Most of us have hectic schedules. Between work, the gym, and family, life can definitely take its toll on our energy. In this busy world we live in, it’s nice to enjoy a little extra pep-in-our-step. We have coffee and energy drinks, but coffee can get boring, and energy drinks are not exactly the best thing to put in our bodies when we account for the loads of sugar packed into one can. I previously mentioned people sipping on BCAAs throughout the day, and now they have an opportunity to reap the benefits of their anabolic concoction, and get a boost in energy! This can be achieved with Breach Ballistic. This product provides the same great aminos as its counterpart, Breach. Where they differ is in the added caffeine, theobromine, and choline bitartrate found in Breach Ballistic. I get it, you probably know what caffeine is, but did I mention there are two different forms of caffeine in this product? Yes, two. We have Caffeine Anhydrous, which is your typical, fast acting form of caffeine. This is dosed at 50mg, equivalent to about a half of a cup of coffee. The second form is Dicaffeine Malate. Also dosed at 50 mg, this version of caffeine tends to provide a “cleaner” and longer lasting boost of energy. Theobromine works similarly to caffeine. This ingredient increases energy levels and will heighten focus. Choline Bitartrate is phenomenal. While not a stimulant, this molecule will intensify your focus, which will undoubtedly help in day to day activities. It is safe say Ballistic Breach is great tool to stay anabolic and give you boost throughout the day, especially in the gym.
You may be wondering if this product is safe to take during your workout, specifically after drinking a pre-workout. The answer is two-fold. Yes you can, but use caution and asses your tolerance prior to doing so. Lessen the dose of either your pre or Breach Ballistic prior to drinking a full serving of both. There are many products out there that are already pushing the limits when it comes to the level of stimulants they contain, so it would be good practice to proceed carefully when using two products that contain such ingredients. Now, if you choose to drink a stim-free powder prior to working out, you will be absolutely fine drinking Breach Ballistic during your session. As mentioned earlier, the level of caffeine in Breach Ballistic would equate to around a cup of coffee. There is not a whole lot to worry about when it comes to being overly stimulated if you are taking just this product. Some people choose to mix both their pre and BCAAs and drink it all at once! In case you were curious, yes, this product is delicious, and comes in three excellent flavors. With choices like Blue Lemonade, Strawberry Kiwi, and Watermelon, you cannot go wrong. You have now learned about a product that tastes great and has exceptional ingredients. This leads to the all important question: “What’s the price?”
Go ahead and repeat after me: “I’ve been ripped off.” There is no denying we have all made purchases with supplements that we have come to regret. Dropping hard earned cash on supplements that do not work, taste horrible, and sometimes do not even have what is listed on the ingredients label is the worst! Fortunately, you will not have this problem with Breach Ballistic. Currently being sold for $25.00, this, in my book, is a steal. And yes, you do get a FULL 30 servings. A quality product for under $1.00 per serving is hard to come by. As you can see, Breach Ballistic is worth the investment. If this product has your attention, do not forget to save some for the original Breach.
Between Breach and Breach Ballistic, one product is not better than the other. Redcon1 wanted to give their customers variety and convenience. Now, instead of having to drink a cup of joe and a separate BCAA shake, we have the opportunity to take care of business with one simple scoop of Breach Ballistic. On the other hand, some people are very sensitive to stimulants. With a stim-free product like Breach, those people still have the opportunity to enjoy the anabolic benefits of BCAAs. It would be good practice to keep both on-hand for every occasion!
Breach Ballistic is the answer for those of us who find ourselves dragging throughout the day. This is not the go-ahead for you to abandon sleep and start chugging this product. It is imperative that we get an adequate amount of rest. Unfortunately, even getting 6-8 hours of sleep can still leave us tired. This is a result of the day-to-day stress we experience. Whether it comes from school, work, at home, or even physical stress from the gym, it definitely affects us all. That is the nice thing about Breach Ballistic; it can literally benefit everyone. You do not have to be a gym rat to consume amino acids; your body will still utilize them! And of course, that extra energy and focus will help get you through your strenuous day. And fitness junkies, we all love our BCAAs due to their recovery benefits. Now, we have a delicious opportunity to enjoy our aminos and get in the zone, mentally and physically, with Breach Ballistic. Lift on my friends!
