subject?

Viagra was first developed for the treatment of a rare heart disorder. However, during the initial research studies it became obvious that the medication could increase blood flow and potentiate an erection. 

More studies revealed that Viagra acted on an enzyme in the smooth muscle that relaxed the blood vessels. This permitted more flood to flow to the penis and hence resulted in a prolonged erection. Viagra was then shown to increase blood flow to the lungs by relaxing the blood vessels. This finding has proven to be great benefit to individuals who have reduced oxygen to the lungs and are always gasping for breath. Now, an off label use of Viagra is among bodybuilders. 

The exact number of athletes and bodybuilders who use Viagra is not known but the numbers are significant. While some bodybuilders use Viagra to enhance their sex life, others use it to increase endurance and build up muscle. Research has shown that athletes who use Viagra do develop a low blood pressure and tend to perform well with aerobic exercises.

Coenzyme Q10 part 3

Dosing

For individuals who want to build their bodies, it is recommended that one take about 200 mg/4 times a day. The total should not exceed 1200mg. CoQ10 is also available as a Soya bean oil suspension which can be pasted on the skin or applied on gums in the mouth.

The pills are available in most health food stores. Because there is concern about the quality and quantity of CoQ10 in each formulation, it is highly recommended that one go to a reputable dealer. Fakes and contaminants in health supplements are not unheard off.

Side effects

CoQ10 is generally regarded as a safe supplement. However, there is not enough scientific data to recommend its use in children, pregnant females or those who are breast feeding.

The most common side effects of CoQ10 are an itch or a rash. This resolves when the supplement is discontinued. Other rare side effects of CoQ10 include stomach upset, nausea, diarrhea and headaches.

Diabetic should be warned that CoQ10 can lower levels of blood sugars and they need to monitor the sugar levels more closely when taking this supplement.
CoQ10 has also been found to lower the blood pressure in some individuals.

Coenzyme Q10 part 2

CoQ10 and exercise performance

Over the years many athletes have been taking CoQ10 to boost their performance in sports. CoQ10 is widely available without a prescription. There have also been many studies conducted on the benefits of CoQ10 in exercise performance. While some studies have shown little benefit, there are others which have shown moderate benefit, especially when it comes to activities that require spontaneous bursts of activity. Many athletes who have taken CoQ10 claim that they have performed well when taking CoQ10 supplements.

In some medical disorders like muscular dystrophies, CoQ10 supplements have also shown some improvement. Why some individuals improve and build muscle and others do not is not really well understood.

In some long distance sports, CoQ10 supplements have been shown to improve endurance and performance.

How long one needs to take CoQ10 to get exercise benefits is not known. Most studies indicate that at least 4-6 weeks of daily consumption is required.

CoQ10 and exercise performance

Coenzyme Q10 is a health supplement widely used by many people. CoQ10 is also known as Kaneka Q10, Ubiquinone, vitamin q10, Solu Q10.

Some individuals use Coenzyme Q10 to prevent medical diseases, others use it to cure medical disorders and others use it to boost their exercise performance. Coenzyme Q10 is a naturally occurring compound manufactured in the body. It is essential in the functioning of cell at molecular level. What is not well understood is what CoQ10 exactly does. There is a lot of evidence that it is a potent compound and plays a role in the generation of energy. That is why it is found in the highest concentrations in liver, brain, heart and kidneys.

Coenzyme Q10 or CoQ10 for short has been claimed to cure many diseases and prevent others. The puzzling feature about this compound is that it is known that levels do decline as we age. However, this decline in levels is not consistent and not directly linked to any diseases. Some individuals have low levels and have no diseases; where other individuals have high levels of CoQ10 and have some type of disease. CoQ10 deficiencies may occur if the body does not manufacture the substance or if there is impaired synthesis. Some people may have CoQ10 deficiency due to poor dietary intake.
Levels of CoQ10 can definitely be increased by taking supplement of this substance, but it is not known what really happens to this extra supplement.

