Acetyl-L-Carnitine supports mitochondrial energy production and enhances the production neurotransmitter acetylcholine.  Research shows Acetyl L-Carnitine has the ability to enhance brain function and exert an antidepressant effect.

Sam-e has been extensively studied for its antidepressant activity.  It works as a methyl donor involved in the synthesis of several neurotransmitters.  Its exact mechanism of action isn’t entirely clear, although it is suggested that Sam-e may normalize levels of specific neurons in the brain.

Another interesting compound is L-Theanine.  L-Theanine is a free form amino acid found almost exclusively in tea plants.  Studies suggest it can increase brain levels of serotonin, dopamine and GABA.  Clinical studies suggest L-Theanine may increase alpha wave activity, relaxing and focusing the brain without drowsiness.

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From numerous studies it is clear that BCAA’s (Branched Chain Amino Acids) have a significant role in increasing overall conditioning factors such as aerobic and anaerobic capacities, by improving physiological markers such as: red blood cell count, hemoglobin, hematocrit, serum albumin, fasting glucose levels, a decrease in creatine phophokinase, increased glycogenesis, and even rapid alleviation of muscle inflammation. Other positive attributes associated with BCAA’s as shown by current scientific literature includes: increased muscle recovery especially after intense eccentric exercise, alleviation of short term decrements in performance commonly associated with overreaching, improvements in plasma levels of BCAA’s (often linked with fatigue), and may aid in the healing of injuries, sickness, and trauma. There may also be strength and muscle mass increases accompanied by Branched Chain Amino Acid supplementation. However, further research is needed to determine whether this is a direct or indirect effect of BCAA supplementation.

During every day activity you should be consuming about ½ ounce of water per pound of bodyweight.  For a 160 pound individual that means 80 ounces of water.  Keep in mind coffee and other beverages do not count.

While exercising 24 ounces per hour is the upper limit and most people will need less unless the exercise session is very intense.  Consuming too much water can reduce exercise performance.

Curcumin is an herb which is derived from Tumeric.  It is often used in food as a flavoring and has been getting attention for its ability to support joint function, reduce inflammation, and help maintain healthy cholesterol levels.  Recent studies have highlighted the ability of curcumin to support the function of collagen and cartilage cells.  A study in 2005 showed that curcumin exerted a protective effect on cartilage cells and inhibited degradation of these cells as well.  Another study showed it had a positive effect at enhancing synovial (joint fluid) cell health. 

Curcumin has also been shown to maintain cholesterol and lipid levels that are already normal.  In another study curcumin given to animals consuming a high fat diet had a smaller increase in lipid levels than those not consuming curcumin.

Killer Bee’s is a fat burner that will remind users of some of the original products that contained ephedra.  The energy from this product is intense making it a great pre-workout addition.  It also provides a good thermogenic effect as well as solid appetite control.  If you haven’t used a fat burner before this is probably not the product to start with as this formula was really designed for people who have used this type of product before. 

Killer Bee’s combines powerful fat burners with nootropics which improve mood, mental clarity and reduce appetite.  The idea is that the better you feel the easier it will be to stick to your diet and workout regimen.

Killer Bee’s blend of ingredients promotes lipid mobilization.  On the fat cell’s surface are receptors that signal the cell to hold stored fat, the natural alpha-2 antagonists in Killer Bee’s can switch off these receptors.  This frees fatty acids so they can then move out of the cells and into the bloodstream.  The extent to which exercise or calorie reduction will burn fat is totally dependant upon the rate of lipolysis.  If you want to increase your rate of fat burning you need to increase the rate of lipolysis. 

User feedback has made Rocket Fuel the go to option for healthy weight loss.  Rocket Fuel is designed to attack weight through an increase in metabolism, reduced appetite and an increase in energy levels.  Rocket Fuel uses a liquid delivery system designed for pharmaceutical use.  Pharmaceutical grade ingredients and delivery system ensure greater potency and efficacy for this product.  This product is a potent energizer so dosing should start low and can be increased as tolerance is assessed.

Rocket Fuel uses a few unique ingredients which set it apart from some of the other products in the fat burning category.  A standardized extract of cayenne is used for its thermogenic properties.  As your body heats up you expend more calories.  A unique blend of green, black and white tea ads fuel to the fire by allowing the body to break down fatty acids more efficiently promoting fat as a fuel source.  The ingredient Phenyl ethylamine reduces appetite and elevates mood helping to avoid the ups and downs associated with calorie restriction.  L-dopa from the plant Mucuna Puriens increases the level of growth hormone that is produced which will have a positive impact on body composition.  Rocket Fuel also employs a new form of Tyrosine which will naturally increase the levels of the fat burning hormones T3 and T4.

