DHEA
DHEA is short for Dehydroepiandrosterone , a common natural steroid prohormone that is produced in our adrenal glands , testicles , brain and skin tissue. It is derived from cholesterol cells and it regulates the growth of testosterone , androstenedione and estrogen. Think of DHEA as a reservoir or buffer for sex steroids. Without moderate amounts DHEA , testosterone levels will be at a all time low.
Facts about DHEA
· Is the most abundant hormone in all humans.
· Humans produce more DHEA than any other species.
· Improves fat metabolism.
· Boosts immune system function.
· Optimizes and helps build lean muscle mass
· Helps to increase insulin resistance
· Concentration levels of DHEA peaks around ages 25.
Studies have shown that lack of DHEA is directly affiliated with erectile dysfucntion. DHEA is responsible for producing chemicals that influence the growth of testosterone , therefore a deficiency of DHEA can drop serum testosterone levels. DHEA is commonly used as a supplement to help treat men with erectile dysfunction and andropause.
Some unwanted side effects of DHEA may include…
· Excessive body hair growth
· Acne
· Aggression
· Hair loss
Several other studies on mice showed that when DHEA was administered , the mice were less likely to have problems lipids. The bodybuilding scene encourages DHEA as a nutritional supplement , because of the influence it has on testosterone. The DHEA hormone also plays an important role because it strengthens bones and bone tissue’s the same way that testosterone does. It is wise to talk to a doctor who may prescribe you DHEA before using it.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris : Ancient hormone plant Tribulus terrestris is a plant that has been cultivated in warm temperate tropical areas in Europe , China , India and northern Australia. It can even survive harsh conditions like in deserts. It has been used in ayurvedic medicines in India as a tonic. The Greeks also used it as a body fluid stabilizer , and mood enhancer. Traditional cultures has regarded tribulus terrestris as a plant that provides vigor and strength to the user , such as the ancient Greeks. Tribulus Terrestris contains a good amount of steroidal saponins, alkaloids and protodioscins that are believed to boost hormonal production in the body , resulting in an increased ammount of testosterone. Clinical studies also show that testosterone supports healthy cholesterol levels and increased libido. Stimulation of the anterior pituitary gland is what causes secretion of the leutanizing hormone, thus leading to increased free testosterone. Tribulus terrestris is cultivated then extracted ready to be taken as a supplement. It is very common that many bodybuilders take it as it can support increase of muscle mass.
ZMA
ZMA : Zinc , Magnesium and Vitamin B6.
Zma is a well known natural supplement , scientifically designed to boost hormone anabolic levels , endurance and muscle strength. Zma contains zinc monomethionine aspirate , magnesium aspirate and vitamin b-6. Many athletes use zma as higher intensity sports often lead to zinc and magnesium deficiency (which is common) which can result in fatigue , muscle damage and a drop in testosterone levels. Studies show that a daily supplementation of 30mgs of zinc and 450mgs of magnesium can boost testosterone levels up to 30%, the vitamin b6 in zma is mainly used to improve the absorbtion of the zinc and magnesium.
One of the more popular studies done on ZMA is by Lorrie Brilla, PhD, a sports performance researcher at Western Washington University. Recently she reported that ZMA significantly increase free testosterone levels and muscle strength in NCAA football players. These ZMA study results were presented by Dr. Brilla on June 2, 1999, at the 46th Annual Meeting of the American College of Sports Medicine in Seattle, WA, and published in the official ACSM journal, Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, Vol. 31, No. 5, May 1999.Brilla reported that “a group of competitive NCAA football players who took ZMA nightly during an eight-week spring training program had 2.5 times greater muscle strength gains than a placebo group. (250% better results!) Pre and post leg strength measurements were made using a Biodex isokinetic dynamometer.”She then goes to say, “The muscle strength increases may have been mediated by the anabolic hormone increases in the ZMA group. The ZMA group had 30% increases in free and total testosterone levels compared to 10 percent decreases in the placebo group… The ZMA group also had a slight increase in insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) levels compared to a 20 percent decrease in the placebo group. This study shows that anabolic hormone and muscle strength increases can be induced in already strength-trained athletes by using a novel zinc-magnesium preparation. “The recommended dosage of ZMA is Vitamin b6 11mgs , magnesium 450mgs , zinc 30mgs which most supplements compose of.
Flax Seeds
Flax seeds are a great source of fiber, lignans, protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals. Flax seeds are an excellent source of fiber. They contain both soluble and insoluble fiber. They also contain a special fiber called mucilage. Mucilage helps stabilize blood sugar levels, and is a natural laxative.
Dietary fiber is important because it keeps the digestive system functioning properly. It enhances our body’s ability to use other dietary nutrients. Fiber goes through our digestive tract almost completely undigested. Once it reaches the colon and/or the large intestine, fiber is then broken down.
Dieting lacking sufficient fiber can lead to:
· Chronic Constipation (That can’t be fun)
· Weight Control problems Lignans are natural plant chemicals. Flax seeds are the richest source of lignans.
Lignans boost the productions of a substance attached to estrogen and carries it out of the body. Researchers also believe lignans to have antioxidant properties. Flax seed has 75 to 800 percent more lignans than other vegetables and grains! Making flax seed worth the investment. The vitamins and minerals found in flax seeds are zinc, iron, vitamin E, carotene, B-group vitamins, magnesium, calcium, sulfur, potassium, phosphorous, manganese, silicon, copper, nickel, molybdenum, chromium, and cobalt.
For every 100 grams of flax seeds, you get about 25-30 grams of protein, which is great considering the other nutrients you get along with this.
Flax seed is one of the best sources for the essential fatty acid alpha linolenic acid. Alpha linolenic acid is so important for bodybuilders because it “enhances insulin sensitivity within muscle cells.” This omega-3 fatty acid also has many other beneficial effects:
“Stimulating steroid production Systemization of hormones Mediating immune response Directing endocrine hormones to target cells Regulating smooth muscle and autonomic reflexes Construction of healthy cell walls Transportation of oxygen to body cells Keeping saturated fats mobile in the blood stream Regulation of nerve transmission Serving as the primary energy source for the heart muscle”
So , to sum it up about flax seeds the benefits include…
· Reduced Body fat
· Enhanced Performance
· Shortened recovery time
· Good source of energy
· Reduced muscle soreness
· Increased utilization of oxygen
· Increased utilization of other nutrients
· Overall better health
· And what do all of those lead to? MORE MUSCLE = TESTOSTERONE! |
