Archive forDecember, 2008

The Facts About Anabolic Steroids

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Anyone involved in the world of bodybuilding, and competitive sport generally, will understand the pressures that go with striving to achieve optimal performance. Sometimes athletes feel they cannot reach their peak without artificially enhancing their powers of recovery from intensive training. One way to speed up this process is through the use of anabolic steroids. In this article we’ll examine what anabolic steroids actually do. In a second article we’ll focus on the dangers associated with steroid use.

The main active ingredient in steroids is testosterone which is well known as the major male hormone. Testosterone affects the body in two ways, either as an anabolic or an androgenic influence. The anabolic action helps build body tissue by increasing lean muscle mass and bone density. The androgenic actions are those that affect secondary sex characteristics in men.

In recent years research has provided some interesting information in relation to testosterone:

1. It affects muscle size through muscle fiber hypertrophy with an increase in the cross-sectional area of muscle fiber.

2. It takes a dose of at least 300 milligrams of testosterone to raise the body’s level above normal.

3. It acts directly on the muscle itself.

4. It stimulates the release of growth hormone.

5. It has an anti-catabolic effect.

From these facts we can deduce that testosterone is an effective aid to muscle building and that it must be taken in significant quantities to have this effect. As far as bodybuilding is concerned the science beyond this is somewhat limited as most users base their steroid regimes on little more than trial and error or the advice of ‘veterans’. Due to the illegal nature of steroid use little scientific data exists to confirm the effectiveness of the many steroid supplements in use.

It is perhaps the tendency of some bodybuilders to use a combination of powerful steroids and other drugs that presents the very real dangers that have sometimes led to tragic conquences.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://bodybuildingadvisor.com ” bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to http://www.bodybuildingadvisor.com/index.html ” Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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Side Effects Of Anabolic Steroids

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Anabolic Steroids are prevalent nowadays. Many athletes use them to increase performance. Even though it may have some good benefits, there are side effects. These types of steroids promote skeletal muscle growth and enhance male sexual qualities. They are commonly used by body builders, weightlifters and others associated with strength training. With its ability to improve muscular performance and decrease fats in the body, athletes have increased potential. That is why it is illegal for athletes who are joining a certain official competitions to use them. They can be injected or taken orally. Dosages depend on the condition and age of the person. Here are some of their side effects.

Some side effects are serious and some are more common. It is said that orally taken steroids have more adverse effects. This type affects the liver in particular. Anabolic steroids are said to reduce the liver’s excretory purposes. The liver can be damaged from a bleeding cystic condition which is patently dangerous. Moreover, the use of steroids has been connected to liver cancer, but this is still being studied.

In the cardiovascular system, anabolic steroids can cause changes in the heart processes and strokes are possible especially to those who are taking oral steroids. In the male reproductive system, it is said that these can cause erectile dysfunction and could also lead to impotence even though sexual energy is enhanced. Atrophy or shrinking of the testicles can also occur and is associated with very high dosages of anabolic steroids.

Since the skin is the largest organ of the human body, it cannot be considered safe from these adverse side effects, enlarged skin pores, especially in women because their skin is more sensitive than men is common. This process is also known as “virilization” and it is an irreversible side-effect. Acne is another problem. Intake of steroids can worsen the condition of existing acne conditions. Stretch marks are also expected to appear, especially in women. It is not true that steroids cause baldness, but it can speed up the process of its occurrence.

Internal changes are also expected. With high dosages of anabolic steroids, both men and women may experience a change in behavior. Usually, it is associated with an increase in aggression and rage behavior. Some athletes consider this advantageous because they need the rage to optimize their performance. However, it is also not uncommon to feel severe depression. This usually results in huge weight gains and self confidence falters. In addition, feminization occurs in males. With the huge amounts of testosterone, some may be converted to estrogen which is the female sex hormone.

This is the side effect that most body builders do not want to experience. In females, masculinization occurs. This results in a more masculine behavior and nature. This may enhance growth of body hairs. However, symptoms vary from person to person. Some men develop breasts because of the high intake of these anabolic steroids. They can only be removed by plastic surgery. This condition is called Gynecomastia. The risk of cardiovascular diseases is also increased. Decreased growth, kidney problems, severe headaches, liver problems, and immune system deficiencies are also side effects of taking anabolic steroids. So what do you think? Still up for it?

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Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in health and related topics. To access more articles on anabolic steroids or for additional information and resources visit this anabolic steroids related website.