Dealers who sell CoQ10 recommend it for the treatment of many medical disorders but there is little evidence that it does anything. CoQ10 has been widely tested in humans and animals. For short term use it is pretty safe. Long term data on safety of CoQ10 are not available

Arecoline- boosting performance part 3

Bodybuilders

Betel nut chewing to extract the alkaloid arecoline is now being utilized by many body builders. The alkaloid when acutely ingested can cause a variety of responses in the body which can mimic a aggressive fight response or what is known as boosting. Some individuals can develop a sudden increase in blood pressure, rapid breathing, flushing of face and a spontaneous increase in energy. This sudden urge of cardiorespiratory stimulus is said to provide intensity for athletes to perform well in short duration sports like sprints and weight lifting. Called boosting, this is a very active area of research.

Most athletes are not keen on taking steroids and there is always a risk of getting caught. Plus the steroids have to be taken for a long time to see a response. However, now with products like Arecoline, one can produce boosting of the body’s physiological system and provide extra energy.

A number of athletes have used boosting to produce sudden increases in their cardiorespiratory system by piercing themselves with safety pins. The sudden increase in the sympathetic drive produces an intense burst of energy. This sudden charge is known to improve athletic performance. The response is physiological and legal.

Betel nut has no medical use. It is primarily used as a stimulant for most users. Chinese herbs are often mixed with Arecoline to treat parasites but today we have safer alternative drugs. Others market arecoline herbs as an aphrodisiac and as an anti aging therapy.

Like any chemical, betel nut is safe when chewed occasionally. There is evidence that persistent chewing of betel nut can in fact lead to decreased libido and cloud the mind. Dizziness, vomiting, diarrhea and convulsions have been reported in individuals who have ingested raw Arecoline. The classic features of a betel nut chewer are poor oral hygiene and darkly stained teeth and gums
Because of the nicotinic properties of Arecoline, there is now active research to determine if the alkaloid is beneficial in Alzheimer’s dementia. So far Alzheimer’s disease does not appear to be affected.

Status in Sport

Arecoline, the active ingredient in betel nut, is prohibited under the World Anti-Doping Code 20076 Prohibited List (effective from 01/01/07). Arecoline is considered a related substance to class 1A-stimulants.

Availability

Betel nut is readily available in most asian and chinese stores. The cost of betel nut can vary from $1-$2 for a single leafy package.

Legal
Betel nut chewing is legal in the USA

Arecoline- boosting performance part 2

Physiological effects

Arecoline and various other alkaloids in the betel nut all appear to have a variety of nicotinic like actions. The effects are mainly central but there are also some peripheral effects. In small doses, the nut can produce euphoric effects which last as long as the nut is being chewed.

When excess betel nut is chewed at any one point, the symptoms can be acute. One can develop an intense flush, sweat, stomach cramps, urinary incontinence, confusion, a rush of energy and memory lapse. However, for the average consumer chewing betel nut is like smoking marijuana- it produces a nice sedate feeling.

The effects of chewing betel nut are strictly related to the oily volatile Arecoline, which works like nicotine. Nicotine is a known stimulant of the parasympathetic system and can generate a range of effects including a heightened sense of awareness as well as increased salivation, heart rate, blood pressure, body temperature and intestinal function.

Negative side effects

Betel nut also has some negatives. There is evidence that chewing betel nut on a regular basis can lead to physical and psychological dependence. Besides, the nut can lead to poor oral hygiene, chronic ulcers in the mouth and there is a strong link to oral cavity cancers.

The carcinogenic properties of betel nut are linked to arecoline, arecaidine and safrole. Oral cavity cancers are very common in SE asia where betel nut chewing is common.

Betel nut or arecoline alkaloid related products are also frequently found in many chinese medicines. Often these chinese medications are used as diuretics and to treat a number of parasites.

