The Official Supplement Thread

[Waterproof]

I remember when Hydroxycut first came out and that's when it had Epherda in it..those pills had me like

I was fukkin spooked, it gave me the jitters and all types of shyt

And I hate wasting money so I wasn't going to throw it away, so I had to Man up, knowing everytime I took it it got me spooked

So before I take the capsules I was like

 

[The ADD]

fukking Yohimbie

 

[Waterproof]

What Is Glutamine?


Glutamine (often called l-glutamine or 2,5-diamino-5-oxo-pentanoic acid) is the most abundant amino acid found in our blood and makes up approximately 60% of the amino acid pool in our muscles. It is constructed by combining an amine acid compound and glutamic acid.

It is considered conditionally essential, meaning that in certain situations its synthesis can be limited (e.g. in premature infants or those in intensive care). In this circumstance it means that it would need to be consumed in the diet via food or supplementation.

It is synthesized predominantly in skeletal muscle (approximately 90%) by a process facilitated by the enzyme glutamine synthetase from the amino acid glutamate and glutamic acid[3].

In healthy individuals it can be produced with no problem in the muscle, which is able to produce, store and release glutamine as required to maintain the appropriate glutamine blood concentration.

However, during some situations the production of glutamine homeostasis is threatened, glutamine reserves in skeletal muscle are depleted, and the important functions of this amino acid are inhibited. Such situations would include various forms of catabolic stress ranging from infection, surgery and, importantly, exhaustive exercise.

What Does Glutamine Do? Muscle Growth!

Glutamine is an amino acid known for its role as a substrate for protein synthesis. This means it is used during skeletal muscle contraction when we exercise, and without its presence our gut wrenching exercise sessions may be hampered.

This amino acid is an important anabolic precursor for muscle growth following exercise. In fact it the anabolic effects of glutamine include both an increase in protein synthesis (muscle hypertrophy or increased number of muscle cells) and increases in muscle cell expansion and filling with creatine, water and carbohydrate (muscle cell volumisation or “the pump”).

The specific mechanisms of these benefits have not been fully explained, however certain physiological actions have been attributed to glutamine concentration in muscle.



Important Amino Acid: Leucine


Firstly, increased glutamine content in muscle allows glutamine to suppress the oxidation (breakdown) of the branched chain amino acid leucine, and enhances the disposal of leucine without release of free radicals. Remember, free radicals are atoms with an unpaired electron which react with oxygen to reek havoc and result in cell damage.

The presence of leucine is key for muscle growth as it regulates the initiation of protein synthesis, acting as a trigger for muscle tissue de
velopment. Therefore, if glutamine can prevent leucine breakdown, it can be put to better use to facilitate muscle synthesis.

The concentration of glutamine also ensures a positive nitrogen balance which is required for muscle protein synthesis. There is also evidence that glutamine can also reduce muscle tissue catabolism (breakdown) by counteracting the effects of the stress chemical cortisol. Cortisol is an adrenal stress hormone which can lead to proteolysis (protein tissue breakdown) and reduced physical performance.

 

[Waterproof]

What Does Glutamine Do? Immune Boost!

The various other physiological roles of glutamine include facilitation of nitrogen metabolism; balance of acid-base levels in the kidney; and its position as an important fuel source for the immune system.

In situations of reduced glutamine production (as seen in critical illness) a subsequent reduction in the glutamine concentration of muscle and plasma occurs. Research has demonstrated that supplementation of glutamine in such circumstances can lead to improvements in immune system function.

This is due to the fact that immune system cells (e.g. lymphocytes and macrophages) are fuelled either in equal measure, or more so, by glutamine (rather than glucose). Therefore, if glutamine levels are reduced, immune system cells will have a reduction in fuel source to work efficiently.

How Does Exercise Effect Glutamine Levels?

Training intensely (as we all try to do) or performing exhausting exercise such as marathon running, has a profound effect on the glutamine levels in your body. In fact levels may decrease even as much as 20-30%

It has been shown that a significant reduction (24%) in plasma glutamine concentration was caused by day 3 following an intense eccentric strengthening session for the biceps, triceps, hamstrings and quadriceps which lasted until at least day 9 following the session.