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Human Growth Hormone ? Playing An Anabolic Role In The Body

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HGH or human growth hormone is a protein hormone of 190 amino acids, which is synthesized and secreted by the Somatotroph cells (hence called Somatotropin) in the anterior pituitary. The genes for human growth hormone are localized in the q22-24 region of chromosome 17. The structure of HGH includes four helices necessary for functional interaction with the GH receptor. Structurally, HGH is homologous to prolactin and chorionic somatomammotropin and it appears as if the three share some evolutionarily connection. The triad is known to promote growth and aid the lactogenic activity.

Human Growth Hormone Secretion

Synthesis and secretion of HGH is controlled by many factors such as exercise, nutrition, sleep, stress and sometimes even by growth hormone itself. The control, however, are wielded by two hypo-thalamic hormones (Growth hormone-releasing hormone or GHRH and Somatostatin or SS) and one hormone present in the stomach (Ghrelin).

Functions of HGH

Human growth hormone contributes in the building up of the human body. HGH has two different types of effects on the human tissues and the human system as a whole ? direct and indirect. The direct effects are the upshot of the growth hormone binding its receptor to the target cells. Indirect effects are stimulated by an insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I), a hormone secreted by the liver and other tissues in response to growth hormone action. In fact, most of the growth promoting effects of HGH are the consequence of IGF-I acting on the target cells.

Thus, it is apparent that HGH or Somatotropin plays a vital role in major physiological processes, including growth and metabolism.

HGH & Growth

The major role of growth hormone in effecting body growth is to stimulate the liver and various other tissues to secrete IGF-I. IGF-I. This, in-turn, it provokes proliferation of Chondrocytes (cartilage cells), resulting in bone growth.

HGH & Metabolism

Human growth hormone has been found to have important effects on protein, lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. These effects in some are direct, others indirect and a few showing mixed effects.

Although height growth is an all-too-manifest effect of HGH on the human system, it has several other specific and essentially functions. These functions range from protein synthesis to building muscle mass, calcium retention to mineralization of bones, stimulating the immune system to maintaining fuel homeostasis, etc.

This is all about real human growth hormone. Biosynthetic human growth hormone, also known as recombinant human growth hormone and abbreviated as rHGH was first used for remedial use in the U.S. in 1985. Since then, the biosynthetic variety of HGH has nearly sidelined the pituitary-prompted human growth hormone, especially in therapeutic use.

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Anthony Bedore publishes health related articles on his website healthy-issues.com

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Different Types Of Anabolic Steroids Explained

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Anabolic steroids provide benefits to athletes, weight trainers and to other people but they have continually raised questions wherein the answers are yet to be found. So what are steroids, anyway? Steroids are considered to be a huge group of chemicals wherein the head group is cholesterol. The structure of steroids is composed of the basic four-ring carbon structure but the difference lies in the attachment in the carbon number 17. Human bodies can store cholesterol and make large amounts of it.

There are various types of anabolic steroids. Corticosteroids are an example of a steroid which are anti-inflammatory agents and they break tissue down. They are drugs based on naturally-occurring hormones and are often a very significant part of lymphoma treatment. However, there are certain types of steroids known as anabolic steroids, which are produced synthetically. These resemble the structure and form of testosterone. Naturally produced testosterone can be found in men, primarily produced by the Leydig cells of the testes. In women, the adrenal glands are the primary source of testosterone.

The production of testosterone in women, however, is relatively less in amount as compared to the male. The steroids have many functions in our body. This is why doctors have prescribed steroids to their patients to help them overcome or manage certain diseases. Anabolic steroids are the ones that athletes and sports men and women are fond of taking because it increases muscle strength as well as enhances the body processes. However, it is known to have side effects. Testosterone has both anabolic and androgenic characteristics. Anabolic signifies tissue build-up and muscle growth. Androgenic depicts masculine emphasis like the deepening of the voice in males as well as the growth of body hair.

Often steroids are taken orally and usually have short-term effects. However, as time goes by, drug companies and scientists have continued to adapt anabolic steroids to fit patients needs. Some steroids are injected by intramuscular injection, commonly in the buttocks, and are said to last longer than those taken orally. Furthermore, these anabolic steroids are also chemically modified and made to inhibit rapid breakdown by the liver which results in enhanced metabolism and improved utilization. Orally ingested steroids were modified by the addition of a side chain for it to withstand inactivation of the first pass in the liver. However, these modifications are said to cause harsh effects in the liver. Injected steroids are gradually absorbed in the blood stream without the first pass in the liver.