]]>Vitamin K is an essential vitamin that is one of the four fat-soluble vitamins. Vitamin K comes in different forms (vitamers) that are either phylloquinones (vitamin K1) or menaquinones (vitamin K2 which is abbreviated as MK-x.) The three forms of vitamin K that can be utilized by the body are vitamin K1 and dual forms of K2 (MK-4 and MK-7.) The health benefits of vitamin k seem endless and include regression of preformed arterial calcification, maintenance of bone density, and promotion of a healthy heart and vascular system. As with all of my articles, I do not feel making claims on a product or ingredient is good enough. Instead, we must dig into the research…and luckily for us. vitamin k has well over 400 studies that I have personally read over the years. The first one I wish to look at is from Knapen et al and looked at a three-year low-dose menaquinone-7 supplementation and how it helps decrease bone loss. The results were that MK-7 intake significantly improved vitamin K status and decreased the age-related decline in BMC and BMD at the lumbar spine and femoral neck, but not at the total hip. Bone strength was also favorably affected by MK-7. MK-7 significantly decreased the loss in vertebral height of the lower thoracic region at the mid-site of the vertebrae. This lead to their conclusion that MK-7 supplements may help to prevent bone loss (1.)
But even more importantly that aiding in bone mineral density is its ability to fight atherosclerosis (as this is my main reason for recommending this vitamin to bodybuilders that are using potentially harsh supplements that can cause atherosclerosis over time.) Jennifer Ming has talked extensively on this topic stating that “numerous studies have demonstrated that people with higher intakes of vitamin K2 have a reduced risk for cardiovascular disease. Intrigued by this connection, Polish researchers from the Medical University at Lodz teamed up with researchers from Maastricht University in the Netherlands and Poland’s International Science and Health Foundation to determine if vitamin K2 supplementation could reduce the progression of existing atherosclerosis. The scientists evaluated the progression of atherosclerosis in a group of 42 patients with chronic kidney disease. These patients were ideal for this type of study because they are known to experience a rapid reduction in bone mineral density (a measure of bone strength) as a result of calcium losses from bone. They are also subject to equally excessive deposits of calcium in tissues where it doesn’t belong—particularly in the walls of major arteries. For the study, the subjects were divided into two groups. One group received vitamin K2 (90 mcg per day) plus vitamin D3 (400 IU per day). The second group received only vitamin D3 (400 IU per day). After nine months, it was already evident that the subjects taking the combination of vitamins K2 and D3 experienced a slower progression of the Common Carotid Intima Media Thickness, which is a good indicator of atherosclerosis, as well as a predictor of cardiovascular episodes and death. Specifically, the thickness of the carotid (major neck) arteries increased by 13.73% in the group taking vitamin D3, but in the group taking both vitamins, it only increased by 6.32%. Remember that the group of subjects in this study have a tendency for an increased carotid intima media thickness as a result of calcium losses from bone. In addition, subjects taking the combination of vitamins K2 and D3 showed a reduction in carotid artery calcification score in all patients except those with the highest scores at baseline. This indicates that calcium was staying in the bones, where it belongs, and out of the arteries. These results clearly indicated that vitamin K2 does indeed reduce the progression of atherosclerosis” (2, 3, 4.)
Vitamin K clearly has a place on everyone’s health supplement shelf and has more than enough literature and actual application to back that statement up. In terms of practical application, we need to look at a few different minimum effective dosages for the various forms of vitamin k. For phylloquinone (vitamin K1), the minimum effective dosage is 50mcgs. For short chain menaquinones (MK-4), the minimum effective dosage is 1500mcgs. For the longer chain menaquinones (MK-7, MK-8, and MK-9), the minimum effective dose is around 100-250mcgs. So be sure to purchase a vitamin k product that contains the effective forms of vitamin k and in the proper dosages.
Alex Kikel
MS, PES, CPT, Speed and Explosion Specialist Level II
Owner of www.theprepcoach.com
References
First off, lets look into GABA! GABA is known as the ‘downer’ neurotransmitter that counters glutamate and has a tough time crossing the blood brain barrier. GABA is the main inhibitory neurotransmitter of the CNS. It is well established that activation of GABA(A) receptors favors sleep. Three generations of hypnotics are based on these GABA(A) receptor-mediated inhibitory processes. The first and second generation of hypnotics (barbiturates and benzodiazepines respectively) decrease waking, increase slow-wave sleep and enhance the intermediate stage situated between slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep, at the expense of this last sleep stage. The third generation of hypnotics (imidazopyridines and cyclopyrrolones) act similarly on waking and slow-wave sleep but the slight decrease of paradoxical sleep during the first hours does not result from an increase of the intermediate stage. It has been shown that GABA(B) receptor antagonists increase brain-activated behavioral states (waking and paradoxical sleep: dreaming stage). Recently, a specific GABA(C) receptor antagonist was synthesized and found by i.c.v. infusion to increase waking at the expense of slow-wave sleep and paradoxical sleep. Since the sensitivity of GABA(C) receptors for GABA is higher than that of GABA(A) and GABA(B) receptors, GABA(C) receptor agonists and antagonists, when available for clinical practice, could open up a new era for therapy of troubles such as insomnia, epilepsy and narcolepsy. They could possibly act at lower doses, with fewer side effects than currently used drugs (1.)
Second, we look into taurine. Taurine is an organic acid which acts as a lipid/membrane stablilizer in the body and is one of the major inhibitory amino acid neurotransmitters in the brain along with the previously mentioned GABA. When Taurine reaches the brain, it interacts with GABA receptors in the thalamus which is involved in controlling how much sensory information is forwarded to the processing cortex of the brain. Its in this way that taurine is more like a depressant than a stimulant and results in a suppression of excitatory activity. Lin et al stated in a paper entitled the “Effect of taurine and caffeine on sleep–wake activity in Drosophila melanogaster” that “Taurine is a GABA receptor agonist, which is inhibitory to neuronal firing. We show here that flies receiving a low dose of caffeine (0.01%) increase locomotor activity by 25%, and decrease total sleep by 15%. Treatment with taurine at 0.1% to 1.5% reduces locomotor activity by 28% to 86%, and shifts it from diurnal to nocturnal. At 0.75%, taurine also increases total sleep by 50%. Our results show that taurine increases sleep, while caffeine, as previously reported, attenuates sleep. Flies treated with both caffeine and taurine exhibit two differential effects which depend upon the ratio of taurine to caffeine. A high taurine:caffeine ratio promotes sleep, while a low ratio of taurine:caffeine inhibits sleep to a greater extent than the equivalent amount of caffeine alone” (2.)
Last, we look into Mucuna Puriens. Mucuna Pruriens are beans that are a good source of L-DOPA. One of the main reasons I’m a big fan of mucuna pruriens is because of their ability to induce a feeling of well being which aids in cortisol reductions and clearly is a good choice when looking at improving your quality of sleep. Shukla et al stated “This study included 60 subjects who were undergoing infertility screening and were found to be suffering from psychological stress, assessed on the basis of a questionnaire and elevated serum cortisol levels. Age-matched 60 healthy men having normal semen parameters and who had previously initiated at least one pregnancy were included as controls. Infertile subjects were administered with M. pruriens seed powder (5 g day(-1)) orally. For carrying out morphological and biochemical analysis, semen samples were collected twice, first before starting treatment and second after 3 months of treatment. The results demonstrated decreased sperm count and motility in subjects who were under psychological stress. Moreover, serum cortisol and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels were also found elevated along with decreased seminal plasma glutathione (GSH) and ascorbic acid contents and reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity. Treatment with M. pruriens significantly ameliorated psychological stress and seminal plasma lipid peroxide levels along with improved sperm count and motility. Treatment also restored the levels of SOD, catalase, GSH and ascorbic acid in seminal plasma of infertile men. On the basis of results of the present study, it may be concluded that M. pruriens not only reactivates the anti-oxidant defense system of infertile men but it also helps in the management of stress and improves semen quality” (3.)
There are obviously more tremendous sleep aids when it comes to supplementation but GABA, Taurine, and Mucuna Puriens are three that are easily in my top ten favorite sleep ingredients along with melatonin, l-theanine, and a few others. Luckily, GABA, Mucuna Puriens, melatonin, and l-theanine are all in RedCon1’s sleep product Fade Out which also contains other ingredients to aid in growth hormone support, getting you into a deeper REM sleep, as well as to improve muscle recovery!
