Hello, it’s me again...to continue the story of my life. I’ve made it a point to reflect and update my blog at least once a week to keep you guys in check. Blogging takes time. Damn it does. I guess, I do have a flair for writing. It seems to be a general perception that bloggers who write exceptionally interesting blogs appear to be 'introverted and boring' in real-life. They are the seemingly 'quiet-types' whom we do not deem to be as verbally reflective as their 'loud-mouth', 'in your face' counterparts. I suppose that's like generalising...if you're good at expressing yourself on the pages of your diary or within the confines of your blog, you're probably really unexpressive in a verbal way. What a stereotype! And vice versa for 'loud-mouth's. Not true la. In a world of black and white, life is filled with more shades of greys than just blacks and whites. There are many types of individuals. I consider myself to be extroverted, loud and confident in expressing myself both verbally as well as with ' pen to paper'. Subsequently, being an artistic type of person (that's why I am lecturing at a design university), I love using my hands to communicate...charcoal, oil paint, pencil and all it's varieties. I have no problem communicating. Thank God.
This is a large tub of Xtend / Refreshing Grape (Scivation). Xtend is one of those supplements which I wish had hit the market during the early days when I literally spent thousands of ringgit on whey protein! You know, as an experienced bodybuilder, I can attest that drinking hundreds of grams of protein powders will not produce the kind of lean, muscular gains that we all desire. Yes, protein does play a role as the building blocks for anabolism, however, it is the total number of calories that one ingests (per day) that is part of the determinant in the science of muscle-building. Assuming all the proper training variables are in place, most people train correctly, but many fail to reap the aesthetic effect that they work so hard to achieve...why? Because they do not eat enough of the correct calories. Subsequently, if one did not get anough rest, anabolism would not be as profound. I've always been an advocate of the low carb diet and low carb does not necessarily equate to low calories. Yes, low carb diets are ideal for fat-loss due to the stability of blood sugar levels due to the absence of insulin, however, it is also equally possible to gain mass, especially when one elevates calories above maintenance levels! 
During the earlier days, when whey protein was the miracle supplement to the bodybuilder's arsenal, weight-lifters swallowed BCAA's by the handful! BCCA's are great for muscle-building. Period. According to research, BCAA's play a vital role in promoting muscle protein synthesis and muscle protein accretion in response to strength training. Secondly, BCAA's also assist as anti-catabolic agents in the retention of lean body mass and fat loss during energy restricted diets with adequate protein. Last, but not least, BCAA intake has also been associated with improved endurance performance via the prevention of central fatigue.
As you may or may not already know, muscle is the most metabolically active tissue in the body and accounts for the majority of our caloric expenditure, but when our body senses that we have low energy intake (i.e. a calorie-restricted diet), it tries to slow everything down such that energy is saved. This is what happens when people stop losing weight on a specific diet, and it is partly due to a loss of muscle mass! We can even think of losing muscle as a dead end to our fat loss. By incorporating BCAA's into our dieting routine, we can preserve even more muscle and keep our diet going stronger and longer than ever.
I started using Xtend since the beginning of 2008, which was roughly the same time Ah Leong (my supplement dealer) started selling it. According to my count, I have purchased at least 45 large tubs of Xtend and 17 smaller ones; I collect the tubs to remind me of how much money I've invested or wasted. :) When Xtend first hit the market, Extend was retailing at RM300 per tub (I mean, the large ones). Now, they cost around RM220 to RM250. Prices are competitive. In an ideal world, one would be using a serving in between meals to boost the anabolic state. In the real world, BCAA's are not a cheap supplement, but the introduction of Xtend, as a flavored, powdered drink has made muscle-building pleasantly delicious as well as anabolic!
According to the labelling, Xtend™ is a precise, scientific blend of Energy Aminos™ consisting of the proven 2:1:1 ratio of Branched Chain Amino Acids (L-Leucine, L-Isoleucine and L-Valine), Glutamine, Citrulline Malate, and Vitamin B6 that will give you the energy you need to maximize your training while enhancing recovery at the same time. The advanced components in Xtend have been scientifically proven to help: * Speed Recovery. * Enhance ATP production and promote cell volumization. * Decrease muscle breakdown and cortisol levels. * Avoid fatigue by blocking entry of fatigue-inducing tryptophan into the brain. * Increase protein synthesis, immune function and digestive health. * Promote vasodilation which can lead to better assimilation and absorption of protein. * Elevate growth hormone levels.
It is 9.20pm in the evening, as I am writing this, sprawled on the couch of my parents-in-law’s residence. I am quite relaxed and trying my best to ignore this mosquito that's been pestering me for the past 3 minutes. As of late, I had been taking a daily concoction of Chinese herbs to strengthen my kidney function. I am an avid believer of alternative healing therapies, Traditional Chinese Medicine, being one of the few methods I advocate. Resultant of my previous, experimental ventures into the world of chemical bodybuilding and my overseas clubbing escapades (alcohol, MDMA and other ‘body nasties’), I have a consciousness that I may have weakened my kidneys over the course of time. Reality check. Did you know that kidney disorders currently affect 3 million worldwide…the kidneys play an important role in the excretion of metabolic wastes, the regulation of body fluid and maintaining electrolyte balance, which is important for keeping the body well hydrated.
The human kidneys are equipped with a variety of detoxification mechanisms, which work to remove all the toxins and metabolic by-products of our bodies. Kidney failure could potentially occur at any age. It may suddenly develop (acute renal failure) or occur slowly over a gradual period of time. In this case, my concern would stem from a previous intake of anabolic pharmaceuticals and other synthetics of the recreational kind (ya ya, we all went through that phase) which may have caused superficial damage to the structure of the kidneys. In actuality, kidney cells that have died cannot be revived. Herbs can only strengthen the functions of remaining kidney cells, preventing further damage...but then again, I have hypochoriac tendencies. The world of Western medicine believes that the kidneys are a pair of organs that do not have the ability to regenerate themselves (unfortunately) unlike an organ such as the liver...It seems that if one developed kidney failure, it may seem apparent that the notion of dialysis or even a transplant would be something to expect in the end (gulp). Better safe than sorry right?
In view of my low carb, high protein diet, it would seem apparent that a high protein diet would seem detrimental to my kidneys, hence, increasing the likelyhood of kidney disease. I believe that healthy human kidneys make structural adaptations to a high protein diet. Hell, our paleolithic ancestors were strictly carnivorous and Eskimos get by on a diet rich in omega 3 fatty foods as well as protein!!! For resistance trainers such as myself, the role of protein as an important macronutrient for the growth of muscle or improving performance is obvious, to say the least. From what I gather, nobody has isolated any perfect answers regarding the safety of high protein diets in bodybuilders for the long term. Kinda also depends on who you talk to. Most general practitioners and some nephrologists would argue that excessive protein would damage your kidneys. Whatever. Time to take matters into my own hands, as usual...
Introducing...Cordyceps Sinensis. Cordyceps sinensis is the dried body of stroma of the fungus which grows from the carcass of the larva from certain insects. Ugh. Yes, you read correct. Fungus. Carcass. Insects. Pretty gross ey? Commonly referred to as Chinese caterpillar fungus, it is the most valued medicinal fungi of all Chinese Medicine and considered the most potent in healing a host of diseases. Cordyceps was initially introduced into traditional Chinese pharmacology during the period of the Qing Dynasty. Historically the herb has been used to heal and invigorate the lungs, replenish the kidney, arrest bleeding and resolve phlegm. According to the ideology of Traditional Chinese Medicine, the effect of cordyceps runs through the lung and the kidney meridians. It is said to be particularly effective in correcting a deficiency of the yang (vital function) of the kidney as well as seminal emission and premature ejaculation. Yes, people. It's good for that too.
Another issue that has been raised regarding the toxicity of cordyceps is the possibility of lead contamination. Although this does not actually have to do with the cordyceps, but rather with another practice of adulteration long practiced by the collectors of the natural cordyceps. The cordyceps as found in the natural state is attached to the mummified body of the caterpillar from which it arose. It is harvested whole in this way; dried and supplied into the market complete – caterpillar and fruitbody connected. Since, cordyceps is sold by weight, in order to 'increase the value of the product' collectors skewered a small bit of twig vertically into the body of the animal. This obviously resulted in an increase in weight, and a bit more money for the collectors when taken to market! Being aware of this terribly unethical practice, it always makes more sense to check your stock before dumping it into the slow cooker!
Cordyceps is well known for its miraculous effect in strengthening the body and restoring energy. With regards to it's kidney regenerative abilities, I read somewhere that Cordyceps has been found to promote DNA synthesis in kidney cells. Interesting. This of course, indicates an ability to regenerate damage kidney cells! In one particular double blind, placebo controlled trial of 52 patients who received injections of aminoglycoside antibiotics which interfered with normal function of the kidneys, it was found that that the placebo group developed greatly elevated signs of kidney toxicity while the cordyceps group was protected. The cordyceps group were found to have high levels of a protein called epidermal growth factor (EGF) in their urine which researchers believe is an indication of the recovery rate for acute kidney failure. Other animal studies have also found a relationship with EGF and an improved renal recovery rate. In another clinical study, 57 patients with gentamicin-induced kidney damage were treated with 4.5 grams of Cordyceps per day or by other, more conventional methods. After six days, the Cordyceps group had recovered 89% of normal kidney function, while the control group had recovered an average of only 45% of normal kidney function. The time-to-recovery was also significantly shorter in the Cordyceps group as compared to the control group. Enough said.
