BETAINE

 

What supplement does a power lifter a pig and a horse have in common? BETAINE!!

 

Well what does a vitamin used primarily for digestion have to do with weight lifting and athletics? EVERYTHING

Naturally found in food sources such as spinach and whole grains, this magic supplement is generally used to control homocysteine levels, a non-protein amino acid, that’s regulated by enzymes.  High levels are a risk factor for stroke and neuro-degenerative diseases.

Also know as Trimethlgylcine (TMG), studies have shown that usage has increased strength, muscle mass and lowered body fat.  A six week study on strength training athletes showed an improvement in body composition, arm size, bench press and power.

Aside from gaining the lean mass of a horse, it’s also shown to oxidize fat lipids (fat loss).  Coming to the aid of alcohol induced fatty liver disease by preventing ethanol.  This blessed little vitamin also showed an increased appetite and improved digestive efficiency and in our four legged friends it has increase lean muscle mass and reproductive abilities!

Betaine is not only used for the pluses offered to bodybuilders, its imperative to intestinal function and cell production.

Protecting DNA and kidneys.  It’s increased low plasma –contains proteins needed to clot blood, and transports substances through the blood. Aiding people with blood related diseases.

Other uses include: Decreased fat tissue, neurological development, dry mouth, fat degeneration, reduced liver triglycerides and liver lipidosis, cholesterol and so much more!!!

I'm very fortunate working in this industry.....Not only is it exciting to see the many changes and exciting new products, but I get to filter through the crap and give it to you straight,

There is a new and exciting product on the market with an obscene amount of claims BIOGRO.  Like all new products stepping into the market this is the be all and end all of muscle mass and strength gains.  Well let me tell you......I believe it actually is.

Working in a supplement store certainly has its perks, you can find people willing take just about anything.  And as you all know that includes my husband....hehe.  So as a little science experiment, we took five people, my husband and four other employees and started them all at the same time.  All incredibly had the same results.

What are the results? Without talking among on another, the first week they all approached me with an intense pump.  A skin tearing pump.  Day to Day they woke up leaner, more energy and enhanced mood.

Negative you ask? Well my husband came off and he's more tired and lethargic than he's been in the last two weeks, he's had disrupted sleep and slightly more moody - thats of course coming from me!

So what is the miracle cure all and how does it work?

BIOGRO is a bio active peptide using bovine colostrum.  I know....we said the same thing.....what the hell is that?

First lets discuss a peptide: A chemical compound containing two or more amino acids with a special linkage, which the nitrogen atom of one amino binds with the carboxyl carbon atom.

Next.....a Bio Active Peptide - Cleaved protein fragments extracted from the highest grade bovine colostrums. 

Colostrum - Is an early form of milk that contains proteins, carbs, fats, vitamins, minerals, and anti-bodies.

I would give you all the negative first, however, there is nothing that has come to my attention as of yet.  But fear not, as soon as there is I will also bring it to your attention - or of course you can bring it to mine.
The benefits of colostrum are endless and I am overly excited to share only a fraction of the results of my research.

Colostrum is used for:

• Boosting the immune system
• Healing injuries
• Repairing nervous system damage
• Mood improvements
• Slows and reverses aging
• Kills bacteria and Fungus
• Used to treat inflammation

There is so much more, but I would have you reading all day.  It has been studies that show it alleviates symptoms of Parkinson's, Alzheimer's, Bi-Polar IBS and Crohn's disease and more I recommend if you have the time look up the scientific studies....they will blow your mind and get you as excited as I am.  

We all know by now that I am a huge mental illness advocate for .  It has taken a long time and numerous doctors and complaints to have an in-depth look into my "imbalances" so speak.

As previously explained, this all began with postpartum depression.  Having my son as early as I did sent me into borderline psychosis.  So I can't stress this enough to all new moms, get help.  The only shame in mental illness is not getting help.  If you feel your baby blues are more than the "blues" get help.  You have to push, don't allow your doctor to wait it out.  Remember they work for you.  Anyway moving on.