In 2006, California became the first state to pass a bill listing Areca nut as carcinogenic and there are efforts by the state to reinforce the removal of this product from all health food stores.

Arecoline- Boosting performance in Sports

Chewing of betel nut is akin to smoking in most of SE Asia. Chewing betel nut is an old age practice-perhaps more than 4000 years old. The betel nut is broken into small pieces and placed in the mouth. The nut is slowly crushed and the sap is sucked. The small amount of oily water soluble residue is then swallowed. The betel nut is obtained from the Arexa catechu tree, a palm like tree in SE Asia. Today, various formulations of the chewable nut are available. The nut is grinded or chopped into small pieces and placed inside a pepper leaf with small amount of lime, various spices (nutmeg, tumeric, cloves, chilli, coconut, sugar) or even tobacco.

These small green leafed packages are widely available in most Asian stores across the nation. Chewing betel nut is similar to chewing tobacco. All over Asia, one can see young man with their mouth full of this concoction. Unlike tobacco, the saliva is swallowed and not spit out. Because the nut is hard, the chewing can go on for hours. While it may look socially acceptable, it sure is not going to get you any type of professional job.

Asians have been aware of the stimulant properties of betel nut for centuries. The product is widely available and is relatively cheap. Claims are that chewing on the betel nut can elevate the spirit and relax the mind. Others have even found it to be a sex stimulant. In fact, it is widely believed that betel nut chewing can prolong erections and is frequently added as gift at bridal showers and at weddings.

There are reports that many young men in SE Asia chew on the nut and then take a love making break, instead of a coffee break. The ready to hump sensations last at least for 30-45 minutes.

The chief purpose of chewing betel nut is to extract out the alkaloids from it- the major one being arecoline. The Arecoline is an alkaloid and is extracted when a little amoutnt of lime is mixed with the betel nut. Chewing raw betel nut is like eating cardboard or chalk.

Energy in a bottle or a bar; part 4

In reality we live in a country where things are always hyped up or exaggerated. Often in sports the line between Truth and fallacy merge and no one seems to care as long as you win. The majority of these sports products are a waste of money and do nothing for the body. There is no doubt that some drinks and bars contain calories but these calories can just as well be obtained by eating a banana or an apple before a race.

For those who are into endurance sports like marathons, one needs calories and carbohydrates. While bars and gels do provide this, one can just as well eat a lot of pasta before a race. The majority of African runners, who generally tend to win all the long distance events including the marathons, simply say that these products do nothing. If you do not have talent to begin with, no amount of food is going to bring magic. There are instances when there is no natural food available before a race and then perhaps one of these sports foods is an alternative but it can never replace a decent meal.

There is not a single product out there in the sporting world which can substitute for good natural food. Every one of the synthetic products can't match real foods obtained from nature. A simple glass of milk does more than any drink available on the market. Other great natural foods that can rival any sporting foods are yogurts, cheese, nuts, peanut butter, toast, banana and apples but unfortunately no dealer wants to endorse Tiger Woods eating a banana- not exciting nor is it profitable.

Some athletes may benefit from these jeezed up high energy sport foods but for the majority they do very little except empty the pockets. People seem to forget that food and beverages were made to be enjoyed at home, not while running a marathon or lifting weights.

Conclusion

Energy drinks, bar, chocolates drinks and whatever else is out there in the world of sports are simply a business trying to make money. There is nothing wrong in making money but at least the manufacturers should be honest about their products. For all athletes, these sports foods are a waste of money and will do nothing. The ways things are going in the world of foods, never assume that all these products are healthy for you. Only suckers buy these energized foods hoping to develop talent. Talent does not come with foods- you either got it or you don’t .

If you are not an athlete and love to watch sports, drink any type of beverage. For the athlete who feels that he/she needs something energizing, go get yourself a beer. It is not only cheaper but provides some calories and is enjoyable.