Another study demonstrated that two hours following 40 repetitions of a leg press at 80% 1 rep max, glutamine levels in the quadriceps had been reduced by 34% in the type I muscle fibres, and 29% in the type II fibres.

Natural glutamine reduced = limited muscle growth!

As such if glutamine homeostasis is altered, it is likely that the aim for muscle growth during these exercises will be limited! The resulting effect on performance will be reduced strength, reduced power, reduced endurance and longer time to recovery.

It is postulated that the reduction in glutamine levels is a result of increased glutamine removal by the liver and increased use of glutamine by the kidneys and the immune system. It is also thought that such reductions of glutamine may contribute to a susceptibility to infection. The effect of over-training has also shown that this susceptibility may continue after several weeks of rest.

 

[Waterproof]

What Are The Benefits Of Glutamine To Me?


We have established the role of glutamine in our muscles, and discussed the risk of glutamine depletion following intense exercise.

Now we need to ask- can this be rectified with increasing glutamine intake and if so what are the specific benefits I can expect?

Below I outline these potential benefits.

✓ More gains!
In combination with protein (casein or whey) glutamine assists an increase of muscle protein synthesis by 8.3% (compared to protein alone, or protein with other essential amino acids).

✓ Quicker Recovery!
Reduces time to full muscle recovery of strength following exercise and protects against the negative effects of oxidative stress chemicals following intense exercise, therefore improving the beneficial effects of high intensity training on muscle protein synthesis.

✓ Less Muscle Wastage!
When part of an amino acid stack glutamine contributes to the suppression of the loss of muscle following periods of extended rest (e.g. post injury or surgery).

✓ Feel less tired!
Glutamine reduces the perception of fatigue in football players (in combination with l-carnitine and carbohydrate)

✓ More lean muscle!
In combination with intense training glutamine can assist increases in body mass and, more importantly to us all, lean body mass.

✓ Improved Power!
Improvements in initial rate of power production as demonstrated by an improved vertical jump performance compared to a placebo supplement.

✓ Better Endurance!
Increases running performance by increasing the time until muscular exhaustion

✓ Less DOMS!
Diminishes post work out soreness

✓ Better Immunity!
Reduces the incidence of infection in trauma and surgical patients and reduces the length of time spent in hospital.Also, improves intestinal function and reduces susceptibility to infection in athletes during the post training period; and assists restoration of key immune system markers (e.g. T cell counts, immunoglobulin A serum) following heavy load resistance training reducing risk of infection post training.

✓ Quicker reactions!
Improves reaction time following exhaustive endurance exercise

✓ A Stronger heart!
Enhances cardiac hormone levels to assist better management of heart function and blood pressure.

✓ Improved Power!
Improvements in initial rate of power production as demonstrated by an improved vertical jump performance compared to a placebo supplement.

 

[Waterproof]

Where From & How Much?


As stated previously glutamine is considered “conditionally essential”- meaning at most times the body will produce enough for our muscles to function. However, the “condition” is that we do not place ourselves in a position where we are catabolic.

We have also shown that intense exercise sessions CAN place us in such a position, leading our gains to be inhibited and increasing our potential to get sick! As such we should aim to up our glutamine levels when ever we train intensely.

Obviously there are dietary sources of glutamine, which include beef, chicken, fish, eggs, beans, dairy products, cabbage, spinach and beets. However, many of us may also like to supplement glutamine in powder or tablet forms, as consuming sufficient food stuffs may be impractical immediately following exercise- during the window when our glutamine is depleted the most.

L-Glutamine Dosage

In order to sustain a positive net protein balance and ensure the above listed benefits of supplementation, orally ingested glutamine can start with 0.1g/ kg of body mass (e.g. 7g for a 70kg individual) and result in a 50% rise in the plasma glutamine concentration 30 minutes following exercise. Return to pre-exercise baseline concentration should occur 1-2 hours following ingestion.

Ingestion alongside a protein source (whey or casein) and a BCAA supplement seems to provide even more superior advantages to glutamine alone, which is perhaps another reason to add a glutamine powder directly to your post exercise shake.

Studies have shown that oral ingestion of up to 28g PER DAY for 6 weeks result in no adverse effects. Furthermore, increasing post exercise dose to 0.65g/ kg of body mass (e.g. 45.5g for a 70kg individual) was also tolerated well by healthy individuals.