Unfortunately, one of the first solutions for doctors is pills. Prescription pills.  Yes it helps.  It's worth it in the beginning until a better and more permanent solution can come along.  It needs to be temporary, this will only mask the problem. Mental illness is something that really doesn't have enough resources, understanding mental illness is the key to recovery. It has been a life long battle of mine and it has taken me 16 years to not only come to grips with myself but to finally get the proper medical attention I needed. 

First and foremost your really need to analyze yourself and body.  First look over your food intake.  As food greatly influences the brain's behavior, a poor diet especially one filled with junk food is a common cause of depression.  Our neurotransmitters regulate our behavior.  These are controlled by what we eat, serotonin is a chemical that helps to alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety and sleep disorders.  Complex carbs help to release the amino acid tryptophan (produces serotonin), complex carbs are found in foods such as asparagus, black beans, chili beans, sweet potato, oatmeal, cheerios!  Anything whole grain, starchy veggies and legumes (I like that word) contain complex carbohydrates.  Maybe have the world is grumpy due to the atkins, and low carb diets.  For all you competitors out there, I have done well without going low carbs on my comp diet! You don't have to remove carbs, this will set you up for disaster in the end!

This world has become dependent on convenience and fast food.  There are days that I to am guilty of it.  But I can assure you; you can build a clean healthy meal in the same amount of time that a fast food restaurant prepares your food.  You can build a clean meal in the same amount of time it takes hot dogs and french fries to cook.  There are two excuses I can not for the life of me tolerate, children and time.  There are items such as a slow cooker, that requires just random ingredients thrown in that will be ready by the time you get home. 

The key to children eating healthy, if they get hungry enough they will eat it.  When they see you eat it enough times, they ask for it.  Mine went from KD to tilapia and broccoli.  Proudest moment of my life.....just saying.  Then we they receive something like Mcdonalds - it becomes a treat.  We all have our cheat days.  It's helping them to understand that health has to come first.  I'm not saying I have prodigy children, they fight with me on somethings, but they know to bite the bullet and eat what I give them.  You want extra time? stop making separate meals for you and your children.  Just remember you are the parent, you know whats best for them.  Set yourself and your children up for success.  They too will be facing a long life of depression and body image issues, nip it in the bud now,

Drop me a line if you want to talk about depression and the natural solutions to help fight and recover from it.
It can be a long and daunting road.  You don't have to do it alone.    

    

Okay, I know it's been sometime and of course I apologize.  I took full advantage of that amazing heat wave! 

I recently came in contact with several athletes and bodybuilders who swear by a supplement known as ZMA.  I had never heard of this next big thing so I thought I would do a little research for my clients and friends.

ZMA - Zinc and Magnesium Aspartate. This supplement is actually one that has been on the shelves for sometime.  It's seems to be making a huge comeback this year though.  
Also included in ZMA is the vitamin B6, which we know is used for mineral absorption.  Okay let's get down to it.  What are the benefits of ZMA? 

Well it's best known for the ability to fall asleep and stay asleep.  Well so does a Calcium Magnesium.....so what's the big deal?
This is all based on internet research, of course I will try it and let you know my findings - or I may use my husband for the test subject.  ZMA when taken 30-60 minutes before bed and two hours after your last meal, is SUPPOSED to burst natural testosterone levels a whopping 30%! That's insane! It's a pretty big claim to make I know - so fear not fellow readers I shall of course feed this to my husband and not tell him what he's taking! No worries, he never reads my blogs all the way through anyways!

So the assumption here seems to be that ZMA is a natural sedative that improves the REM cycle of sleep.  This is where quality of sleep happens allowing for muscle growth and recovery.
Now if the information I looked up is correct, which the consensus seems to be the sames from several sources.  The benefits are limitless.  Improved sleep can boost the immune system, reduce anxiety, improve energy and of course muscle repair and growth and for some the best benefit? a boost in growth hormone.  

