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. 

Never thought you'd hear me say those words....heck, I never though I would say those words.  
Well As I said yesterday we're going to recap the top ten toxins found in the house.

#1 on that list? BPA.  
Bisphenol A is the compound is commonly used to harden plastic and is used in epoxy resins.

Up until two years ago BPA was used in almost every plastic item.  Toys, plastic utensils, water bottles, baby bottles, sippy cups and well I think you get the idea..

The epoxy resins are used to coat metals.  Including canned food, canned formula and even water supply pipes.

The CDC ran a study for two years between 2002-2004 and they found that the study of 2517 people, 93% of them had BPA in their urine levels. 
What does that mean exactly?
Well with further studies produced showed evidence of brain development and behavioral issues with infants and young children.  There is some concern over the effect BPA has on the prostate glands of infants and children. Although their study shows a small amount of concern, they have seen relation to fetus and infant mortality at the current level in people.  Also seen, birth defects, low birth weight, pre-term babies. 

There is a minimal concern for the mammary glands in and an early onset of puberty for young women. 

Reproduction and hormone problems were seen in adults and more so with people who work with BPA personally.
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So have read all their concerns, what can we do to prevent it? Well thankfully the FDA pulled all products with or with the potential of BPA off the shelves.  


There is no guarantee however that you may have something in your home. Switch everything to glass. Yes I fully understand the weight of the expense I just asked of you.  Now I am going to go ahead for everyone's sanity and say that companies are being honest when they place the NO BPA on their bottles.  So look for that if you are buying anything plastic..  This chemical is leached into our foods and drink, more so when we heat our food in plastic containers, so again avoid heating any food in plastic storage containers.

If by the end of this you have decided to breast feed only (which really is best) your baby may not be as protected as you think.  Although trace amounts, BPA did show up in breast milk.  So just like pregnancy you have to remember everything that goes in your baby is still broken down in your blood stream and pass on to the baby


The best thing you can arm yourself with is knowledge.  So just a forewarning, right now the FAD is holding tests and studies to determine what levels are safe for human consumption.  I have a few choice words for this study.....just saying.  The reason they was to determine this, right now using BPA is the most economical way to produce plastic.  Plastic is cheaper, lighter to ship and well I'm sure I don't need to discuss that our health is a far less priority then saving some financial giant a couple bucks,.  I don't know what the big deal is you know their just going to adjust the cost to reflect our pocket.  


Anyway getting off tract.  It has been released yet but they are intending to allow the usage once they determine whats safe for consumption.


So consider a re-usable container with filtered water, just not one through a plastic jug,,,,,hmmmmm okay,,,,,so boiled your water and place it in a glass jar, without the lid.  The lid will have epoxy resin on it.  AHHHHHH........we're pooched! In all seriousness, switch as must as you can to glass and just be cautious of what your using.