Take Home Message


Glutamine is an important component of our muscles and if we aim to exercise and improve the size, look and function of our muscular system we should be wary of keeping glutamine concentration in check.

If you are exercising with sufficient intensity and often you run the risk of over-training, leading your prone to limiting your gains and increasing your susceptibility to getting sick.

Use a glutamine supplement as part of your post work out stack to minimise the detriment of glutamine loss and keep your progression from plateauing.

 

[Psychosis]

those pills had me like

I was fukkin spooked, it gave me the jitters and all types of shyt

I remember I first took the "recomended" dosage like an idiot. Couldn't stop shaking and spinning. I ended up just popping a tab to stay awake during college.

 

[Ron_Mexico]

Current stack

Pre-jym
Creatine-ON
Protein-ON gold
Multi-Controlled labs
Fish oil-ON

Best pre I’ve taken has to be man sports game day but think they replaced it
Tried cellucor, On, and controlled labs products. Had man sports amino’s taste just like your favorite candy.

Loading really needed on creatine? I’ve done it before and usually just do the 5gs a day deal

Any other brands or products worth trying? Nephew swears by that dr Hyde pre but I’m not into getting 300g of caffeine. Usually half scoop or 3/4 works for me.

 

[Waterproof]

Current stack

Pre-jym
Creatine-ON
Protein-ON gold
Multi-Controlled labs
Fish oil-ON

Best pre I’ve taken has to be man sports game day but think they replaced it
Tried cellucor, On, and controlled labs products. Had man sports amino’s taste just like your favorite candy.

Loading really needed on creatine? I’ve done it before and usually just do the 5gs a day deal

Any other brands or products worth trying? Nephew swears by that dr Hyde pre but I’m not into getting 300g of caffeine. Usually half scoop or 3/4 works for me.

That's a Solid Stack

Here's Some Brands that's Solid that I tried and like

Universal/Animal (These are my go to supplements)

Controlled Labs

Gaspari

I force

BSN

EVOGEN

Beverly International

 

[Ron_Mexico]

That's a Solid Stack

Here's Some Brands that's Solid that I tried and like

Universal/Animal (These are my go to supplements)

Controlled Labs

Gaspari

I force

BSN

EVOGEN

Beverly International

Used to love controlled labs pre but they keep messing w/the formula and changing it. Liked their green mag and stim free pre’s too. Their fish oil always gave me fish burps though

Gonna look into Evogen and I force for my next pres. This tub of Jym pre actually takes 30 minutes to kick in pretty disappointed for the price of it and actually need close to a full scoop

 

[Waterproof]

Used to love controlled labs pre but they keep messing w/the formula and changing it. Liked their green mag and stim free pre’s too. Their fish oil always gave me fish burps though

Gonna look into Evogen and I force for my next pres. This tub of Jym pre actually takes 30 minutes to kick in pretty disappointed for the price of it and actually need close to a full scoop

I feel you their original formula was great I was stacking Green Mag, White Flood, Gylcer Gro

But my only complain was that Orange Triad was so damn expensive

The best pre I tried was the Original NO Xplode

 

[Waterproof]

Be careful and learn about over the counter supplements. Anybody in the know, knows that Gaspari used to sell pro hormones before the banned so this is no surprised

Gaspari Nutrition Filed Bankruptcy But Still Must Pay for Selling Steroids
Gaspari Nutrition Filed Bankruptcy But Still Must Pay for Selling Steroids
Gaspari Nutrition filed bankruptcy in 2014 but still must pay a substantial settlement related to selling anabolic steroids and unapproved drugs masquerading as dietary supplements. The now-bankrupt Gaspari Nutrition must pay ThermoLife International a $415,000 cash settlement from the Gaspari Nutrition Bankruptcy Fund.

The United States Bankruptcy Court for the District of New Jersey approved the settlement on November 21, 2017. ThermoLife originally filed the federal lawsuit against Gaspari Nutrition Inc. on May 26, 2011. The lawsuit also named Gaspari President and IFBB pro bodybuilder Rich Gaspari along with product formulators Bruce Kneller and Daniel Pierce.