Alex Kikel
MS, PES, CPT, Speed and Explosion Specialist Level II
Owner of www.theprepcoach.com
References
Admiration. Fear. Disgust. Such terms often accompany an egregiously muscular physique. For better, or for worse, the general public remains enamored at the sight of a sidewalk cracking specimen despite any moral or aesthetic reservations they may carry. The need to even reference “morals” only exists due to the persistent demonizing of steroid use commonly associated with bodybuilders. More often than not the sheep of society will discredit a well-developed physique as nothing more than fictitious mass inflated by chronic drug abuse. These rampant displays of ignorance are a significant contributing factor for the sport’s inability to garner societal acceptance and financial interest from more conventional corporate contributors. A near-sighted perspective when considering that their absence places an inhibition on further athletic advancement beyond its current limitations. The policy in and of itself is contradictory to the very heart of competition. Competitors – true competitors, not mere participants – aspire to reach new tiers of human physical performance and despite many wasted pennies at the wishing-well, the viability of X-Men style genetic mutations is beginning to look bleak. If mainstream audiences continue to expect furthering degrees of superhuman abilities then they must come to understand the need for a superhuman physiology.
It is hardly news worthy to comment that PEDs(Performance Enhancing Drugs) exist at the upper echelon of nearly every competitive activity known. Yet, the populace is dumbfounded upon discovering that their favorite athletic icon has been dabbling in “extracurricular” supplementation between batting practice. Bodybuilding’s double-edged sword is its lack of subtlety regarding the more illicit elements that accompany it. Bombastic displays of freakish mass do little to quell steroid accusations, which, in truth, are usually correct. Consequently, bodybuilding is self-defeating by nature and continually fails to infiltrate sports programming networks or any significant level of mainstream exposure. Although Kai Greene has seen some success outside of wearing posing trunks, his reach is still quite limited when compared to the charismatic career of Arnold, who’s classic lines were befitting of Hollywood.
Despite the bastardization that stems from its use, steroids are more often than not referred to with a positive connotation in present day culture. Simply attach “on steroids” to the end of a noun and it instantly resonates a complimentary tone. Although the concept of needle-based drug usage will remain taboo around the dinner table, the popularity of PEDs within the fitness industry is higher than Snoop Dogg could ever hope to be. Ever since the Archduke of Anadrol, Bostin Loyd, expunged the extreme nature of bodybuilding culture, online forums have essentially transitioned into a pissing contest of Tren and Superdrol. This poses a quandary of a question: take the plunger and get country big or stand around in an extra schmedium tank top while wearing your D.A.R.E. sticker from middle school? Fortunately you do not need to compromise your childhood ethics in order to obtain a God-bod. For all their physically potentiating prowess, the novelty of risqué ‘roid usage wears faster than vital health markers.
Satire aside, there are notable anabolic alternatives presently available on the market. DHEA based prohormones have seen a surge in popularity since DASCA all but razed grey-area designers entirely. Traditionally, DHEA compounds have been overlooked due to being far less cost effective than their more readily active counterparts. Supplement industry innovator, Redcon1, however, has released a well-rounded line of these prohormones that afford the modern iron monger supraphysiological gains without supraphysiological side-effects. By introducing an ingenious Liposomal delivery system into its formulation, Redcon1’s SOMAL products are capable of achieving a standard of bioavailability nearing one-hundred percent. This exceptionally high conversion rate into the target compound allows users to experience the benefits of exogenous hormone usage without compromising the monthly food budget. Those who desire sheer mass and aggression would be wise to sample the tantalizing taste of SOMAL-4’s final form, Testosterone. As the predominant male hormone, no other compound shares its muscle potentiating effects. Alternatively, individuals who prefer less dramatic, leaner mass gains should reference SOMAL-1. Although a structural derivative of Testosterone, the introduction of 1-Testosterone via SOMAL-1 does not raise estradiol or impart a sudden spike in weight gain to the degree that Testosterone does. Rather, it exhibits a high binding affinity for androgen receptors that grant it superior strength enhancing properties, which makes its use advantageous in both bulking and cutting applications.
Rest assured, these two-stepping precursors meet all legal compliances despite their renowned effects on strength and mass acquisition. Lunge your way over to Redcon1.com, or download the app, to learn how SOMAL-1 and SOMAL-4 will allow you to reach your highest state of readiness.
