FORTITUDE May 2005

Welcome to the third issue FORTITUDE!

Message of the month: Nutritional Supplements

I have been getting many questions about nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements pose a lot of questions because they require an understanding of what the purpose of the supplement is and whether or not it is for you. A nutritional supplement is an ergogenic aid use to enhance the results you are aiming for. One thing to remember: there is no magic pill. A balanced nutrition program, as discussed in last month's Fortitude, is essential before incorporating nutritional supplements into your fitness program. One should be training consistently and eating balanced meals for at least one year before considering nutritional supplements. Nutritional supplements are used as an extra push for your results, not as something you depend upon. Your training program and your balanced nutritional program is the foundation of your overall fitness program. Once you have reached your base goals then is it wise to add supplements to enhance your results, but they are NOT necessary. Many supplements out there are to be cycled to provide optimal health and results. Cycling means to take the supplement for some time and then off for some time from your program.

If you are competing in any sports you must be aware of the legal and illegal nutritional supplements. Here is a list of some, not all, nutritional supplements that are illegal by the International Olympic Committee:
There are many nutritional supplements out there that are dangerous. So you must be sure that the supplement you decide to take is safe. If you decide to take a nutritional supplement, here is a list of things you must do for your optimal results:
  1. Ask a health care professional who is knowledgeable about supplements.
  2. Do a literature research. Be wary of articles or publications funded by the manufacturer of the supplement. Understand how the supplement works.
  3. Determine the reputability of the manufacturer. Have they been in business for a long time? Do they have quality control standards? Do they publish their research?
  4. Note any side effects associated with the supplement.
  5. Is the proposed benefit worth the cost or risk?
  6. Are there any illegal or banned substances contained within the supplement?
  7. Will the supplement interfere with or otherwise affect any medications or other supplements you may be taking?
  8. Does the supplement need to be combined with another supplements for optimal results?
Here is a list of ten common nutritional supplements:
  1. Whey Protein Powder - builds muscle tissue.
  2. Vitamins and Minerals - Necessary for all functions of the body.
  3. BCCA - Branched-chain amino acids. Builds muscle tissue.
  4. Creatine - increases performance sand builds muscle tissue.
  5. Ribose - increases performance and builds muscle tissue.
  6. L-Glutamine - Essential amino acid to build muscle tissue.
  7. Green Tea - Provides antioxidants and enhances metabolism for weightloss.
  8. HMB - beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate builds muscle and burns fat in response to intense exercise.
  9. CLA - Conjugated Linoleic Acid. Builds muscle and decreases body fat.
  10. Acetyl L-Carnitine - Helps reduces body fat.
Here is a list three supplements to enhance body fat reduction:
  1. Zantrex 3 by Azoller Labs www.zollerlabs.com
  2. Hot Rox by Biotest www.biotest.net
  3. Natural Metabolism Enhancer from Herbal Care Direct www.herbalcaredirect.com
Remember you must be training consistently and eating balanced meals before incorporating these nutritional supplements into your fitness program. For more information you can visit: Over 800 years ago, Moses Maimonides said "The physician should not treat the ailment, but the patient who is suffering from it."

Until next time, continue training consistently smart, and most of all have fun!

Christian


"My heart and soul is vibrating like a volcano, and I am breathing like a dragon, The Fire of Life."