The lawsuit cited false advertising, unfair competition and tortious interference with ThermoLife’s business. ThermoLife alleged that Gaspari spiked its products with illegal steroids and unapproved drugs, Furthermore, Gaspari misled and deceived consumers into believing the products were legal, safe and natural. In reality, the products contained drugs that shared some of the very same potentially harmful side effects as illegal anabolic steroids.

The ThermoLife lawsuit relied on industry experts and U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) warning letters that identified Gaspari Nutrition products, such as Novedex XT and Halodrol Liquidgels, as being tainted with potentially harmful drugs. The FDA determined that Halodrol Liquidgels contained ingredients that qualified as synthetic steroids while Novedex XT contained both aromatase inhibiting and steroidal drugs.

Ron Kramer, the Chief Executive Officer and Founder of ThermoLife, celebrated the settlement after his company spent over six years litigating the case.

"It has been a long time coming, but I have always remained confident that when the facts were presented the legal system would hold Gaspari Nutrition responsible for intentionally spiking products with drugs and for its lies to the public about its products,” Kramer said in a statement. “Today's award should serve as a wake-up call to companies that mislead consumers and sell products spiked with drugs thinking that the FDA is too busy to catch them.”

The Gaspari Nutrition settlement is also more bad news for co-owner Jared Wheat. Wheat acquired co-ownership in April 2016 after Gaspari filed corporate bankruptcy in 2014. Gaspari Nutrition once boasted $85 million in annual sales. The company looked successful from the outside but it was really bleeding cash. Wheat thought he was getting a good deal purchasing the bankrupt company but the Gaspari steroid-related settlement only further taints Wheat’s businesses.

This fact was not lost on ThermoLife founder Ron Kramer.

“As we have recently seen, justice can be severe against the wrongdoers,” Kramer noted in the statement. “Gaspari Nutrition's new co-owner, Jared Wheat, was recently indicted by the FDA on 18 felony counts related to dietary supplements and if convicted he can spend decades in prison.”

Hi-Tech Pharmaceuticals owner Wheat has been accused of spiking Hi-Tech products with undeclared illegal anabolic steroids. If convicted, Wheat faces going to federal prison for the third time in his life on drug trafficking charges and for the second time involving anabolic steroids.

Wheat was charged with manufacturing and distributing Schedule III controlled substances, selling misbranded drugs, conspiracy, money laundering and fraud in a federal indictment filed on September 28, 2017. The Hi-Tech products accused of being spiked with anabolic steroids were Superdrol, Equibolin, 1-AD, 1-Testosterone and Androdiol. Wheat vehemently denied that any of the five products contained illegal anabolic steroids.

 

[Waterproof]

Horny Goat Weed

Horny goat weed or yin yang huo is used for erectile problems, and kidney nourishes in the Chinese medicine for thousands of years now. Western medicine only recently got interested in it and did some experimenting and testing. This herb can be found in Asia, mostly China and Korea.

The botanical name for it is Epimedium, but there are still a lot of synonyms like randy beef grass, rowdy lamb herb, barrenwort, etc.
According to Chinese legend, Horny Goat Weed got its name when goat herder saw his flock became sexually stimulated after eating the plant.

Benefits
Improved sexual performance
The main ingredient is icariin, which is proven to have great effects on erectile health and libido. It should be said that this is not a quick fix like Viagra since it is not as strong of a PDE-5 blocker (Viagra work by inhibiting this enzyme synthetically).

Icariin is one of the very few known natural PDE-5 inhibitors, and this is why we say that Horny Goat Weed is used as a natural erectile dysfunction relief.

Increases testosterone

When we talk about testosterone increase, this study should be mentioned. 80 Mg’s/Kg dose of icariin tripled the testosterone levels in rats without changing luteinizing hormone (LH) or follicle stimulating hormone (FHS) lives.

Studies have also been conducted (study 1, study 2) on animals that showed that icariin reduces high levels of cortisol.

Blood flow (cardiovascular) benefits
Horny Goat Weed reduces the risk of a heart attack and has good effect on lowering high blood pressure

This study proved that icariin increases blood flow and nerve growth in the pelvic region.

Another two studies have proved that epimedium stimulates nitric oxide production which improves blood flow in-vitro and in-vivo (study, study). This one really proves that Horny Goat Weed has some pro-erectile benefits!

Horny Goat Weed is used to improve bone density, treat hypertension, polio and even bronchitis.

