Muscle Talk
Jaime Filer
Jaime Filer graduated with a kinesiology degree from York University, where she was a varsity athlete. She’s also a former competitive bodybuilder who competed in drug-tested events throughout North America. If something new is trending in fitness, chances are Jaime’s already tried it!
Print
Supplement Zone - Eating disorders - Creatine - Turmeric
Supplement-related eating disorders in men
Eating disorders, body dysmorphic disorders, and other body-related emotional disorders are rampant in the fitness industry, but they’ve remained taboo for years. In a recent study, it was suggested that more men are turning not just to illegal steroids, but also to over-the-counter bodybuilding supplements, “to the point where it may qualify as an eating disorder.” The problem is not necessarily which supplements men are using, but mostly how much they’re using, and the psychological causes and effects of excessive use. Twenty nine percent of men were concerned with their own supplement use, and 3 percent had to be hospitalized for supplement-related kidney or liver problems. For the “health and fitness” industry, these aren’t flattering numbers. Self-esteem, body image, and supplement use are clearly issues in our industry that we need to tackle.
Creatine and Q10 make you live longer and smarter
Parkinson’s and Huntington’s disease are devastating neurodegenerative illnesses for which there are no medications yet. Scientists are experimenting with supplements such as creatine and Q10 in both human and animal trials. Their hope is that these supplements will offer a protective effect on nerve cells. Recently, an animal study was done to test this theory; one group of mice was given food containing creatine, one group was given food containing Q10, and the last group got food with both creatine and Q10. Not only did the supplements reduce the rate at which the disease developed in all three groups, but it also increased the lifespan of the mice by as much as 22 percent. This is both encouraging and promising for human trials.
Turmeric inhibits gluconeogenesis in liver cells
Turmeric is one of the most versatile spices out there. It’s used commonly in Indian recipes, but is also gaining a lot of traction among the #CleanEaters in the bodybuilding world. Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric. Researchers hypothesize that metabolites of curcumin can potentially hinder glucogeogenesis (conversion of amino acids into glucose), and that 4 to 8 grams of curcumin is enough to help slow down (or inhibit completely) the course of action. This means less glucose floating around in your blood and more amino acids staying in your muscles!
For another article from Supplement Zone specifically about Ephedrine and Arousal, click here!
Categories: