Being a personal friend of Gregg’s and having spoken to him about this appearance for months now, I had figured that – for the most part – he would be portrayed the way he has been in a number of other mainstream media outlets the past few years. For the first part of the story that held true. The reporter spoke to Chris Bell, director of “Bigger, Stronger, Faster” and – in a part that should have made the cutting room floor – a brief word or two from Dan Clark who played ‘Nitro,’ one of the original American Gladiators who has admitted to being a steroid user for 20 years. Clark admitted that he didn’t know Gregg personally but was at a loss to comprehend how he does not have any side effects from his extended use of anabolics and stated that Valenino was a “walking side effect.” This claim was totally refuted when ESPN put Valentino through a battery of medical tests and, according to the reporter, he is in overall good health. 

At one point during the story, the screen goes black and states, ‘One month later,’ and Valentino is again being interviewed and breaks down emotionally. This is due to the fact that he is estranged from his teenage son and that his daughter saw him on a school film talking about drug and steroid abuse. That was it for him and Valentino had an epiphany. 

The man who has always been connected to steroids does not want to talk about them any longer and feels that they are ruining the sport of bodybuilding. On camera he is seated in front of his computer at home and was writing his “Ramblin’ Freak” column for the June issue of Muscular Development magazine. This one would be different, he said, and didn’t care if people would consider him a sell-out for writing what he did. 

As soon as the segment ended, I called Gregg and to my surprise he was not watching it but rather out on the road somewhere in his car. He told me that he was “nervous” to watch it but wanted to make sure that it was done properly and in good taste, especially the parts about his children. 

For those of you that do not know Gregg and he is just a guy you read about in the magazines, he is the most down-to-earth and honest guy out there. His knowledge of the history of the sport of bodybuilding is vast and deep and he is far from just ” The Man Who’s Arms Exploded.” Being funny, witty and having street smarts are just a few of the traits that make him who he is. 

Gregg compared the way he feels now to a recovering alcoholic that never wants to see a bottle again. Although he has been talking about this for some time now with me, I was still surprised to see this side of him come out in the media. He may have made a name for himself due to steroids, but he is so much more than that and I for one feel that it is about time that everyone gets to see the ‘new Gregg,’ if you will, and not just the ones who know him away from the game. 

Gregg Valentino E:60

E:60 Gregg Valentino Preview

The liver is the most complex organ in the body and it is responsible for carrying out over 500 functions that are essential to your health. Some of the tasks the liver executes include:

•       The production of bile, albumin, blood clotting factors, cholesterol, vitamin E.
•       Converting amino acids and lipids into glucose.
•       Maintaining normal blood sugar levels.
•       Metabolizing alcohol, caffeine, over-the-counter and prescribed drugs.
•       Assisting in the digestion of food and elimination of toxins.

In fact the liver treats about 1 300ml of blood per minute making it a very effective internal garbage disposal system. Athletes who consume oral steroids are well aware that, due to the fact that most of them are c-17-alpha alkylated, a significant strain is placed on the liver when using these drugs. Over the years many have turned to liver protecting herbs such as Milk Thistle (Silymarin) in order to protect their liver when using a cycle of oral anabolics. However, there is one product that has consistently proven to be the most effective liver protector available and that is Liv-52. In fact it is probably the most sought after compound on the market for those who value the health of their liver (and why wouldn’t you?).

So let’s take a look at this powerful supplement beginning with a little…

HISTORY

Himalaya Herbal Healthcare introduced Liv-52 in 1955, since then more than 300 clinical studies (double-blind and placebo-controlled) have been performed to prove its effectiveness. It has become one of the most widely sold medications in the world and has received the enthusiastic endorsement of over 200 000 healthcare professionals. Liv-52 is an all-natural multi- ingredient formula that is proven to restore optimum function to the liver by protecting the hepatic parenchyma and promoting hepatocellular regeneration. It neutralizes toxins and poisons from food, water, air and various medications. Those who use alcohol and/or prescription drugs would be well advised to add Liv-52 to their supplement regime.

LIV-52…THE INGREDIENTS

Liv-52 contains a specific blend of ingredients that unite to produce a synergistic action that leads to a significant improvement in liver function.

In Liv-52 you will find the following key ingredients:

•       Capers (Capparis spinosa). This is a known hepatic stimulant that also exerts a positive effect on liver glycogen and serum proteins.
•       Chicory (Cichorium intybus). Chicory promotes digestion and increases the production of bile. It also enhances the effect of the Capers. It also seems to have a positive effect in terms of liver glycogen uptake and may protect against free radical induced DNA damage.
•       Black Nightshade (Solanum nigrum). Black Nightshade may reduce oxidative degradation of DNA. Its inclusion here is due to the fact that it is known to support a healthy liver, skin, kidneys and bladder.
•       Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna). In addition to its cardio-protective effects, Arjuna also has favorable effects when it comes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels.
•       Negro Coffee (Cassia Occidentalis). This is a cousin of Senna. It is unrelated to coffee – despite its name – it is included here due to its powerful detoxifying properties.
•       Yarrow (Achillea millefolium). Yarrow has proven effective in the regulation of gastric and bile secretions. It is also known to provide support to the urinary and digestive functions and is a useful diuretic and tonic for the venous system.
•       Tamarisk (Tamarix gallica). Tamarisk contains an alkaloid, Tamarixin, which has tonic and diuretic qualities. It has also been utilized in the treatment of conditions caused by hepatic insufficiency.

IN SUMMARY:

Given the fact that Liv-52 has so much proven research behind its effectiveness, I would say it should definitely be a part of your daily supplement regime. The fact that most of us consume caffeine, alcohol and over the counter medications at some time or other is enough to create a stress on the liver. Even something as ‘harmless’ as Acetaminophen (e.g. Tylenol) can be toxic to the liver (and this toxicity can be accelerated in the presence of alcohol). For those using oral anabolics…well, I should not need to repeat its importance.

If you are suffering from fatigue, aches and pains, frequent headaches, stress and appetite fluctuations there is a strong likelihood that your liver is being over-worked. By adding Liv-52 to your supplement regime you are definitely taking out a valuable insurance policy on your greatest asset…your health!

N.B. Liv-52 can be purchased by visiting www.napsgear.net

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.

Just as the ups and, mainly, downs of Wall Street seem to be forever in the news so does the use of anabolic steroids in various sports. This week saw the spotlight turning once again on the world of horse racing. On Tuesday (October 14) the New York Racing and Wagering Board let it be known that it is implementing new rules as regards the administration of anabolic steroids in the world of horse racing.

This is a follow up to the earlier revelation that the recently retired racehorse, Big Brown, was juiced on Winstrol whilst competing in the Kentucky Derby. Even though this was in fact entirely legal in terms of horseracing protocol, board chairman John D. Sabini stated in an article in the ‘Daily News’ that by imposing limits on four steroids currently used in horse racing New York would be leading the pack when it came to preserving integrity within the sport. He also made it clear that the intended message to owners and trainers was, “If you flaunt our steroid rules, you will be held accountable.”

According to the new rules, four steroids will be permitted for use by racehorses, but only one of the four may be found in the horse at any one time (therefore ‘no stacking on the track!’).

The four permitted steroids are: stanozolol (Winstrol), boldenone (Equipoise), nandrolone (Durabolin) and testosterone. The reasoning being that small concentrations of these substances would not be significant enough to affect a horse’s performance.
The rules will go into effect on January 1 2009.

CANSECO IN FERTILITY RAP!

Meanwhile on the human side of the anabolic coin, former slugger Jose Canseco was caught trying to smuggle the female fertility drug Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (HCG) across the border from Mexico last week. Canseco, who authored the 2005 book “Juiced” exposing the use of anabolics in baseball, was charged with Introduction into Interstate Commerce of a Misbranded Drug (considered a misdemeanor).

According to the report, Canseco, a female driver and the female driver’s “minor daughter” were stopped by Customs and Border Protection agents entering California at the San Ysirdo checkpoint. An inspection of their vehicle revealed six vials of HCG and 10 syringes in the armrest compartment.

Canseco was detained for nine hours by Immigration and Customs Enforcement and had to consent to a search of his Los Angeles home as a precursor to his release. No drugs were found on inspection and Canseco was released pending a court date on Nov 4.

Canseco claimed that the drug was for personal use due to the fact that previous steroid use has left his testosterone levels extremely low necessitating a hormone therapy plan.
He also said that he was in Mexico seeking “inexpensive dental implant work”..So I guess he was doing a ‘Wal-Mart’ one stop-shopping trip!

Whatever the case, the fact remains that hard-core steroid use does lead to testicular atrophy, low testosterone and sperm counts in male athletes. The drug HCG is frequently used to prevent this. You wanna know a better way of preventing this condition? Stay away from ‘roids altogether!

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.