It also works by ease muscle tissue. This gives you a great chance of recovering from fatigue, numbness, and joint pain.

Horny Goat Weed is used to improve bone density, treat hypertension, polio and even bronchitis.

It also works by ease muscle tissue. This gives you a great chance of recovering from fatigue, numbness, and joint pain.

 

[Waterproof]

YOU ARE HERE: HOME / WELLNESS / HORNY GOAT WEED HEALTH BENEFITS
Horny Goat Weed Health Benefits
AUGUST 30, 2016 BY MARC SEWARD LEAVE A COMMENT


WHAT IS HORNY GOAT WEED?
Chinese legend tells us that a herder once observed goats eating this weed, after which the goats started to exhibit the sort of behavior you would expect from an aphrodisiac.

This observation gave rise to its charming common name but because it belongs to the epimedium species, it is also known scientifically as epimedium grandiflorum, epimedium alpinum and a number of other names based on the epimedium genus of over 60 flowering plants.

Horny goat weed grows profusely in the Southern regions of China and is also common in bordering countries. Traditional Chinese practitioners use the weed to treat a variety of health complaints.

Unsurprisingly, the aptly named horny goat weed is used to treat erectile dysfunction but it has also been traditionally used to deal with a variety of other health issues. These traditional uses include treatment for joint pain, arthritis, bronchitis, fatigue, memory loss, heart disease and osteoporosis.

HOW IT WORKS
Horny goats weed contains certain chemicals that may help increase the flow of blood to the penis and enhance sexual function. It also possesses chemicals called phytoestrogens that act in a similar way to estrogen, a female hormone which may protect against bone loss in women after the menopause.

One of its main active constituents is a substance called icariin. The concentration of icariin varies from one species of epimedium to another and is responsible for its potency. Icariin helps to relax smooth muscle tissues which is important because it helps relax the involuntary tissue tension.

This helps shift the central nervous system from its highly stressed flight or fight mode to a more relaxed rested mode. When the body is in a less stressed state, it is more able to fight disease and at least get some control over the condition.

Research which we will look at later has also found that the same chemical may help treat erectile dysfunction by allowing greater penile blood flow.

HORNY GOAT WEED HEALTH BENEFITS
Many of the benefits you can get from horny goat weed apply equally to both men and women but men may often use it to treat sexual dysfunction.

HORNY GOAT WEED FOR MEN
FOR ERECTILE DYSFUNCTION
Horny goat weed is a popular natural supplement for men trying to overcome erectile dysfunction. Many supplements marketed for this purpose have little or nothing to back up their claims but in the case of horny goat wed, there is some evidence that supports the idea.

A study published in 2008 found that the herb contained a compound which helped to block the effects of a certain enzyme responsible for restricting the flow of blood into the penis. The compound called icariin appears to work in a similar manner to the phosphodiesterase inhibitors which are medically prescribed for erectile dysfunction.

The study went on to say that horny goats weed may work better than currently prescribed erectile dysfunction medications with far fewer adverse side effects. (1)

While the above study was carried out in vitro, a more recent study from 2010 found that rats who were treated with horny goat weed extracts demonstrated significant improvements in erectile dysfunction. (2)

HORNY GOAT WEED FOR WOMEN
TO STIMULATE FEMALE LIBIDO
Supplements for sexual dysfunction are very often marketed towards the men but it is not only males that sometimes need help when it comes to sexual desire and performance. Horny goat weed may also offer potent libido boosting properties for women who need them.

Proper blood flow is key to sexual desire and horny goat weed appears to stimulate the necessary flow of blood. Epimedium also contains plant sterols and alkaloids which have a similar effect to testosterone. Although we usually associate testosterone with men, women also produce this hormone which is key to human sexuality and desire.

FOR MENOPAUSE SYMPTOM RELIEF
Women going through the menopause are likely to experience a range of unwanted side effects due to the reduced production of estrogen. Studies have demonstrated that horny goat weed might improve the balance of estrogen helping women to counter menopausal symptoms like hot flushes, low sex drive and mood changes

 

[Bboystyle]

Any of u brehs unlucky enough to be nonresponders to creatine?

Also, any of u take L-arginine? Its to make your blood flow increase and give u a more vascular look if ur fat % is low but veins are lacking