Supplements

[Jodi]

So I just received a PM on someones supplement choices and was asked my opinion. I thought that I would post part of my response from the PM in hopes that it might help others.

1. Chromium Picolonate - helps support your goal of achieving and maintaining a healthy weight, by promoting a healthy metabolism, reducing body fat and preserving lean muscle.

2. Creatine - aids in increasing lean muscle mass. The cons on this are headaches, clenched teeth, effects on blood pressure and since it has the effect of fluid retention in muscle, it might increase blood pressure in the same way high sodium levels do.

3. L-Glutamine - This is an Amino Acid. IMO - this AA won't be beneficial unless someone is taking large quantities of it and they are already lean. Then it will help preserve LBM. Some may argue that though.

4. CLA - Waste of money. You would need such high quantities of this to do anything and that is not even close to being affordable to benefit from it.

5. ZMA - This would be and excellent choice in anyones supplementation. Faster healing and recovery from workouts, possibly increase testosterone, strength and endurance and better sleep.

[Shinbone]

Dear Jodi,

What are your thoughts about Glucosamine supplements? I use it on a daily basis, because I have hypermobile joints.

I take it on advice of my doctor, because according to him, hypermobile joints can give me an increasing chance of artritis?

I use Atro Flex (liquid form) once a day, it is a combination of:

1000 mg Glucosamine sulfate
600 mg Chodroitine sulfate
250 mg MSM

I hope you can help me with my questions, please:

- Is it safe to use Glucosamine on a daily base? Because there are no side effects listed on the label?

-And do you advice me to any sports?

I'm currently not active in any sports, accept for Snooker, but that is not 'tough' on the body.

I did fittness/powertraining but I quit it a year ago, because I had trouble with my joints, I trained pretty heavy with weights.

I did running for a time, but my doctor said I had to be carefull with it, and I shouldn't run too much, after that I quit running as well.

I hope you can help me with this, because different persons (doctors, specialists) keep saying differents things.


Thanks in advance.

[Jodi]

Ok, first of all please understand I am not a doctor. I can't give medical advice and feel confidant that I would be guiding you in the right direction. Please, do not disregard what your doctor says. I may be able to help clarify what they are saying to you but I certainly cannot give you medical advice, nor will I.

Now, as far as Glucosamin, Chondotrine and MSM - Excellent supplement, especially the liquid version. It is a very safe supplement however, keep 2 issues in mind. If you have a shellfish allergy then do not use, if you are allergic to sulfer again, do not use. Monitor your dosage and cut it down if you get gastric fluctuations such as soft stools, diarrhea or nausea. Other than that - have at it. It's a great supplement for joints and arthitic pain.

Advising you towards a sport is difficult. What interest you? What can you picture yourself doing on a daily basis for the rest of your life to stay fit and active. Don't choose something for the sake of need. What you choose to do you need to enjoy and not dread it or you won't stick with it.

[Shinbone]

Thank you for the quick respons, much appreciated.

Glucosamine is indeed a very good supplement and I would advice it to any sporter.

As for my sports, I need to be carefull with sports and don't do too much at once.