Increasing the levels of testosterone also increases muscle growth and recovery, it aids with sexual health and fertility.
ZMA has made a huge comeback and if all is correct I can see why.  This supplement is not only being used by bodybuilders and gym rats but men and women of all walks of life are benefiting from ZMA.  

Make sure before taking any hormone altering supplements that you check with your doctor.  Another heed of caution....do not mix this supplement with calcium, calcium affects the absorption of Zinc, take your calcium in the morning with all your regular vitamins and supplements that I know your taking faithfully!

Zinc and Magnesium can be obtained through diet as well. Roast Beef, broccoli, pumpkin seeds and even dark chocolate can boost these levels.  I personally feel for the real benefits to been seen you need to be deficient in zinc or magnesium to feel the benefits. 

Am I missing something this week?  Well the whole month maybe? You know now that I reflect back it's been the entire year.  I don't normally take these blogs for personal piece, well their all personal but are never used for a diary type entry.  Today I am going to.

What a trying week.  People always say that parenting is the toughest job in the world and yes it is.  There is no argument here.  I'm not perfect, but I have amazing kids.  I really do.  Well mannered, loving, fun, and super energetic.  Don't get me wrong all those qualities also have their pit falls.  When they want to sit on your lap while your using the facilities, swinging from the power rack, jumping onto to the trampoline and onto each other, fun can quickly become crying (all those wondering, yes it was Wyatt and more importantly I have video)

But their kids, the minute those little miracles wrapped their tiny fingers around my index finger I vowed that nothing would ever hurt them.  You know within your self you can't protect them from everything,  But I tried to stick to that as closely as possible.  There are somethings I failed at miserably.  However, lucky for me my kids are resilient and well-adjusted.  I am grateful for that.  

I always think that it's gonna get easier, well let me tell you it doesn't.  Diapers, bumps, bruises the "F" bomb in front of Grandma, teaching manners, sharing, walk in the park! I would take potty training over this! Again, I am not a perfect parent and I often second guess myself.  I carry guilt over not giving in to the toy that all the kids have, my daughter has a curfew, she has to be in the house before the sun goes down.  To me, even when she's 15 she is always going to be my baby.  I feel no different about that promise I made 12 years ago as she held onto my hand.  I often think that maybe I shelter her too much or that I don't loosen the reins enough, arguments "I'm not a baby anymore mom."  my personal favorite "Mom! all my friends have it (short shorts...like hell) and all my friends are going to the dance."  

Prepare yourself parents....heed this warning with extreme caution.  Those words right there are the reason your child will get hurt.  To my experience, not all families are as structured as ours (lets be honest, we're pretty dysfunctional).  You hear all us 80's babies complaining about our upcoming generation.  I was beside myself today in the IDA when my daughter explained to me that she was taking sex ed in school and asked me what a BJ was.  I shit on the spot.....ironically at that particular moment I was looking for toilet paper.  Good thing too....of course when I asked her where she heard this it was a movie that instigated this. 

Now, no parent wants to have to get into these details ever.  You know one day the "Talk" is going to happen.  So deal with it and move on, I know.  But let me tell you I am pissed!!! This year, do to her social circuit, I have had to explain what a douche bag is, and my all time favorite was the "whats a dirty, ditch pig whore?" (she was 10 at the time)  She heard other 10 year old girls calling one another these amazing names.  When I became a parent, I did not sign on for this, having to explain the deeds of other peoples children.  Now that's just a taste of what I'm about to delve into.  I understand that I would have to explain these words eventually.

