For some reason I always seem to end up writing articles about contaminants found in various supplements we ingest, in particular creatine, but there have been others. First I wrote “What’s in your creatine?” which exposed the fact not all creatine supplement are created equal. That article single handedly changed the creatine market at the time. I followed that up with “What’s in your supplements” which was really just a continuation of the first article, with additional testing and comments. I’m calling this one, “What’s in your water?!” for lack of a better title.

I have always been conscious of the potential impurities in drinking water. My town sends out a yearly report on water quality, and has always been well below EPA limits on the chemicals they test for. Regardless, I have always used a water filter to filter my drinking water. (1)

GH therapy and possible applications to connective tissue/joint degeneration in active populations.

A common issue for athletes and other active populations (e.g. SWAT, SOF, etc.) is joint and connective tissue pain with various causes and diagnosis such as tendonitis, bursitis, cartilage degeneration, to name a few.

The use of various anti-inflammatory drugs, as well as nutritional supplements (e.g., Glucosamine, fish oils, etc,), and other therapeutic modalities are of value, but are far from a cure at this point.

A topic I have been researching for some time is the use of GH and other growth factors as a possible treatment for joint/connective tissue degeneration.

The causes of joint pain are multi factorial, but in active populations are often training related: over training, lack of proper warm up, loading and exercise choices, and other variables.

That’s the first place people should look when having chronic joint issues, but not everyone has a choice in the matter as to how much exercise they do and or the types of exercise they perform; various athletes, special operations soldiers, SWAT operators, etc.

Are You Over Dosing On Caffeine?

I’m a big fan of caffeine as a rule, and I love a good cup of coffee. However, the recent “energy drink” craze clearly comes under the “too much of a good thing” concept. The failure of companies to clearly label the caffeine content of their products is very unethical in my view, even though I think this report is over stating the dangers a bit, pushing these products as harmless products is also very misleading, and people should not be consuming these drinks on a regular basis. It’s disturbing these products are pushed hard to teenagers under names such as Cocaine Energy Drink and others…

Does Your Blood Pressure Medication Assist With Weight Loss? Studies Suggest ACE Drugs May Help

This recent study suggests Angiotensin Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitor drugs could play a roll in fat loss. These drugs have been around for decades and used by millions of people for controlling high blood pressure.

Recent studies find these dugs may have additional uses such as weight loss. There are other studies suggesting altering the ACE system may impact weight as well as other effects of interest that are currently being studied.

Should Men Avoid Soy?

One recent study suggests eating soy can lower a man’s sperm count and it’s generating much conversation and debate on the ‘net. I’m not putting a lot of stock in this one, but it’s interesting info.  This study is far from a “smoking gun” on the issue, but worth noting. Studies looking at the effects of soy on male fertility, testosterone levels, etc. have been inconclusive or contradictory. One study will find an association between X effect and another will not.

Now THAT’S a challenge isn’t it?!?!

If this is a goal of yours let me make a few suggestions…

1. The first is to show them “what’s in it for me.” (meaning, them).

Let your son know that he’ll be able to get leaner, develop a six pack, or play his sport better. If it’s your daughter, be careful with body image/expectations. Focus instead on better energy, clearer skin, and MAYBE you can slip in something about staying (NOT getting) lean. Just a slight change of wording and the impact is totally different isn’t it?

Why Women Need Resistance Training!

Here we are, the year 2008, and it’s stunning to me that myths surrounding weight training and women still exist, and worse yet, it’s the same myths I was hearing a few decades ago! It seems I can dispel these myths ’til I’m blue in the face, and yet, they persist! In addition to the myths, it seems many women are simply unaware of the many benefits weight training ( also called resistance training or strength training)  - can impart. Some of those benefits are sex specific in fact, that is, they are specific to women.

Fish oil Helps with…..Everything!

It seems every week I start a thread, an article, an email, or blog entry with “fish oil helps with…” Let me sum this up for you all: fish oil helps with just about everything! Cardio vascular health, brain function and health, bodyfat, hair, skin, joint pain, and many other benefits. I simply can’t fathom at this point that there is anyone not including a few grams of fish oil to their diets.

Got Back Pain?

Chronic back pain is at epidemic proportions that costs $100 billion annually in the US alone. That’s billion with a capital B folks!  One of my favorite general public articles on the topic was in News Week and was titled “The Great Back Debate.”

Another Nail In The Coffin For The High Carb Diet

Anyone who reads my articles and ebooks knows I am not a fan of high carb diets, especially if it’s a low fat low protein diet combined with a high carbohydrate intake. Some interesting new research supports a lower carb intake.