In addition, the liver goes through a lower concentration than with oral anabolic steroids. Because of this, doctors prefer injections rather than oral. Most of these injectable steroids undergo esterification to slow down the liver’s breakdown. Anabolic steroids are common to athletes. They use steroids to optimize and improve their muscle strength and performance. Anabolic steroids are also good for the therapy of certain diseases like anemias and a rare form of edema. Testosterone supplementations have been found to be a means of male contraception. Steroids have many good uses, however, there are downsides to them, too so it’s important to seek medical advice prior to taking any course of steroids.

Article Source : http://www.articledashboard.com

Kathryn Whittaker has an interest in Health related topics. To access more articles on anabolic steroids or for additional information and resources visit this anabolic steroids related website.

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Creating An Anabolic State That Supports Muscle Growth

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You can only build muscle if your body is in the correct anabolic balance to allow growth to take place. Intensive exercise is clearly an important part of the muscle building process but achieving the maximum muscle mass depends on putting the building blocks in place. This is achieved through sound nutritional practices so you need to be aware of the following anabolic enhancing principles:

1. Protein is the basic raw material needed to build muscle. Protein supplies the amino acids that the body uses to repair and build muscle following intensive exercise. Aim to consume 1 to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight each day from food like beef, fish, poultry, eggs, milk and whey. Spread the load over at least six meals to derive the optimum benefit and avoid overloading the liver.

2. Carbohydrates are needed to energize the muscle building process. Carbohydrates stimulate the release of insulin which pushes the amino acids into muscle cells to begin the process of repair. The body uses carbohydrates as a source of energy - consume too little and the body will steal protein that would otherwise be used for repairing and building muscle. Aim to consume 1.5 to 2 grams of carbohydrate per pound of body weight each day from foods like potatoes, pasta, rice, vegetables and whole wheat bread.

3. Boost your calories. Unless your main aim is to reduce fat you need a positive caloric balance if you want to build muscle. Make sure that your daily calorie intake is 10% higher than your energy expenditure for daily maintenance and that the calories are acquired from a diet characterized by a ratio of 50% carbohydrates, 40% proteins and 10% fat.

4. Get plenty of rest both in terms of adequate rest days between training sessions and sufficient sleep. Your muscles won’t grow if you don’t build adequate recovery time into your training program. Similarly, you can only optimize your body’s levels of testosterone and growth hormone if you spend enough time sleeping.

5. Consume quality supplements to support a sound nutritious diet. For most people it should be enough to add whey protein, creatine and l-glutamine to your daily diet.

6. Don’t overdo the aerobic exercise. Your aim is to increase muscle mass therefore you don’t want to burn excessive calories that could be utilized for bulking up.

7. Drink plenty of water. Failure to drink sufficient quantities of water will lead to dehydration and adversely affect your muscle mass. Don’t forget that muscle is 70% water so a generous intake will maintain muscle volume and help growth.

You can find out more about building muscle by visiting the site listed below.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://bodybuildingadvisor.com ” bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to http://www.bodybuildingadvisor.com/index.html ” Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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Are Prohormones A Safe Alternative To Anabolic Steroids?

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Steroid prohormones such as androstenedione and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) have become popular in recent years as safer alternatives to anabolic steroids, but two questions need to be answered:

1. Are they effective in stimulating muscle growth?

2. Are they safe to use?

The theory behind prohormones is that they are building blocks for testosterone and are converted into testosterone by the body. Very little definitive scientific research exists to back up the claims of prohormone manufacturers. The difficulty seems to be that the minimum dosage levels recommended by manufacturers appear to be insufficient to stimulate a measurable clinical reaction. Many users point to the effectiveness of prohormones when doses that exceed recommended levels are taken, hence the difficulty for researchers - do you subject human participants to potentially dangerous doses?

Safety concerns are similar to those that relate to steroids. Some studies report that side effects can include acne, production of estrogen, development of breast tissue in males and development of masculine features in females.

At the time of writing some doubts surround the future of prohormones as health authorities may consider selective banning of some products.

Richard Mitchell is the creator of the http://bodybuildingadvisor.com ” bodybuildingadvisor.com website that provides guidance and information to athletes at all levels of bodybuilding experience. Go to http://www.bodybuildingadvisor.com/index.html ” Bodybuilding Advice to learn more about the issues covered in this article.

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