Muscle Sport Magazine » Adrenal Glands

CUTTING EDGE SUPPLEMENTATION…DEFINING THE PERFECT PHYSIQUE

Leigh Penman — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 05:53:08 +0000

By Leigh Penman

As we say goodbye to one year and herald the arrival of a new one we often find ourselves jotting down various resolutions for the year ahead. Topping most people’s lists is usually some health related subject, the most popular being losing weight and getting into shape. So, off we trot to the nearest gym, sign up for a membership and then, just as an insurance policy, we head to the health store in search of a ‘training partner’ in the form of some fantastical fat burner which promises us that we will drop pounds in record time. These stimulant-based products have many drawbacks. Some of them have been known to cause nausea so extreme that the only aerobic workout you are going to get is running to and from the bathroom!

However, that is not the biggest problem you are likely to encounter with most OTT (over-the-counter) ‘fat-burners’. No, the biggest problem is the fact that these ‘training partners’ come complete with an evil twin. Allow me to introduce you to…

THE CORTISOL FACTOR

When we use traditional stimulants we provoke the adrenal glands into releasing epinephrine and norepinephrine. These ‘fat-mobilizing’ neurotransmitters in turn trigger the release of cortisol and, as bodybuilders, the last thing we want in our bodies is an excess of cortisol.

The simple fact is that cortisol is an anabolic antagonist. When the body produces too much cortisol there is an increase in the breakdown of lean muscle tissue throughout the body. In addition to this cortisol also suppresses immune function and leads to a greater tendency to store body-fat in the abdominal area. What’s more, on discontinuing use of many of the currently available over-the-counter stimulants, there is a strong possibility of a rebound effect occurring. In other words the body goes into a fat storing mode for a period of time until it regulates itself from the effects of over stimulation. So, at this point the question has to be: “ Is it possible to maximize fat loss whilst minimizing cortisol production?”

Thankfully, the answer is “Yes”, thanks to…

LIPOLYZE

LIPOLYZE was developed by Species Nutrition to effectively address the problem of preventing cortisol release whilst promoting fat loss. This state-of-the-art formula represents a huge transformation in the way we traditionally approach fat loss. It is, without a doubt, the most potent non-stimulant based fat burner legally available.

In LIPOLYZE you will find the following ingredients in perfectly balanced amounts. Scientifically formulated to create the ultimate synergistic reaction and promote maximum fat loss, whilst maintaining hard earned muscle tissue:

USNIC ACID: In terms of producing a thermogenic effect in the body, Usnic acid has few – if any – rivals. Of even more interest is the fact that it achieves its effect without causing over stimulation of the Central Nervous System (CNS). This means you will experience no jitters, no nausea, no anxiety, no increase in blood pressure and no increase in heart rate. In addition, Usnic acid does not cause physical dependence within the body. Those of you who ‘depend’ on your morning cup of coffee to kick start your day know what we are talking about here!

PROPIONYL – L – CARNITINE: L -Carnitine is a cellular transport system, shuttling long chain fats into the cellular mitochondria (where oxidation to the energy molecule ATP occurs).

In essence, the more L- Carnitine you have in your system, the greater your ability to burn fatty acids for energy will be. However, there is a catch…regular L-Carnitine lacks the ability to penetrate muscle tissue. This is why LIPOLYZE uses Propionyl-L-Carnitine in its formula. With this specialized form of L-Carnitine you have a substance with a tremendous ability to penetrate skeletal muscle and thus facilitate the transport of long chain fatty acids into the mitochondria for swift oxidation into useable energy.

CYCLIC AMP: Also known as CAMP (Cyclic Adenosine Monophosphate) this substance is derived from the breakdown of ATP in the cells. Cyclic Amp is part of an energy ‘relay team’. Taking the 2nd run, following stimulation of the cells receptors, CAMP makes sure all intercellular processes are performed in order that maximum fat burning can be achieved. CAMP also significantly increases the levels of thyroid hormone (Thyroxin) within the body, which in turn elevates metabolic rate.

GUGGULSTERONES: Talking of the thyroid gland, Guggulsterones are one of the few natural substances that have a significant affect on thyroid function. Put simply, the thyroid gland releases thyroxin (T4), which is an inactive form of thyroid hormone. Thyroxin is then converted to 1-triiodothyronine (T3) in various tissues, particularly the liver and kidneys. T3 is approximately 4 times as potent as T4 on a weight basis and its principle effect is to increase the metabolic rate of body tissues.

However, when dieting, the body tends to slow down the conversion of T4 to T3. This leads to a slowdown of the metabolic rate and a decreased level of fat loss. LIPOLYZE contains Guggulsterones Z & E which turn this situation around by assisting the conversion of inactive T4 to T3. This leads to the restoration of normal thyroid function and therefore a resumption of the fat burning process.