An important element of post-cycle recovery is controlling the influx of cortisol.  Cortisol is a stress hormone that is released in times of caloric deficit and bodily stress including strenuous work outs and even emotional stress.  This potent hormone is catabolic or muscle wasting.  It breaks down muscle tissue to be used as energy for the various systems of the body.  Anabolic steroids and prohormones act as a cortisol antagonist in that they blocks the effects of the hormone.  When steroid/prohormone use is discontinued natural anabolic hormone levels are low to non-existent allowing the catabolic effects of cortisol to run rampant eating away at all that hard earned muscle.  Controlling cortisol post-cycle is key to keeping your gains.

            There are a few supplements on the market that can help you to control the post-cycle cortisol crash.  Growth hormone releasers are a good start.  Growth hormone provides an anti-catabolic effect and can help modulate cortisol.  They also promote a deep restful sleep which is always good for general recovery.  Hi-Tech’s Somatomax and BioRhythm’s ReGenerate are excellent choices for growth hormone release.

            Another great supplement for blocking cortisol is 7-Keto DHEA.  7-Keto also has a thermogenic effect on the body so it is great for keeping body fat levels in check post-cycle.  BioRhythm’s Synthrolean and UltraLean FX both contain a potent dose of this compound.

            Finally, a somewhat unknown but powerful supplement called phosphatidylserine can be used for controlling cortisol.  A few companies make this compound but it is usually under dosed due to its high cost.  An adequate dose of phosphatidylserine is anywhere between 600mg and 800mg.  BioRhythm’s AfterGlow contains an 800mg dose in a cost-effective package.  With the combination of these supplements you will be well on your way to keeping your gains.

One of the key elements to post-cycle recovery when coming off a prohormone/steroid is controlling estrogen.  High levels of estrogen in men can cause a whole host of negative effects such as water retention (bloating), gynocemastia (swelling of breast tissue), depression and suppression of natural testosterone production leading to muscle and strength loss.  Some prohormones/steroids directly convert from an androgen to an estrogen via the aromatase enzyme.  Even when taking a prohormone/steroid that cannot convert to estrogen the body can convert its natural testosterone in an effort to keep homeostasis, or a balance in its hormone profile.

            Fear not, fellow iron warriors, you can prevent these estrogenic side effects and avoid tearing up at the end of a chick flick.  The trick is to deactivate the enzyme that converts androgens into estrogens.  This can be done by supplementing with aromatase inhibitors.  When the prohormone/steroid use is discontinued the anti-estrogens are introduced. 

            “But which anti-estrogen should I use?” you ask.  There are many on the market but only a couple worth mentioning.  When the prohormone/steroid is discontinued a suicide aromatase inhibitor is recommended.  A suicide inhibitor is a compound that locks onto the aromatase enzyme and permanently deactivates it resulting in lower estrogen and higher testosterone levels.  An excellent choice for a suicide inhibitor would be SSL’s Estro Xtreme.  The active ingredient in Estro Xtreme eliminates up to 91% of the body’s estrogen.  Its pretty strong stuff.  Estrogen plays a role in general health influencing bone density, heart health and even libido so at the two week mark some estrogen should be allowed to be produced.  This is when a non-suicide inhibitor should be utilized.  These types of anti-estrogens bind to the aromatase enzyme and deactivate it for a period of time and eventually detach and the enzyme reactivates.  Sci*Fit’s EstroSupress is perfect for this point in the post-cycle.  By gradually allowing some estrogens to be produced and restoring natural testosterone levels, the body is not overly shocked and post-cycle muscle retention is maximized.   

This is one of our favorite proteins and a big part of this is the taste.  This is by far one of the easiest proteins to drink on the market.  Even when mixed in water Pro Complete 40 still tastes great.  The mix ability of Pro Complete 40 is excellent; we prefer using a shaker although it is possible to mix it with a spoon.

This product is over 80% protein which is calculated by taking the number of protein grams per serving (40gm) and dividing it by the total serving size (50gm).  This gives you 80% for Pro Complete 40.  Because flax oil has been added to this product the starting formula comes in at over 80%.  To put this in perspective the highest available protein percentage is between 81% and 82%. 

Pro Complete 40 uses a blend of protein which consists of whey isolates, casein and egg proteins.  The blend is preferred by most athletes as it is the most versatile of any protein.  The whey isolates in the product will get to the muscle quickly providing a quick anabolic jolt of protein.  The casein and egg proteins are digested slowly providing a much slower release of aminos into the blood stream and into the muscle.  This has a strong anticatabolic effect.  The formula is fortified with extra glutamine and BCAA’s which are the primary amino acids needed for muscle repair and recovery.

Because Pro Complete 40 uses higher quality proteins it is easily digested and doesn’t cause gas or bloating which can be seen with lower grade proteins.  Flax fiber and digestive enzymes where added to further aid in digestion and protein absorption.

The health profile of Pro Complete is hard to top.  There are only 100 calories per 20 gram scoop with 0gm saturated fat.  Cholesterol is only 5mg and the sodium is only 17.5mg.

If you have not yet tried this product stop into one of our stores as this company provides us with samples for customers to try out.