Many people think all proteins are created equal.  This is not the case.  Many proteins are chemically altered or manufactured using harsh chemicals.  These proteins will have a low assimilation rate (low rate of absorption), often cause digestive and intestinal problems and can taste terrible. 

As protein costs have gone up many manufacturers have also turned to lower grade proteins.  Manufacturers have the choice of using high quality grades of protein that are primarily protein or the lower grades which use inferior raw materials and are higher in fat, lactose, carbs, and ash.  For instance with whey concentrates manufacturers can choose from a range of raw materials ranging from 34% protein up 80% protein.  In an effort to bring down the cost of products some manufacturers are using the lower grades of proteins rather than raising prices.  The problem with this is that these proteins are not assimilated well by the body and often cause digestive problems.

Most bodybuilders and athletes take in high amounts of protein that are not usable by the body.  As a result they see less results for their training efforts and they are allowing toxins to potentially build up within the body as a result of undigested protein.  Make sure you spend your money on protein that is going to help you achieve your fitness goals.  While affordability is obviously an issue it doesn’t make sense to get a product that will not help you achieve your goals and may cause health issues.

On the inexpensive end we recommend the Pro Whey, when looking at higher quality products check out Pro Complete 40 or Isopure.  For a naturally sweetened product take a look at NOW Foods whey.

Working out and dieting can help create a calorie deficit (taking in fewer calories than burned) which is necessary for weight loss.  The ideal situation is one in which you lose body fat and maintain muscle tone.  The trick is to get your body to use fat as a fuel source.  This is where CLA and L-Carnitine can help.

Conjugated Linoleic Acid or CLA has been shown to inhibit the activity of lipoprotein lipase, an enzyme involved in the uptake of fat into fat cells.  This can reduce fat uptake into cells preventing accumulation of body fat.  CLA also promotes the body’s use of fat as fuel, helping to breakdown fatty acids allowing them to get into the blood stream to be used as fuel.   Several studies have shown that CLA can positively affect body composition and has a beneficial effect on lean muscle mass. 

Carnitine is a nutrient responsible for the transport of long-chain fatty acids into the energy-producing centers of the cells (known as the mitochondria). In other words, carnitine helps the body convert fatty acids into energy, which is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body. 

Intek CLA Evolution combines both of these ingredients in the doses researched to provide results.  Try Intek CLA Evolution for a non stimulant product to help your body burn more fat. 

Essential Fatty Acids (EFAs) are considered “good” fats.  Your body cannot make Essential Fatty Acids, and therefore they need to come from your diet or from a supplement.  Since most of us do not consume a diet high in these fats it may become necessary to take a dietary supplement.  EFAs contribute to your health in too many ways to list here.  Research with EFAs as supplements has been performed in relation to their potential benefits to your heart, skin, brain, eyes, joints and more.

The ideal intake ratio of Omega-6 to Omega-3 fatty acids is between 1:1 and 4:1.  This means for every gram of Omega-6 you need up to one gram of Omega-3.  The typical American diet often leads to a ratio between 10:1 and 25:1, a proportion which may lead to health related issues.  Changing your diet to improve your ratio is an important factor in experiencing the full health benefits of EFAs – that’s why so many people take an Omega-3 supplement every day.  

Omega-3 and Omega-6 are scientific terms for two different classifications of EFAs. These names are derived from the chemical composition of the fatty acid molecules. Omega-3 fatty acids include ALA, EPA DHA.  Omega-6 fatty acids include GLA and LA.

The most popular dietary supplements for EFAs are Fish Oil, Flax Seed Oil, Evening Primrose Oil, and Borage Oil.

The reason fish oil is so popular as a supplement, is that not all of us convert ALA into EPA and DHA.  DHA is important for health and, even if the body converts the ALA to EPA, it still has to make DHA.  Since we are unaware of who is able to make the conversion, make sure to take fish oil to assure to assure you are getting adequate EPA and DHA.

Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic Acid (DHA) (Omega-3 Fatty Acids) are responsible for many of the beneficial effects of fish oils.  Research has shown that fish oils containing EPA and DHA may have therapeutic benefits throughout your body, especially for the health of your heart, brain and joints.

Alpha Linolenic Acid (ALA) (An Omega-3 Fatty Acid) is found primarily in Flax seed oil. ALA helps support heart health, including healthy cholesterol already within the normal range, and may also provide immunity benefits.  In some of us, the body can convert ALA into EPA and DHA.

Gamma Linolenic Acid (GLA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in borage, black currant and evening primrose oils.  GLA helps the body’s inflammation response and supports healthy circulation.  It supports mood in pre-menopausal women as well.

Linoleic Acid (LA) (An Omega-6 Fatty Acid) is found in processed foods, margarine, and vegetable oils.  LA helps improve skin conditions.  It may also be partially converted to GLA in the body.

SNI Pro Whey is actually a blended protein consisting of whey concentrate, whey isolate Egg Albumin, and Potassium Caseinate.  This product is geared toward the consumer looking for value.  The price point is low but the quality holds up with almost any other blended protein.  Each scoop packs 30grams of protein and because it is a blend of several different protein types it is more versatile than many other products.  It can be used post workout, between meals or even before going to sleep. 

The addition of digestive enzymes makes it easy to digest and the product flavor is good even when mixed in water.

If you are looking for protein value we think this is definitely one of the better options available.

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.

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.

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.

L-Arginine AKG is actually two ingredients, L-arginine and alpha ketogluterate (AKG).  About eight years ago, it was discovered that the absorbability of free form amino acids, like L-arginine are increased when bonded with AKG.  The preferred ratio is two parts L-arginine and one part AKG (2:1).

Over time, new tests showed a one to one (1:1) ratio was good on absorbability, but total L-arginine was reduced to nearly insignificant amounts.  Before long, 1:1 became the standard.  That means if you see L-Arginine AKG….2000mg, there is only 1g of L-arginine.

The 2:1 is now considered a “premium” ingredient yielding 33% more L-arginine with the highest absorbability.

The same is true with many other bonded free form amino acids like L-citrulline malate.  A 2:1 ration of Citrulline to malate is premium.