Have you heard about the acai berry? Do you want to know more about the health benefits of acai berries and berry juice? Acai berries are highly touted by marketers who say it’s one of the elite superfoods with anti-aging and weight loss properties. Some manufacturers use acai berries in cosmetics and beauty products. But do scientific studies support these claims of acai benefits?

Dymatize Xpand – Xperience Xtreme Muscle Pumps

Available in the following flavors: Blue Raspberry, Cherry Limeade, Fruit Punch, Grape, Orange, Pina Colada,
Pink Lemonade, Tropical Berry.

Xpand, The All New Nitric Oxide Reactor from Dymatize, features the latest technology fusing A-AKG and Tri-Creatine Malate with the most hardcore muscle volumizers available to give serious bodybuilders the massive pumps they are sweating for. Our exclusive muscle volumizing formula takes your workouts to a whole new level, producing the most unbelievable muscular and vascular pumps you have ever experienced.
Xpand gives you the Ultimate Nitric Oxide Boost with a generous 3g of A-AKG per serving.

After years of research and development, Dymatize has created the Ultimate Pre and Post-Workout product: Xpand. Using the latest technology, combining Arginine Fusion™, Creatine Ester Fusion™, Glutamine Fusion™, and our Xpansion/Recovery matrix, Xpand was designed to create mind blowing pumps, maximize creatine uptake and allow for ultimate muscle recovery. Xpand not only tastes incredible but also mixes instantly. Look no further, Xpand will blow your mind.

Not only is Xpand your best bet for awesome results, but also for great taste. No matter which flavor you choose, Xpand will exceed your expectations.

Other Ingredients:
Maltodextrin, Natural And Artificial Flavors, Sucralose, Red #40

Directions:
Take one level scoop of Xpand with 16 oz. of water, juice or your favorite beverage.
Pre-Workout: Take 1 serving of Xpand 30 minutes before your workout.
Post-Workout: Take 1 serving of Xpand 15-45 minutes after your workout.
Non-Workout days: Take 1 serving of Xpand. Consume at least 64 oz of water daily. Only take 1 serving daily if you weigh less than 110 lbs.

Warnings:
Not intended for use by persons under 18. Do not use if you are pregnant or nursing. Consult a medical doctor before use if you have been treated for or diagnosed with, or have a family history of, or any medical condition including, but not limited to: cardiovascular complications, central nervous system, genito-urinary problems, or if you are using any prescription or over-the-counter medication(s).

Do not use if you have had a myocardial infarction (heart attack). Use this product with caution if you have a history of cold sores. Consult a medical doctor before starting any diet or exercise program. Use only as directed. Do not use for more than 6 months. Do not exceed recommended intake. For healthy adults use only. Keep out of the reach of children.

These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Force Factor represents a long overdue progression in the fundamental paradigm of nutraceutical development.

The L-Arginine enhancement in Force Factor, along with Force Factor’s proprietary blend of naturally occurring ingredients, increases the body’s energy, strength, and endurance levels by stimulating the natural production of Nitric Oxide, a critical player in the recovery and renewal process.

Nitric Oxide forms an essential basis for muscle growth and performance in the body, mediating vital nutrient delivery, blood flow, and metabolic adaptation. The unique nutrient delivery system guarantees rapid, efficient release of Nitric Oxide for immediate, massive elevations in blood concentration, sustaining for upwards of several hours.

Force Factor’s distinctly effective formulation harnesses the raw power of the body’s internal muscle enhancing machinery, making for an unbeatable body development experience.

Scientific Information

Nitric Oxide (N.O.), recently featured and recommended on TV and in the mainstream media, is a natural chemical compound which has been found to increase blood flow and improve muscular fullness through vasodilation and oxygen delivery.

As a vasodilator, N.O. helps move oxygen into your muscles when they need it most, sparking powerful muscle growth, strength gains, and ripped pumps. Nitric oxide supplementation may naturally enhance sexual performance, as increased oxygen flow occurs all over the body as a result of vasodilation. Finally, good levels of N.O. have been found to promote immune response and wound healing. In other words, even the low doses of nitric oxide that your body naturally produces have great impacts on your overall health, from muscular growth to healthy blood flow.

What’s the catch? The problem is that although nitric oxide is naturally occurring in your body, you don’t make quite enough of it. As a result, the experts at Force Factor have developed special blends of amino acids that cause increased levels of nitric oxide in the body. Force Factor Nitric Oxide Booster is a natural compound that helps us build strength, gain muscle, protect our immune systems and promote effective cardiovascular function. It gives the ultimate boost to our overall health.