GREEN TEA EXTRACT: Green Tea Extract is included in LIPOLYZE for a very good reason. Not only does it have extremely powerful antioxidant qualities (similar to Vitamin C, E and beta carotene) it has also been shown to exert significant fat burning properties. In fact, in a study documented in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition, Green Tea Extract was found to cause a 4% increase in 24-hour energy expenditure. This translates to a 35-43% increase in daytime thermogenesis. What’s more, this comes without an increase in heart rate, blood pressure or anxiety levels.

Another study pointed to the fact that fat loss with Green Tea Extract seems to occur predominantly in the abdominal region. It was also noted that an inhibition of the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine occurred – prolonging its biological effects. An inhibition of fat storage enzymes and a lowering of cholesterol levels have also been observed when Green Tea Extract was added to the diet.

So there you have it, five ingredients and five good reasons to make LIPOLYZE an integral part of your supplement plan. LIPOLYZE leads the field when it comes to selectively causing fat tissue loss whilst preserving lean muscle mass. LIPOLYZE is available exclusively from SPECIES NUTRITION. To find out more go to www.speciesnutrition.com or go to our links page and simply click your way to successful weight management.

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com.

CHEMICAL CORNER: FINASTRIDE (Proscar, Propecia)

Leigh Penman — Sat, 29 Nov 2008 03:11:27 +0000

By Leigh Penman

Technically speaking, Finastride is an orally active testosterone Type 11 5-alpha- reductase inhibitor. There are actually two different 5-alpha- reductase enzymes:

TYPE 1 – This is predominant in the sebaceous glands of most regions of the skin, including the scalp and the liver. Type 1 5alpha-reductase is responsible for approximately one third of circulating DHT.
TYPE 11 – This is found primarily in the prostate, seminal vesicles and hair follicles as well as the liver, and is responsible for two thirds of circulating DHT.

From the above information it is clear that any substance that actively blocks type 11 alpha reductase is of great value. Finasteride is this substance. Using Finasteride can actually reduce your total DHT levels by around 65%.

So why should you be concerned about blocking DHT?

Well, Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) is a breakdown product of testosterone and is produced in the prostate gland, hair follicles and adrenal glands. High levels of DHT trigger hair loss and prostate growth in genetically susceptible men. When you use 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors like Finasteride you effectively block DHT production, which in turn shrinks enlarged prostate glands and prevents hair loss. Although hair loss could be considered merely cosmetic it can be distressing for many men and, it goes without saying, that prostate enlargement is nothing to be dismissive of as it can be a forerunner to prostate cancer.

FINASTERIDE AND MUSCLE GROWTH

It has often been reported that the use of drugs such as Finasteride may slow muscle gains during a cycle and even lead to erectile dysfunction (ED). In a recent report in the Journal Andrology, it was stated that 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors did not cause ED, even in men who took the drugs for as long as two years and reduced DHT levels by up to 93%. Little effect was also observed in skeletal muscle.

There have also been reports of drugs such as Finasteride inhibiting natural testosterone production due to its action on luteinizing hormone release. Studies have also been conducted to call this assertion into question. In this case Finasteride, when administered with testosterone, actually allowed luteinizing hormone release to continue without interruption. The speculation here is that you can use Finasteride on a cycle (1mg/day) and possible keep your LH levels normal (and thus your HPTA) therefore making recovery much easier on ceasing anabolic use.
This is merely speculation though.

DOSAGE

For men concerned about their hairline or those who have incidences of prostate issues in their family, then 1mg/day of Finasteride may be worth considering. Also, when using androgenic steroids (e.g. testosterone) this substance should be considered to ward off hair loss. Boldenone Undecyclate (Equipoise) is another drug that responds well to Finasteride.

SIDE EFFECTS

Side effects associated with the use of Finasteride are relatively uncommon and are primarily sexual in nature (e.g. decreased semen production, decreased sex drive, breast tenderness). When use is kept to the recommended 1mg/day this should not be of concern. In fact statistics reveal only one or two men in a hundred actually suffer any side effects and this is usually due to taking more than the recommended safe dosage.

N.B. Finasteride is currently on special offer from Maxi Medicine at: www.maximedicine.com

Leigh Penman, in addition to be a staff writer at MuscleSport Mag, has been writing for bodybuilding magazines, websites and nutritional supplement companies since 1985. Whilst residing in the UK, she earned the reputation of being one of the top female writers in bodybuilding-related media. Her credits included being a contributing editor on all the magazines in production as well as filling the shoes of Ladies Editor and Showbiz Editor on two publications (the later being on Arnold’s sanctioned magazine, ‘Bodypower’). During this time she also competed successfully on four occasions (placing in the top four in all contests).

Relocating to New York in the late 1990s she focused her writing attention to crystal healing techniques and metaphysics – however, she still maintained a five day workout schedule during this time and gained her personal training certificate.

Having also studied pharmacology in relation to sports performance, her writing began taking her in that direction until the present day which sees her embarking on a return to the magazine world, as well as extending her web-related work in the bodybuilding and fitness field.

Leigh has been working out for close to thirty years so she is clearly a writer who ‘walks her talk.’
She can be contacted personally at zeal2heal@yahoo.com or you can also check her out at New York’s favorite metaphysical store www.stickstoneandbone.com.