Favorite Supplements?

[WicKeD_WaYz]

What do you guys like to use after lifting, before...etc.? Does it work?!?!?! No lying I dont care what the box says! Does it really work?


For me....

Kre-Alkuline(sp? the bottle is downstairs) Just started my cycle but this stuff looks to be the best creatine around now. I love creatine. This stuff looks like it cuts down on the bloating compared to I dont know...Cell Tech.

Nitrix-No2 Used it forever...love it. Not much of a weight gainer but I like lifting with it in my system almost as much as I do ephedrin.

Androstendiol-19Nor...just started with this monday. Ill see how it goes and mayb pick up a couple more types of andro before the ban comes in effect on the 20th I beleive.

Glutamine- Best supplement I could reccomend if I had to pick one. Really cuts down on soreness and muscle repair time. I think it also keeps your body more anabolic if you take it before bed and probably any time of the day for that matter.

and of course WEIGHT GAINER. I have toooo many different brands. For me I like a lot of protein and complex carbs. Right now im drinking N-Large2.

Thats all Im on right now. What about YOU?

[Mango]

What do you guys like to use after lifting, before...etc.? Does it work?!?!?! No lying I dont care what the box says! Does it really work?


For me....

Kre-Alkuline(sp? the bottle is downstairs) Just started my cycle but this stuff looks to be the best creatine around now. I love creatine. This stuff looks like it cuts down on the bloating compared to I dont know...Cell Tech.

*sigh* Ok Creatine supplements work off the HOPE that increasing the amount of muscle phosocreatine (which we have in our cells naturally and our body produces) will increase the amount of ADP that can be converted into ATP for our cells to use as energy in the Mitocondria (the powerhouse cells of the body that produce energy). Creatine is probably the most researched supplement besides the Amino Acid Glutamine. In the end, it was found that supplementation of Creatine was somewhat successful but for reasons other than what people buy the supplement for. Increasing the amount of phosocreatine in the cells also increases the amount of WATER held in those cells. Since most people live in a dehydrated state they saw benefits that were not attributed to excess phosocreatine but to being properly hydrated.

Nitrix-No2 Used it forever...love it. Not much of a weight gainer but I like lifting with it in my system almost as much as I do ephedrin.

NADH supplements (nicotinamide adenin dinucleotide) have been used to treat people with Cronic Fatigue Syndrome (which in my mind does not exists but thats another thread) for many years. Although the theory behind these supplements is to increase ATP production much like Creatine supplements hope to do, in the end they are mildly successful. These supplements are merely precursors or co-enzymes in the reaction. Increasing one is only successful if you can increase the other! Although research has shown that 30 to 50% of those given NAD supplements had a favorable response and lessening of symptons of CFS. It is also found in small amounts in most foods (meat & poltry). Again, another supplement that is not needed.

Androstendiol-19Nor...just started with this monday. Ill see how it goes and mayb pick up a couple more types of andro before the ban comes in effect on the 20th I beleive.

Glutamine- Best supplement I could reccomend if I had to pick one. Really cuts down on soreness and muscle repair time. I think it also keeps your body more anabolic if you take it before bed and probably any time of the day for that matter.

Glutamine is the most abundant Amino Acid in the body. As a non-essential Amino Acid the body can produce it from other AA's as needed (from Glutamic Acid found in skeletal muscle tissue). Glutamines main functions in the body include acting as a precursor in the synthesis of amino acids and glucose for energy. Glutamine has been shown, in recent studies involving athletes, to have favorable effects in preventing the catabolic effect of muscle wasting in those whose bodies cannot produce enough Glutamine. It is used with great success in critically ill patients and those with severe burns in hospitals. Supplementation in highly trained athletes and those who are very active has been shown to be beneficial and I use it myself.

and of course WEIGHT GAINER. I have toooo many different brands. For me I like a lot of protein and complex carbs. Right now im drinking N-Large2.

Excess protein intake will not make you bigger. The excess protein will be stored in the body as fat while it uses up large amounts of water in the filtration process. The trick is to find out how much protein you NEED (for those who are physically active and excercise regularly, about .9 grams per kg of body weight). That is all you need. Weight Gainers do not work. Excess protein does not work. IT just puts excess stress on your kidneys while they try to filter out all of this excess particulate.