]]>The best place to start is its anti-aging properties that seem to be based around its ability to reduce cellular build up of modified proteins, and the research comes to us from three different authors: Stadtman et al, Gan et al, and Kwak et al. Stadtman stated that a number of systems that generate oxygen free radicals catalyze the oxidative modification of proteins. Such modifications mark enzymes for degradation by cytosolic neutral alkaline proteases. Protein oxidation contributes to the pool of damaged enzymes, which increases in size during aging and in various pathological states. The age-related increase in amounts of oxidized protein may reflect the age-dependent accumulation of unrepaired DNA damage that, in a random manner, affects the concentrations or activities of numerous factors that govern the rates of protein oxidation and the degradation of oxidized protein (1.) It is conceivable that stimulating proteasome activity for rapid removal of misfolded and oxidized proteins is a promising strategy to prevent and alleviate aging-related diseases. Sulforaphane (SFN), an effective cancer preventive agent derived from cruciferous vegetables, has been shown to enhance proteasome activities in mammalian cells and to reduce the level of oxidized proteins and amyloid β-induced cytotoxicity. Here, we report that SFN activates heat shock transcription factor 1-mediated heat shock response. Specifically, SFN-induced expression of heat shock protein 27 (Hsp27) underlies SFN-stimulated proteasome activity. SFN-induced proteasome activity was significantly enhanced in Hsp27-overexpressing cells but absent in Hsp27-silenced cells. The role of Hsp27 in regulating proteasome activity was further confirmed in isogenic REG cells, in which SFN-induced proteasome activation was only observed in cells stably overexpressing Hsp27, but not in the Hsp27-free parental cells. Finally, we demonstrated that phosphorylation of Hsp27 is irrelevant to SFN-induced proteasome activation. This study provides a novel mechanism underlying SFN-induced proteasome activity. This is the first report to show that heat shock response by SFN, in addition to the antioxidant response mediated by the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway, may contribute to cytoprotection (2.) The 26S proteasome is responsible for degradation of abnormal proteins and may play a role in cell survival upon oxidative stress. The indirect antioxidant sulforaphane (SFN) protects animal tissues from chemical toxicants by increasing the expression of several families of Nrf2-regulated genes. The role of induction of the 26S proteasome in cytoprotection by SFN was investigated in murine neuroblastoma Neuro2A cells. SFN enhanced the expression of the catalytic subunits of the proteasome, as well as proteasomal peptidase activities in these cells. Such treatment with SFN protected cells from hydrogen peroxide-mediated cytotoxicity in a manner dependent on proteasomal function. Inhibition of proteasome activities using pharmacological interventions significantly attenuated the protective effects of SFN against hydrogen peroxide cytotoxicity, as well as protein oxidation. Moreover, overexpression of the catalytic subunit PSMB5 enhanced proteasome function and led to elevated resistance against hydrogen peroxide toxicity and extent of protein oxidation compared to blank-plasmid-transfected cells. Pretreatment of PSMB5-overexpressing cells with SFN did not further enhance this resistance. Collectively, these results suggest that the cytoprotective effects of SFN against oxidative stress are in part due to up-regulation of the proteasome system. Therefore, inducers of proteasome expression may ameliorate the accumulation of damaged proteins associated with neurodegeneration and other diseases in whose etiologies protein oxidation plays a role (3.)
References
In close relation is a study on sleep deprivation and how it reduces circulating androgens in healthy men. “The acute effect of sleep deprivation on the pituitary-testis axis was evaluated in 13 healthy men. To study such association, the circulating levels of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), prolactin (PRL), Androstenedione (A), Testosterone (T), Dihydro-testosterone (DHT) and Estradiol (E2) were measured along with Cortisol (C) before and after sleep deprivation. Morning (8:00 AM) venous blood samples were obtained prior and after a continuous restless period of 24 hr and the values were analyzed by the paired Student’s t test. There was a significant and parallel decrease of each androgen and E2 but not of FSH, L.H. PRL, or C, associated with the acute sleep deprivation” (3.) The issues that we are seeing tie directly into cortisol. The issue that arises is that coristol usually pulsates in pattern (meaning its higher in the morning and lower at night) BUT when sleep is deprived, it essentially disrupts this pattern and there by increases serum cortisol levels. Leproult shows this very well in a study from 1997. Sleep curtailment constitutes an increasingly common condition in industrialized societies and is thought to affect mood and performance rather than physiological functions. There is no evidence for prolonged or delayed effects of sleep loss on the hypothalamo-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis. We evaluated the effects of acute partial or total sleep deprivation on the nighttime and daytime profile of cortisol levels. Plasma cortisol profiles were determined during a 32-hour period (from 1800 hours on day 1 until 0200 hours on day 3) in normal young men submitted to three different protocols: normal sleep schedule (2300-0700 hours), partial sleep deprivation (0400-0800 hours), and total sleep deprivation. Alterations in cortisol levels could only be demonstrated in the evening following the night of sleep deprivation. After normal sleep, plasma cortisol levels over the 1800-2300-hour period were similar on days 1 and 2. After partial and total sleep deprivation, plasma cortisol levels over the 1800-2300-hour period were higher on day 2 than on day 1 (37 and 45% increases, p = 0.03 and 0.003, respectively), and the onset of the quiescent period of cortisol secretion was delayed by at least 1 hour. We conclude that even partial acute sleep loss delays the recovery of the HPA from early morning circadian stimulation and is thus likely to involve an alteration in negative glucocorticoid feedback regulation. Sleep loss could thus affect the resiliency of the stress response and may accelerate the development of metabolic and cognitive consequences of glucocorticoid excess (4.)