My daughter has this friend that she met a few months back.  This girl has a rather troubled home life.  Thankfully my daughter has an understanding of mental illness and the severity and emergency of it.  This girl is 13.  Remember this age.  13 year old girl and my daughter tells me shes worried because she's a "cutter" (self mutilation for the release of internal pain.) and she tells me that this girl often talks about suicide.  This girl went so far as to ask my daughter to kill her.  What the hell is wrong with this picture? EVERYTHING!!!  My daughter came home asking me about these issues, and what they were.  What is happening to children? where is there innocence and why is more not being done for them? 

My daughter was extremely brave and first went to the teacher and let him know what was happening.  Nothing, the teacher did nothing.  She came home and approached me with it because she confessed to this girl she was worried and told an adult and now her friend is mad at her.  I keep reassuring her that she did the right thing.  I am so proud of her.  I am beyond words to express how proud she made me.  I am fortunate that my daughter trusts me enough to confide in me and know that I will always take the steps needed to protect her.  I am fed up with shitty parents out there.  Because of you my children have to grow up faster, their minds aren't ready for this information.  They are not emotionally strong enough to handle what your parenting has done!  It simply isn't fair, these are very adult situations.  

I write this more so as a word of advice to anyone with up and coming young ones.  Be prepared.  Be prepared for everything.  I talk about everything with my children, we have open lines of communication, age appropriate answers.  Make sure that no matter how busy your lives get, talk to your children, simply asking on a daily basis "how was your day?" makes a huge impact.  I appreciate more then anything that my kids come to me with their problems.  I may not always be the perfect parent, but I am a proud one! Please take my advice and talk to your kids, start young, always ask about their emotions, even when your disciplining them.  Please, please, please pay attention to the mental health of your kids.  Be in tune with your child.  Make sure your the one they come to first.  Hold them, never stop holding them.  Smother them with love and affection even when their at their worst.  

Well to all my questionable moments as a parent, I know they weren't so bad.  I got some great kids! 

This topic is a little too close to home for me.  The people I have in my life are beyond important to me.  I recently took the time to alienate the people that hurt me out of my life.  So with that being said, if you remain in my life that means I love you unconditionally.  Meaning, I worry consistently.

Someone very dear to me recently found herself in the hospital due to a brain hemorrhage.  As you can imagine that sent my worry button in overload.  She's young, fit and eats clean.  None of this to me added up to a bleeding brain.  None the less it did.  

The only explanation at this time is stress.  We have discussed the detrimental effects of stress and hypertension in the past.  50% of the population suffers from anxiety.  
Hypertension/high blood pressure is the number one cause of cranial hemorrhage.  Also known as the silent killer as there may be no symptoms or signs for months or even years.  Hypertension is defined when blood pressure is at or over 140 over 90.
High Blood Pressure is a high amount of pressure on the arteries.  The arteries carry the blood throughout the body to the all the tissues and major organs.

If your a migraine sufferer, sometimes the following symptoms can be overlooked and ignored by yourself and your healthcare provider.  If you experience headaches, nausea, dizziness or blurred vision.  You may be a candidate for hypertension.

There are various types of blood pressure, which I encourage you all to look into.  I do however want to look at whats called "White Coat" blood pressure.  It developed this name because when some patients visit their doctor their anxiety levels rise in fear the there may be something medically wrong.  This anxiety can push the blood pressure levels into the higher levels.  Now, this isn't as harmless as it seems, this is an indicator that this person can have a hypertension reaction with any stressful situations in their day to day life.  I would consider proper monitoring of your blood pressure if you happen to fall into this category.  Walmart, shoppers and a few other department stores all have blood pressure cuffs.  Lets face as much as we cringe about Walmart it certainly is a good place to test whether or not you have white coat blood pressure.

It seems everyday there is a new way get cancer and heart disease.  It becomes more and more of a reality.  Everything to MSG's, GMO's and just the air we breathe.  What can you do as a preventative measure?

Lifestyle changes - QUIT SMOKING!!, Daily physical activity, reducing salt and sodium in your diet, limit alcohol intake, maintaining a healthy weight by eating a well balanced nutritional diet.  There are various vitamins that help to reduce stress levels and inflammation. Omega's and essential fatty acids are excellent for heart health.