Think about it, these supplements are just that, they SUPPLEMENT something that is naturally lost in your diet. Diet, proper nutrition, should be all you need. On rare occasion, as with Amino Acids like Glutamine, I will recommend or use it myself but the more I learn about Physiology the more I realize that these products are either snake oil, are VERY dangerous to the body or the same effects can be obtained through proper nutrition.

People will forever search for a magic pill. If they can drink something, eat a bar or take some potion they always will try. Believe me, I've tried just about everything in the past 5 years. That was before I had the schooling I have now.

What about YOU?

I eat a proper diet, use multivitamin w/ a complete B and E vitamin as well, and use my own special blend of AA's with a little bit of whey protein as a recover drink after lifting. I could probably bottle and sell it to people, hell, people are buying NO2 supplements

[mwsriders]

When I was lifting alot I used creatine It was great I was able to lift more frequently and my body was not as sore. By having more creatine in your body your cells get hydrated, good for cell repair and it also makes them look bigger. Most of the stuff was from EAS. I lifted under the BODY FOR LIFE Program. Great weight lifting program. I have not lifted in a long time, now im just trying to stay healthy.

Oh PS.
Dont over use creatine. Its hard on your liver,

[Mango]

When I was lifting alot I used creatine It was great I was able to lift more frequently and my body was not as sore. By having more creatine in your body your cells get hydrated, good for cell repair and it also makes them look bigger. Most of the stuff was from EAS. I lifted under the BODY FOR LIFE Program. Great weight lifting program. I have not lifted in a long time, now im just trying to stay healthy.

Oh PS.
Dont over use creatine. Its hard on your liver,

Bill Phillips program over emphasises the use of protein. It SERIOUSLY does. Before I knew any better I bought the book and read it while trying to do it myself. As I learned more at college I realized just how erroneous many things were in his program. The lifting program is good, nutrition plan is alright except for, as I said, how many shakes he has you take. Which makes sense since he owns EAS and wants to sell supplements!

Also, ANY extra intake of Creatine will put stress on the kidneys and liver since they are the major filtration organs in the body, among other things. Any time you take in extra creatine you want to increase water intake to facilitate uptake and provide the cells with thier most important nutrient.

[PissedGodzilla]

First, Great informative post Mango, it helped me out alot! Thanks!

Second, I agree with Mango specifically on the Androstenedione point. Coming from a science major who researched a graduate school thesis on Andro, I must tell you that the effect are negligible if there are any at all. it's just a waste of $$, unfortunately. The majority of the product ingested will be broken down by the stomach acids before they reach your intestinal tract where absorption occurs.

Wow my Degree actually came in handy on AO. Who'd a thunk it!

[PissedGodzilla]

Hey Mango, since you are AO's resident health guru, you have any suggestions on what I should be taking daily? I am an overweight dude, seriously overweight, but working on it... I have been excersizing alot lately, but I don't know what I should be taking as far as supplements go. So far I am only taking a multivitamin from Solgar. My Fiance' works for them and I trust their products.

[Mango]

Hey Mango, since you are AO's resident health guru, you have any suggestions on what I should be taking daily? I am an overweight dude, seriously overweight, but working on it... I have been excersizing alot lately, but I don't know what I should be taking as far as supplements go. So far I am only taking a multivitamin from Solgar. My Fiance' works for them and I trust their products.

First let me say I applaud the fact that you are taking the first steps to losing weight!! I know what it feels like as I went from being morbidly obese about 4 years ago to where I am today, so I can relate.

Secondly, if you are excercising regularly (at least 30 min a day 5 to 6 times a week) alternating cardio and weight lifting, you should be eating a well balanced diet. That is singularly the most important factor. As well as taking in plenty of water (about 8 glasses a day but just carry a water bottle with you everywhere you go and sip it throughout the day).

Ok now that I've said that, as far as supplements go for someone in your situation I would need to sit down and discuss what your daily nutrition is REALLY like before I could tell you what to "supplement." Also, I do not know your health history nor what current conditions effect you. Thus, Iwould be wrong to say you should take in a B-complex or Calcium, etc. Know what I mean?

I can only make broad suggestions such as eat 5 to 6 smaller meals throughout the day, ALWAYS eat breakfast, take your multivitamin and BE ACTIVE. I can say, if your nutrition is not where it should be and you are 50lbs or more overweight that a Glucosamine w/ Condroiton supplement would not be a bad idea. This complex helps increase the production of synovial fluid in your joints (this lubricates the joints) and can be beneficial if you are doing any cardiovascular activities at the gym or walking outside, etc.

PM me with a more broad outline of what your daily eating routine is like and anything else that might effect this if you want more information. I'd love to help.

[WicKeD_WaYz]

Mango...maybe the supplements dont work quite like the package says, but NO2 DOES work. First of all theres the effect I dont care much about which is it keeps your muscles all inflated and give you that I just worked out lift all day long. But when taking it ive also noticed bigger increases in strength gains. While taking creatine Ive noticed the same thing...sure you retain water but I also get stronger and lose the water after my cycle.


All im saying is you have great textbook answers...but supplements arent justa myth. They really do work for me. I lifted lots of years without ever using anything so I can tell if im getting stronger at a steady rate or at a faster rate due to something I take right after lifting, before bed, etc.


For me, I dont care what researchers say will work or not, because im the one in the gym putting in the hours and noticing differences. And I really do know if things are working or not. I have a hundred bottles in my closet that didnt work. The 4 I keep in my kitchen are then ones that did.

[grw4w34]

They gave us Muscle Milk in hs for football lifting. Cytomax to drink all the time.

[Mango]

For me, I dont care what researchers say will work or not, because im the one in the gym putting in the hours and noticing differences. And I really do know if things are working or not. I have a hundred bottles in my closet that didnt work. The 4 I keep in my kitchen are then ones that did.

Believe me I know exactly what you mean. I will guarentee that nobody on AO spends more time in a gym than I do. A few on here could testify to that. When I first started I spent thousands on supplements over the course of 3 years, before I was properly educated in college.

As for the cell volumnizing effect of the NO2 well yeah, that is about all it is good for. Research is conducted to ascertain the validity of a product and its claims. One thing you have to remember is that supplements work off the principle that the user already has a psychological predisposition to believe that it will work. Any and all gains or changes seen after the fact, must be the product working! When in fact, it is because they took in a supplement and are experiencing a short neurological "boost" to thier "physiological self esteem" if you will. People will often lift harder at the gym just because they took in SOMETHING. A placebo will reflect the same gains.


As for Cretine, I was probably not clear. I do believe it can be beneficial for people to use it, so long as they use it correctly. Also, it will not "increase strength" as many bottles claim. The supplement will simply increase the water retention and maybe, in some people, increase ATP production.

[WicKeD_WaYz]

Believe me I know exactly what you mean. I will guarentee that nobody on AO spends more time in a gym than I do. A few on here could testify to that. When I first started I spent thousands on supplements over the course of 3 years, before I was properly educated in college.

As for the cell volumnizing effect of the NO2 well yeah, that is about all it is good for. Research is conducted to ascertain the validity of a product and its claims. One thing you have to remember is that supplements work off the principle that the user already has a psychological predisposition to believe that it will work. Any and all gains or changes seen after the fact, must be the product working! When in fact, it is because they took in a supplement and are experiencing a short neurological "boost" to thier "physiological self esteem" if you will. People will often lift harder at the gym just because they took in SOMETHING. A placebo will reflect the same gains.


As for Cretine, I was probably not clear. I do believe it can be beneficial for people to use it, so long as they use it correctly. Also, it will not "increase strength" as many bottles claim. The supplement will simply increase the water retention and maybe, in some people, increase ATP production.

I understand and im sure I spend about the same amount of time you do in the gym/running/training etc. Im just saying you seemed to have the general idea that supplements dont work. Im not going to say they all do but I have found some that do help out. They dont make a huge noticable difference unless u take them for extended periods of time.

I know nothing "increases strength" by itself. You gotta lift on your own or nothing will work, but some things do help though.

[jamescell]

I don't know what people will think of this but WHEAT GRASS JUICE! I swear by the stuff, sure it tastes absouluty rotten but the stuff does absolute miricals for body builders.

[Lohman446]

Does Addrall (sp) or Dresoxyn (sp) when prescribed count as a supplement

Just one shadey doctor away....


Hmm... I know this is close to the line... I think its ok with the prescription names I have posted... if its offensive to anyone I'll get rid of it... in my defense I think using the clinical names keeps it on the right side of the line... maybe...