Bodybuilding.com - Rod_Solo's BodySpace: Current Supplements

Started: Jan 01, 2004

Reason: Glutamine is one of the 20 amino acids encoded by the genetic code. Glutamine is a non-essential amino acid, meaning it can be produced by the body and is involved in a variety of metabolic processes. Glutamine has recently been re-classified as a conditionally essential amino acid. This means that while the body can make glutamine, under extreme physical stress the demand for glutamine exceeds the body's ability to synthesize it. During times of stress glutamine reserves are depleted and need to be replenished through supplementation. Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body. Over 61% of skeletal muscle tissue is glutamine. L-glutamine is predominantly synthesized and stored in skeletal muscle. Glutamine is converted into the excitotoxin glutamate within neurons. Glutamine is then transported to the neuron and by the enzyme glutaminase, it is converted to glutamate--the potential excitotoxin. L-glutamine accounts for 30-35 percent of the amino acid nitrogen in the plasma. It contains two ammonia groups, one from its precursor, glutamate, and the other from free ammonia in the bloodstream. Glutamine is one of the three amino acids involved in glutathione synthesis. Glutathione, an important intracellular antioxidant and hepatic detoxifier, is comprised of glutamic acid, cysteine, and glycine.

Intense exercise can very quickly deplete the supply of glutamine in muscle cells by up to 40 percent. As the body seeks sources of energy, it is sacrificed to convert to glutamate which ultimately breaks down to form the energy molecule, ATP. With about 60 percent of free amino acids in muscle tissue being glutamine, it is easy to see where this can be a hindrance to those of us seeking to add muscle (and, necessarily, not lose the muscle we have) because the lack of sufficient glutamine is helping to create a catabolic state (where muscle tissue is broken down to aid in energy production - also known as a negative nitrogen balance).

Supplementing has been shown to slow down or stop this catabolic state. In the case of over training syndrome (OTS), where the body enters a prolonged negative nitrogen balance state, low levels of blood glutamine are present. Without direct supplementation, recovery from OTS to normal glutamine levels can be extended, sometimes requiring six weeks of complete rest or more. Supplementation is very valuable for preventing OTS and allowing you to work harder and make the muscle gains you are after.

But the potential benefits do not stop with its anti-catabolic abilities. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis (the building of new muscle). Additionally, through ways not yet fully known, it has been shown to aid in replenishing muscle glycogen stores which increases muscle volume (makes bigger muscles). Glutamine has also been shown to have the ability to raise growth hormone (GH) levels. GH can be responsible for elevated moods as well as possibly encouraging muscle growth.

When you add together the ability to boost the immune system, help prevent catabolism and create volume within the muscles, and the many other benefits of giving the body an ample supply of glutamine, you come up with one of the most valuable of the bodybuilding supplements.

Started: Jun 01, 2007

Reason: Glucosamine and MSM (Methyl Sulfonyl Methane) are perhaps the most widely used natural supplements for those seeking alternative solutions for pain relief, inflammation and tissue repair.

Glucosamine, the precursor in the formation of Chondroitin, has been found to stimulate cartilage cells to synthesize glycosaminoglycans and proteoglycansore. This essentially means that Glucosamine has the potential to rebuild the cartilage lost in a joint due to injury or osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease.

MSM has been shown to add flexibility to cell walls while allowing fluids to pass through the tissue more easily. MSM enhances tissue pliability and encourages the repair of damaged skin. MSM levels in humans decline with age, resulting in symptoms of fatigue, tissue and organ malfunction, and increased susceptibility to disease.

Started: Jun 01, 2007

Reason: The liver is a large glandular organ, whose functions include storage and filtration of blood, secretion of bile, detoxification of various substances, and conversion of sugars into glycogen, which it stores. The liver is also responsible for processing many vitamins and nutrients into a form that can be utilized by the body, and processing many toxic chemicals for elimination.

Modern living involves daily exposure to substances that are toxic to our bodies, which imposes a heavy load on the liver. Therefore, a healthy liver is critical to well-being. Certain lifestyle risks and medical conditions make it all the more important to ensure that the liver is being maintained at its functional best.

In Europe and Asia, herbal liver tonics have been in common use for centuries. The effectiveness of the herbs used has been validated during the past decades through modern research and clinical studies. These herbs generally contain antioxidants, cell membrane stabilizing agents, bile secretion enhancing compounds, or nutrients that prevent depletion of endogenous antioxidants such as glutathione. Hepato-protection is beneficial not only for the liver, but for the overall health and vitality of our body.

The branched chain amino acids L-valine, L-leucine, and L-isoleucine enhance protein synthesis in liver cells and muscle cells. Because they can be oxidized in the cell’s mitochondria, the branched chain amino acids may also provide energy. They are used by body builders to produce an anabolic effect and repair the micro tears that are a normal result of exercise.

Started: Jun 01, 2008

Started: Jul 01, 2008

Started: Jan 01, 2009

Started: May 01, 2009

Reason: Vitamins and minerals are essential dietary micro-nutrients. They serve many functions in the body, and dietary deficiency can result in ill health. These micronutrients donâ??t directly help build muscle or reduce body fat, but an adequate supply of dietary vitamins and minerals is necessary for optimal athletic performance.

Started: May 01, 2009

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