References
A more direct study from Xu et al looked at how TB500 accelerates overall rates of wound healing. A prokaryotic vector harboring two complete Tβ4 genes with a short linker was constructed and expressed in Escherichia coli. A pilot-scale fermentation (10 L) was performed to produce engineered bacteria and the Tβ4 dimer was purified by one-step hydrophobic interaction chromatography. The activities of the Tβ4 dimer to promote endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and sprouting were assessed by tetramethylbenzidine (methylthiazol tetrazolium), trans-well, scratch, and tube formation assays. The ability to accelerate dermal healing was assessed on rats. After fermentation, the Tβ4 dimer accounted for about 30% of all the bacteria proteins. The purity of the Tβ4 dimer reached 98% after hydrophobic interaction chromatography purification. An average of 562.4 mg/L Tβ4 dimer was acquired using a 10 L fermenter. In each assay, the dimeric Tβ4 exhibited enhanced activities compared with native Tβ4. Notably, the ability of the dimeric Tβ4 to promote cell migration was almost two times higher than that of Tβ4. The rate of dermal healing in the dimeric Tβ4-treated rats was approximately 1 day faster than with native Tβ4-treated rats. The dimeric Tβ4 exhibited enhanced activity on wound healing than native Tβ4, and the purification process was simple and cost-effective. This data could be of significant benefit for the high pain and morbidity associated with chronic wounds disease. A better strategy to develop Tβ4 as a treatment for other diseases caused by injuries such as heart attack, neurotrophic keratitis, and multiple sclerosis was also described (9.) Even further studies show its ability to further increase strength, endurance, and reduce inflammation. Sosne et al states within their abstract “Thymosin beta 4 (Tβ4) is a low molecular weight protein present in all cells except erythrocytes. Although Tβ4 is the major monomeric actin-sequestering peptide in cells and can depolymerize F-actin, evidence is mounting to support the idea that it has multiple, seemingly diverse, cellular functions. In cornea, as in other tissues, Tβ4 promotes cell migration and wound healing, has anti-inflammatory properties, and suppresses apoptosis. In this review we discuss the current state of knowledge regarding the effects of Tβ4 in maintaining the healthy, functional cornea. The clinical implications of the use of Tβ4 as a wound healing and anti-inflammatory agent are discussed.” Read more about TB500’s role in inflammation and other beneficial properties below in the reference section (10.)
In conclusion, these two peptides have a tremendous ability to help up-regulate healing rates (however their long term effectiveness and side effects have yet to be determined.) In terms of practical application, many literature and anecdotal evidence reports show that dosing BPC-157 at 1-10mcgs per kg of body weight daily and TB500 at 2mgs twice per week to be a very effective starting point. Your optimal dosage will completely be dependent on how well or how poorly you metabolize these compounds so some trial and error will be required. BPC-157 is systemic where as TB500 should be applied as close to the injured area as possible. Now go out, read more literature on these two amazing peptides, and make an informed decision for yourself as to whether or not this is something that can benefit your athletic and recovery endeavors.