By far, the top of the heap of all longevity herbs is also known as Reishi Mushroom / Lingzhi or Ganoderma. Lingzhi has an interesting track record, showing incredible properties in longevity and vitality. Reishi is also anti-viral, anti-bacterial, anti-cancerous, and builds up immunity. The word Lingzhi (in chinese, Reishi - in Japanese), translates as the "herb of spiritual potency" and has also been described as the"mushroom of immortality". Lingzhi is non-toxic and can be taken daily without producing any side effects and when it is taken regularly, it can restore the body to its natural state, enabling all organs to function normally! Sounds great ey? Last but not least, Lingzhi is also an Immune modulator - regulates and fine tunes the immune system. According to several studies conducted, scientists have researched the special healing effects of Lingzhi on the circulatory system, nervous system and immune system as well as its anti-cancer effects. Studies have shown that it can significantly:Improve your blood circulation
Calm the nerves
Enhance your immune system
Improve cancer healing chances
Your body operates on these major systems. If not properly regulated, you may fall ill. Lingzhi helps to regulate your various body systems, maintain stability and ensure a balance between internal and external body conditions. All in all, it is an adaptogen.
Goji berries anyone? Also known as Lycium barbarum, wolfberry, gou qi zi and Fructus lycii.Goji berries grow on an evergreen shrub found in temperate and subtropical regions in China, Mongolia and in the Himalayas in Tibet. They originate from the nightshade (Solonaceae) family. Goji berries are usually found dried and resemble shriveled red berries (kinda like raisins). These berries have a mild tangy taste that is slightly sweet and sour. Goji berries have been used for 6,000 years by herbalists in China, Tibet and India for some of the following -Anti-aging & Life-extension - Your body’s ten trillion cells are under constant attack by free radicals. These harmful agents can accelerate aging by destroying vital body cells faster than they can be replaced. Goji is known as the “longevity fruit.” It contains powerful polysaccharides and antioxidants to defend against premature aging and to fight free-radical damage throughout the body.
Insomnia - Goji has been historically used in Asia for the natural treatment of insomnia. In several medical study groups with elderly people, nearly all patients taking goji reported better quality of sleep.
DNA protection - DNA is the most important chemical in your body. It carries the blueprint for all the traits inherited from your ancestors, and also ensures that, as they need replacement, your ten trillion cells are faithfully reproduced as healthy, exact duplicates. Exposure to chemicals, pollutants and free radicals can cause DNA damage and breakage, leading to genetic mutations, cancer, and even death. Goji’s betaine and polysaccharides can restore and repair damaged DNA.
Liver support and protection - Goji contains a cerebroside (a type of enzyme) that has been shown to protect liver cells, even from highly toxic chlorinated hydrocarbons.
Fatigue and Lethargy - Goji is one of Asia’s premier adaptogens. Goji increases exercise tolerance, stamina and endurance. It helps to eliminate fatigue, especially when recovering from illness.
Immunity - Research reveals goji’s ability to regulate immunity by commanding and controlling many of the body’s important defense functions. Goji polysaccharides enhance and balance the activity of all classes of immunecells, including T-cells, cytotoxic T-cells, natural killer (NK) cells, lysozyme, tumor necrosis factoralpha and the immunoglobins IgG and IgA and interleukins-2 (IL-2).
The Heart - Goji contains cyperone, a sesquiterpene that benefits the heart and blood pressure. Its anthocyanins help to maintainthe strength and integrity of coronary arteries.
Blood pressure - Nearly one in four adults has high blood pressure (hypertension). Uncontrolled high blood pressure could lead to stroke, heart attack, heart failure and kidney failure. A 1998 research study indicated that high blood pressure could be managed by the polysaccharides in goji.
Cholesterol - Goji contains beta-sitosterol, which has been shown to lower cholesterol levels. Its antioxidants keep cholesterol from oxidizing and forming arterial plaques.
Libido & Sexual Function - Goji has been used historically in Asia as a premier sexual tonic. Modern scientific studies have shown that goji markedly increases testosterone in the blood, thereby increasing libido in both men and women.
Goji berries are rich in antioxidants, particularly carotenoids such as beta-carotene and zeaxanthin. In traditional Chinese medicine, goji berries are eaten raw, brewed into a tea, added to Chinese soups, or made into liquid extracts. Whole goji berries are readily available at Chinese herbal shops. They are not expensive and only cost RM12 for a 500g bag? Goji berries is widely believed to be helpful in keeping the healthy functioning of our kidneys.
Copyright © 2009 Ang Soo Boon
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