Everyone needs to have the mentality that it can happen to them.  Listen to your body, it's very vocal.  When it's getting everything it needs it lets you know, when its deficient it will let you know.  Stop and listen.  Pay attention to yourself, that I think is the best advice I can give you.  Listen to your body it speaks volumes.

I'm sure we can all relate....although there are days that your legs seem heavier than other days.  

We get lead to believe that if we use this machine and that machine that we'll get the bodies we want.  Well how much it too much to spend on fitness. It's a billion dollar industry that has no end in sight.

People will keep spending on the next best thing.  So let me help with your decision.  It's lightweight, fits into a small mess bag and can be brought anywhere....you guessed it TRX.  I begin all my clients on the TRX suspension training unit.  It's great for beginners and advance athletes.

This happens to be one of those items I find myself saying why didn't I think of that. It's so simple, practical and super effective.  It is one of my main pieces included in my daily workout.  These two straps with handles have the ability to challenge multiple parameters of performance.

The concept really isn't new.  Gymnastics and ariel acrobatics having been using this method for years.  For all those that haven't quite yet perfected the chin up, this is perfect it allows you to use your own body weight for resistance to meet the goal of a full chin up.

Let's take a chest press for example.  The pecs are the primary muscle worked, now reverse that into a suspended push up using the TRX. With your chest still holding on as the primary, the exercise encompasses right to the floor, your feet.  TRX may help adjacent muscle groups to work together in a synergistic fashion, or as a single unit.  You are not only gaining muscle strength, but core and stability strength as well.  It forces you to always engage those pelvic muscle to ensure perfect alignment.  Which a squeeze and hold as we know is isometrics increasing core strength both dynamically and statically.  So there you have it.  TRX makes a great compliment to every workout.  Perfect for beginners, challenges the advances and just switches it up so you don't get bored! 


So go out there and get SUSPENDED!!!!....AHAHAHAHA......get it.....I know....I know....well my brother thinks I'm funny!

I'm beginning to wonder if maybe I should stop doing this top ten list of household toxins....I'm making myself a paranoid mess.  I stopped watching shows like DR. OZ and The Doctors for a developed paranoia.
So after researching this chemical/toxin, I had to stop for a moment as the scent of my Axe spray came wafting into my nose.

At first I was a little more then upset to find out that perfume manufacturers don't have to list the ingredients used in their product do to being classified as a trade secret.  On a certain level I can understand that. I personally feel that if I know the what I am putting in or on my body I am more likely to stay loyal to that company as opposed to trying to risking my health for a couple of saved dollars.
Maybe companies should re-direct their attention to customer loyalty and not business espionage.  When people are informed or just scared senseless they'll make the right decision.  Take the organic dairy industry for example, in 2006 it was a 1 billion dollar industry in 2010 is sales jumped to a whopping $2.6 billion dollars! With most people on board with the natural or at least informed movement to me it only makes sense to if nothing else display your ingredients! 

Okay now that that's off my chest, I'd like to add a little more un-nerving concerns to this issue.  Bear in mind, before anyone goes apeshit on these companies the CDC still needs to further studies into these toxins.
Parabens were found in up to 90% of cosmetics and fragrances.  Whats a Paraben you ask? well this is the chemical that is used as a preservative in these cosmetics.
The European Commission on Endocrine Disruptions has placed this chemical as a priority 1.  This is where I began to get a little concerned.  I love make-up.  I don't wear a lot of it, but I love it.  Not a big perfume person, but on occasion I enjoy a good spritz! 
Parabens seem to mimic the female hormone Estrogen, detection in human breast cancer tissue suggests the possible association to cosmetics and cancer.  Mimicking this hormone have left men with reproductive issues and when UVB comes in contact with any on the skin it increases skin aging and DNA damage....AHHH! my DNA!