References
BPC 157 has been given even more attention for its other benefits. Sikiric et al looked at the counteraction by stable gastric pentadecapeptide BPC 157 with NSAIDs (3.) They stated “recently, we claim that BPC 157 may be used as an antidote against NSAIDs. We focused on BPC 157 beneficial effects on stomach, duodenum, intestine, liver and brain injuries, adjuvant arthritis, pain, hyper/hypothermia, obstructive thrombus formation and thrombolysis, blood vessel function, counteraction of prolonged bleeding and thrombocytopenia after application of various anticoagulants and antiplatelet agents and wound healing improvement. The arguments for BPC 157 antidote activity (i.e., the role of BPC 157 in cytoprotection, being a novel mediator of Robert’s cytoprotection and BPC 157 beneficial effects on NSAIDs mediated lesions in the gastrointestinal tract, liver and brain and finally, counteraction of aspirin-induced prolonged bleeding and thrombocytopenia) obviously have a counteracting effect on several established side-effects of NSAIDs use. The mentioned variety of the beneficial effects portrayed by BPC 157 may well be a foundation for establishing BPC 157 as a NSAIDs antidote since no other single agent has portrayed a similar array of effects. Unlike NSAIDs, a very high safety (no reported toxicity (LD1 could be not achieved)) profile is reported for BPC 157. Also, unlike the different dosage levels of aspirin, as a NSAIDs prototype, which differ by a factor of about ten, all these beneficial and counteracting effects of BPC 157 were obtained using the equipotent dosage (μg, ng/kg) in parenteral or peroral regimens.” BPC 157 is also linked to reversing systemic corticosertoid impaired muscle healing, accelerating bone healing, and repairing inflammatories diseases (4, 5, 6, 7.)
With the proven efficacy of BPC-157, we can now move into TB500. TB500 is the synthetic form of Thymosin Beta-4 that is specifically designed to help deal with injuries in athletes (Thymosin Beta-4 is a naturally occurring peptide present in our cells that plays a pivotal role in building new blood vessels, new small muscle tissue fibers, cell migration and blood cell reproduction.) Its main ability to up-regulate actin (and other cell building proteins) is what allows it to promote cell migration and proliferation as well as increases the circulation to injuries areas (thereby accelerating healing rates.) In fact, Wei et al looked into how thymosin Beta 4 protects mice from monocrotaline-induced pulmonary hypertension and right ventricular hypertrophy. Pulmonary hypertension (PH) is a progressive vascular disease of pulmonary arteries that impedes ejection of blood by the right ventricle. As a result there is an increase in pulmonary vascular resistance and pulmonary arterial pressure causing right ventricular hypertrophy (RVH) and RV failure. The pathology of PAH involves vascular cell remodeling including pulmonary arterial endothelial cell (PAEC) dysfunction and pulmonary arterial smooth muscle cell (PASMC) proliferation. Current therapies are limited to reverse the vascular remodeling. Investigating a key molecule is required for development of new therapeutic intervention. Thymosin beta-4 (Tβ4) is a ubiquitous G-actin sequestering protein with diverse biological function and promotes wound healing and modulates inflammatory responses. However, it remains unknown whether Tβ4 has any protective role in PH. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the whether Tβ4 can be used as a vascular-protective agent. In monocrotaline (MCT)-induced PH mouse model, we showed that mice treated with Tβ4 significantly attenuated the systolic pressure and RVH, compared to the MCT treated mice. Our data revealed for the first time that Tβ4 selectively targets Notch3-Col 3A-CTGF gene axis in preventing MCT-induced PH and RVH. Their study may provide pre-clinical evidence for Tβ4 and may consider as vasculo-protective agent for the treatment of PH induced RVH (8.)
References
Relative to endurance exercise, recommended protein intakes range from of 1.0 g/kg to 1.6 g/kg per day depending on the intensity and duration of the endurance exercise, as well as the training status of the individual. For example, an elite endurance athlete requires a greater level of protein intake approaching the higher end the aforementioned range (1.0 to 1.6 g/kg/day). Additionally, as endurance exercise increases in intensity and duration, there is an increased oxidation of branched-chain amino acids, which creates a demand within the body for protein intakes at the upper end of this range. Strength/power exercise is thought to increase protein requirements even more than endurance exercise, particularly during the initial stages of training and/or sharp increases in volume. Recommendations for strength/power exercise typically range from 1.6 to 2.0 g/kg/day, although some research suggests that protein requirements may actually decrease during training due to biological adaptations that improve net protein retention. Little research has been conducted on exercise activities that are intermittent in nature (e.g., soccer, basketball, mixed martial arts, etc.). In a review focusing on soccer players, a protein intake of 1.4–1.7 g/kg was recommended. Protein intakes within this range (1.4 to 1.7 g/kg/day) are recommended for those engaging in other types of intermittent sports. In summary, it is the position of the International Society of Sport Nutrition that exercising individuals ingest protein ranging from 1.4 to 2.0 g/kg/day. Individuals engaging in endurance exercise should ingest levels at the lower end of this range, individuals engaging in intermittent activities should ingest levels in the middle of this range, and those engaging in strength/power exercise should ingest levels at the upper end of this range” (4.)