1. Natural enzymes immediately get to work by converting Force Factor’s signature L-Arginine complex into powerful Nitric Oxide, raising the N.O. levels in your blood.
2. The endolithium, or inner lining of your blood vessels, begins to signal the smooth muscle surrounding your veins to relax, causing the blood vessels to expand.
3. While exerting the muscles during a workout, the vascular dilation allows an increased blood flow.
4. In this state, the veins are primed to increase nutrient delivery to the muscles throughout the period of physical activity.
5. The body will begin to feel invigorated, refreshed, and motivated to push the normal exercise limits.
6. You walk away from your workout with confidence and the sense of accomplishment that only comes from the boost provided by Force Factor’s unique formulation.

]]> http://garrett-thierry.com/blog/2010/01/04/nitric-oxide-supplements-force-factor-x-pand-and-nitrix/feed/ 31 http://garrett-thierry.com/blog/2010/01/04/optimum-nutrition-pro-complex/ http://garrett-thierry.com/blog/2010/01/04/optimum-nutrition-pro-complex/#comments Mon, 04 Jan 2010 23:13:18 +0000 garrett http://garrett-thierry.com/blog/?p=23 Since different proteins have distinct amino acid profiles and utilization rates, Pro Complex Augmented Protein System (APS) combines 8 sources to create a superior protein blend, designed to enhance your muscle-building potential. Uniting Whey Protein Isolates, Egg Albumen, and Hydrolyzed Proteins, and key Free Form Amino Acids, we’ve created a protein with varied digestion rates and an amino acid profile that’s off the charts. Each serving of Pro Complex APS is packed with 60 grams of the highest quality proteins commercially available. Simply put, it’s formulated to take you to the next level.

Beyond the Basics

* 8 Premium Protein Sources
* Over 14,000 mg of BCAAs
* 10,500 mg of Glutamine & Precursors
* Loaded with Protein Microfractions
* Digestive Enzymes
* Comprehensive Vitamin & Mineral Blend
* Instantized

For over two decades there has been a debate in the treatment of osteoarthritis about the use of the joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin. Osteoarthritis is a condition that causes problems of wearing out of the normal smooth cartilage surfaces of the joints. Often called wear-and-tear arthritis, osteoarthritis causes joint pain, swelling, and deformity. Osteoarthritis is the most common type of arthritis
How do glucosamine and chondroitin work?

What research has investigated glucosamine and chondroitin?
There have been numerous studies to examine the treatment effects of glucosamine and chondroitin over short periods of time. Most of these studies last only one to two months; however, they have indicated that patients experienced more pain reduction when taking glucosamine and chondroitin than patients receiving a placebo. The improvement experienced by these patients was similar to improvements experienced by patients taking nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs) that have been a mainstay of non-operative arthritis treatment. The difference is that NSAIDs carry an increased risk of side effects including gastrointestinal complaints and bleeding.

The joint supplements glucosamine and chondroitin have few side effects, and thus their use would be preferred if the effects of pain reduction were indeed the same. Furthermore, there is an indication that NSAIDs may increase the progression of arthritis, whereas glucosamine and chondroitin may offer a more protective effect to the cartilage surface.

There have been some recent investigations that are focusing on the two primary problems of earlier studies into the supplements glucosamine and chondroitin:

• Studying more patients
• Following these patients for a longer period of time

Because osteoarthritis is a chronic disease that progresses slowly over time, in order to test any treatment, a long period of follow-up is necessary. In one recent study, the effects of chondroitin in 372 patients over a minimum three month period was investigated. This study, which combined the data from other smaller studies, found that patients did have an improvement in their symptoms of pain.

There have also been long-term studies lasting over one year into the effects of glucosamine. These studies also have shown encouraging results. A presentation at the 1999 meeting of the American College of Rheumatology illustrated the findings of a three year long European study that compared the effects of glucosamine versus placebo in about 200 patients. The group of patients taking glucosamine had less pain and better x-ray findings than the group of patients taking the placebo.

Should I be taking glucosamine and chondroitin?
Again, the results of studies investigating glucosamine and chondroitin have been encouraging, but have not passed the test of a well-designed study to be accepted into the primary treatment plan for osteoarthritis. Furthermore, because these are unregulated supplements, a particular brand of glucosamine or chondroitin may or may not be of satisfactory quality.