These pesky little toxins are found naturally in food that we eat, trace amounts in vanilla, carrots and strawberries, and a few others.

Sorry for the delay folks! I really wanted to take my time with this one, for a couple of reasons.

Now over and over again, people are always stating, who and what do we listen to?
Well I'm in the same situation as everyone else.  Anyone who knows my daughter, knows she has horrible teeth.  The poor child has been through two dental surgeries and too be honest, nothing has helped her situation.  In the beginning I was to blame, (I was young and dumb at one time too) I was guilty of smoking around my child, this in combination with too much sugar, apple juice etc....
Now after surgeries, dental care treatments, daily dental regimens and the worst yet......drum roll please.....we were told to give her fluoride tabs.  Now like any other parent, I trust the word of my dentist.  (Now for all those dentist out there, I am well aware that you all have various opinions and this is not a reflection on every dentist...hope that gets me out of any kind of claims).

Now her father and I are equally to blame here.  We didn't do our research.  We just blindly gave her these tablets.  Well let me tell you, I'm PISSED.

Based on what I've read, fluoride should never be ingested.  Fluoride has many faces of toxicity.  Once ingested fluoride binds to calcium.  Initially it disrupts the intestinal tract.  Leading to corrosion and and GI irritation, this is the most commonly affected organ.

Once it binds to the calcium ions it immediately starts having direct effects.  It disrupts the oxidation process, blood coagulation, glucose processing and neurotransmisson. 
It can lead to the releasing extra potassium, hyper-salivation causing, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.  Just to instill a little more fear, severe toxicity can result in multi organ failure, respiratory paralysis and cardiac failure.

Now slow down the beating hearts.  When applied topically fluoride is the best thing since sliced bread.  It strengthens enamel and it fights and prevents cavities.

So how can you tell when you've been over exposed?
Gastro pain, nausea, vomiting and headaches also look for white spots on the teeth. Unfortunately most people mistake their symptoms for other ailments.  My advice, find a good hygienist.  Now that the option for them to be independent is there, it may be a more cost and time effective way to get an idea of what your looking at. 

Now I know what all of you are thinking.....this time I am not referring to food.  

Day two of our insight to household toxins, now if any of you are like myself this will take you back a bit.  Now remember that because we see it on TV or a magazine it must be true.
I was shocked to find out that sunscreen, yup that's right, sunscreen is the number two household toxin.  Well more so OXYBENZONE.  

Oxybenzone is an organic compound that forms colourless crystals that are readily soluble in most organic compounds.  The compound is also found in cosmetics and moisturizers as well.

A report from an environmental group made claim that not only were 4 out of 5 inadequate for sun protection but that they posed health risk.  With these accusations, it sparked an all new study.

More tests have to be performed to find anything concrete, however what they did find with sunscreen in particular re-application is a must.  One application isn't enough, this will sound a little counter productive however, when ultraviolet light reaches sunscreen that has penetrated the skin it releases free radicals which may in turn result in skin damage and possible skin cancer.  Okay I know what your thinking, I said the same thing.  The key is to keep the application fresh to prevent any of the UVA rays from penetrating the skin.

An SPF of 15 will give you about 150 minutes, so applying every two and half hours should suffice.

I can't stress this enough, there is no solid proof on my next statement.  There haven't been any human studies to prove this, however is has been seen in some animal studies that oxybenzone has shown some evidence that it effects the endocrine system, affecting hormonal functioning and may even cause low birth weight babies.
It's THOUGHT to mimic the hormone estrogen.


Maybe there's a conspiracy theory in the making.  I'm sure we could get creative, or it's just another phrase a man could use....instead oh is it that time of the month again.....they could say "did you put sunscreen on again?" or I think that's going to be my next excuse for mood swings.


Here's what I can tell you, it's been around an awfully long time.  To say that it does more harm than good I think would be misleading and cause unnecessary panic, just remember to put it on and often and remember your antioxidants.