Energy in a bottle or a bar; part 3

Carbohydrate Content (%): There has been a lot of research that has looked at the amount of carbohydrates in a sports drink. It is myth that more is better. Beverages which contain 6% carbohydrates (14 oz sugar per 8 oz fluid) provide the optimum sweetening and allow the stomach to empty and deliver energy to the body. Beverages which contain more than this amount of carbohydrates have been shown to cause stomach upset, heart burn or decrease the rate of stomach emptying. Running or performing with a stomach which is full of sugar only promotes nausea or vomiting- not to mention poor performance.

Type of Carbohydrate: Many studies have also looked at the type of carbohydrate in a sports drink. Some beverages have a lot of sugars like sucrose and others have fructose. Both these sugars require an active transport mechanism to across the intestine. Drinks which are high in fructose generally cause stomach upset as they diminish the transit time and delay absorption. For most people who consume fructose based sports drinks, a bloated feeling is common.

Electrolytes: Almost all sports beverages have some sodium, chloride and potassium in the drinks. These electrolytes are essential for the absorption of nutrients, proper function of enzymes and nerve function. Sodium is always lost during exercise and thus is a requirement in all drinks.

Vitamins: There is no evidence that addition of vitamin to a sports beverage can increase exercise performance. Manufacturers of sports beverages always hype up their drink with mega doses of vitamins. Vitamins function on a delayed basis and have no acute effects. There is no vitamin that can work in 1 hour and build your body or improve your exercise performance.

Minerals: Many sports drinks have a range of minerals and elements. Having copper, zinc, iron, selenium, magnesium, calcium is great but they in fact do very little in 1-2 hours of exercise. Does anyone out there believe that a tiny amount of calcium dissolved in a drink can make anyone run faster or jump higher?
Carbonation: Many sports drinks are also carbonated. A lot of research has shown that carbonated drinks lead to heart burn and stomach bloating. Collection of a carbonated drink in stomach and exercise simple do not go together. And at the end of the day, you will be passing a lot of gas and God help anyone sitting next to you.

Preservatives: Preservatives like sodium and potassium benzoate are commonly added to sports beverages. Excess use of these preservatives has been associated with gastric upset, worsening of peptic ulcer disease and throat burn.

Acidity: There have also been many studies on acidity of sports drinks. These studies have found that the higher the acidity of the beverage, the more damage it causes to the tooth enamel. Many athletes who consumed sports beverages for decades have been followed and have been found to have greater erosion of their teeth than those who consumed water.

Energy in a bottle or a bar; part 2

Sports drinks

For some unknown reason, everyone seems to believe that water is no longer important for athletes and that sports drinks fortified with unknown chemicals are great. There are thousands of sports drinks, cocktails, liquids and syrups available on the market. Some come in different colors; others come in different flavors but only a few come colorless. The majority of the sports drinks do nothing except rehydrate.

The only difference between sports drinks and water is calories and perhaps some electrolytes. For most people who are not active, water is the answer. For those who are athletes this can be achieved with any home made fruity drink or water.

There are companies who sell drinks made from vegetables, fruits with a whole bunch of chemicals like chromium, amino acids, free fatty acids, selenium, zinc, caffeine. Some claim that poly-lactated drinks can help improve endurance and reduce fatigue.
The point is there is absolutely no proof that these drinks do anything for anyone.

The majority of these sports drinks have ordinary ingredients like inositol, arginine, taurine and omega fatty acids. There is nothing special about any of these chemicals.

No one questions the fact that fluids and foods that contain more than water like carbohydrate and electrolytes are essential for adequate body function, as well as recuperation and repair. But the majority of extra nutrients are in fact useless. There is no evidence that drinking a beverage consisting of lots of carbohydrates or minerals can do anything to a body, except provide fluid. One does not question the value of vitamins or minerals in the diet, but these are not required during any exercise. In fact the majority of these high calories drinks can cause a heart burn; stomach upset or gives you diarrhea.