Ultimately, what patients should understand, is that glucosamine and chondroitin have shown encouraging evidence that these supplements can provide help with treating osteoarthritis. However, these studies have ranged from poor to satisfactory in quality, and in order to be accepted as an effective treatment for osteoarthritis, more research must be completed.

What is known, is that there are effective treatments for osteoarthritis that every patient should be using before considering these supplements. Specifically, recommendations for weight control, exercise, proper use of medications, and joint protection are known to minimize the progression and improve symptoms of osteoarthritis. These steps must be taken by all arthritis patients for optimal treatment to take place.

When it comes to choosing joint supplements there are many options. Use caution when choosing both the supplement and brand. Recent studies have shown that some brands come far short of the label claims. In one study of eleven chondroitin products, tests showed four of the products contained less than half the stated amount of chondroitin. How do you choose a product? The Arthritis Foundation says to pick the most reputabile brand–don’t try to save with a cheaper imitation.

Top 4 Joint Supplements

1. Glucosamine

Glucosamine is an amino acid that is naturally produced in the body. Glucosamine is a precursor to a molecule used in the formation and repair of cartilage. Treatment with glucosamine is based on the idea that oral consumption of the substance may increase to rate of formation of new cartilage by providing more of the necessary building blocks. The recommended dose of glucosamine in 1500mg each day for one to two months. Ongoing treatment if often continued if results are favorable.

2. Chondroitin

Chondroitin is the most abundant glycosaminoglycan in cartilage and is partly responsible for the resiliency of cartilage. Chondroitin is also important in preventing the action of enzymes that destroy cartilage. The recommended dose of chondroitin is 800 mg each day (400 mg twice daily) for one to two months. Ongoing treatment if often continued if results are favorable. Most commonly chondroitin is take in combination with glucosamine.

3. MSM

Methylsulfonylmethane (MSM) is taken because some believe it helps support health ligaments. While glucosamine and chondroitin have not undergone extensive clinical testing, MSM has not undergone any significant test to support its use. The theory is that the sulfer in MSM helps the body maintain healthy, flexible ligaments.

4. Combination Supplements

Combinations of both glucosamine and chondroitin, and all three aforementioned supplements, are readily available. These combinations are usually cheaper than the individual medications and certainly easier to take. Use caution when taking these medications, and check with your doctor before starting these drugs.

ZMA is a combination of two minerals, zinc and magnesium, and Vitamin B-6 or pyridoxine. All three of these compounds are important in biological processes, and while studies have shown that most Americans get enough zinc and Vitamin B6,[1] more than 50% don’t meet the U.S. government’s recommendation for magnesium.[2]

An increase in exercise can lead to the loss of vitamins and minerals making it particularly important for bodybuilding due to the blood sugar level rises and urination increases, increasing the loss of magnesium, zinc, B12, B6, folic acid, and many other nutrients. Although drinking water re-hydrates an athlete, fruit juice, sports drinks or foods high in water such as vegetables are needed to replenish water-soluble nutrients.

The proportion of ingredients generally used in products is 20-30 mg zinc, 400-500 mg magnesium and ~10mg B6. According to the label directions, ZMA should be taken before bed on an empty stomach (2 hours after eating your last meal and at least 30 minutes prior to any other supplements). The product should not be taken with calcium (cheese,milk,etc.), the reason being that calcium blocks the absorption of zinc.

Scientific studies

A 1999 study was undertaken on NCAA Football players during an 8 week spring training program. The control group was told to cease taking any nutritional supplements. Those who took the ZMA tablets showed greater increases in muscle strength. This study was funded by SNAC Systems Inc. (the patent holders) and one of the study’s authors (Victor Conte) has equity in this company.

In 2004, a study funded by a research grant from Cytodyne (another supplement producing company) with 42 resistance trained males showed that ZMA supplementation had no significant effects on total and free testosterone, IGF-1, growth hormone, cortisol, the ratio of cortisol to testosterone, or muscle and liver enzymes in response to training. No significant effects were observed in changes in strength, upper or lower body muscle endurance, or anaerobic sprint capacity [3].

In another study done in 2006, a team of German scientists conducted a study on the effect of ZMA and testosterone levels in the body[4]. The result showed an increase in zinc secretions in urine, but no effect on the level of testosterone in the body.