The literature goes on and on from researchers like Lemon, Tarnopolsky, Rand, Young, etc. Lemon et al even looked at protein requirements and muscle mass/strength changes during intensive training in novice bodybuilders and found that during the early stages of intensive bodybuilding training, PRO needs are approximately 100% greater than current recommendations (5.) As always, I have more literature below for you to read at your leisure to fully understand protein metabolism in regards to bodybuilders in relation to increased nitrogen retention, aminoacidemia, skeletal muscle protein synthesis, TEF, etc. In terms of practical application, we can see anything as low as 1 gram per pound of bodyweight and upwards of 3 grams per pound of bodyweight to be effective. I feel somewhere in between is the happy medium as we do have caloric restrictions and requirements to hit everyday. I would recommend beginning somewhere in the 1.2-2 grams per pound of bodyweight range, assessing the results, and altering as needed. The main point of this article is to get you thinking and questioning “is there a better way?” Now go out, do more research on your own, implement, experiment, and adjust to favor the results you desire.
References
Dr. Jose Antonio’s research continues. This study (3) looked at the consumption of a high protein diet (>4 g/kg/d) in trained men and women who did not alter their exercise program. Thus, the purpose of this investigation was to determine if a high protein diet in conjunction with a periodized heavy resistance training program would affect indices of body composition, performance and health. Forty-eight healthy resistance-trained men and women completed this study (mean ± SD; Normal Protein group [NP n = 17, four female and 13 male]: 24.8 ± 6.9 yr; 174.0 ± 9.5 cm height; 74.7 ± 9.6 kg body weight; 2.4 ± 1.7 yr of training; High Protein group [HP n = 31, seven female and 24 male]: 22.9 ± 3.1 yr; 172.3 ± 7.7 cm; 74.3 ± 12.4 kg; 4.9 ± 4.1 yr of training). Moreover, all subjects participated in a split-routine, periodized heavy resistance-training program. Training and daily diet logs were kept by each subject. Subjects in the NP and HP groups were instructed to consume their baseline (~2 g/kg/d) and >3 g/kg/d of dietary protein, respectively. Subjects in the NP and HP groups consumed 2.3 and 3.4 g/kg/day of dietary protein during the treatment period. The NP group consumed significantly (p < 0.05) more protein during the treatment period compared to their baseline intake. The HP group consumed more (p < 0.05) total energy and protein during the treatment period compared to their baseline intake. Furthermore, the HP group consumed significantly more (p < 0.05) total calories and protein compared to the NP group. There were significant time by group (p ≤ 0.05) changes in body weight (change: +1.3 ± 1.3 kg NP, −0.1 ± 2.5 HP), fat mass (change: −0.3 ± 2.2 kg NP, −1.7 ± 2.3 HP), and % body fat (change: −0.7 ± 2.8 NP, −2.4 ± 2.9 HP). The NP group gained significantly more body weight than the HP group; however, the HP group experienced a greater decrease in fat mass and % body fat. There was a significant time effect for FFM; however, there was a non-significant time by group effect for FFM (change: +1.5 ± 1.8 NP, +1.5 ± 2.2 HP). Furthermore, a significant time effect (p ≤ 0.05) was seen in both groups vis a vis improvements in maximal strength (i.e., 1-RM squat and bench) vertical jump and pull-ups; however, there were no significant time by group effects (p ≥ 0.05) for all exercise performance measures. Additionally, there were no changes in any of the blood parameters (i.e., basic metabolic panel). They concluded by stating “consuming a high protein diet (3.4 g/kg/d) in conjunction with a heavy resistance-training program may confer benefits with regards to body composition. Furthermore, there is no evidence that consuming a high protein diet has any deleterious effects.”
References