Archive for January, 2009

Fats are amazing.

In prior eras fats were veiwed as the villan of the diet world when really they are uncredibly improtant. So many important functions in the human body depend on fats in someway that they are to vast to begin to list. (you can find more info on the site) Sounds funny at first, but some fat is needed for the utilization of body fat – meaning your body won’t burn fat without you getting enough fat in your diet.

With the essential fats so critical to our diet, why are so few of us hitting the mark? Why don’t we do better?  Who Knows.   

I am not going to point out and get in the “camp” of anyone essentail fat supplement.   I have read so much conflicting information which on is “better”.  My belief is that all the natural essential fats are good for us.  Here are a couple that my 25 years of experience keeps bumping in to all the time.

1. Flax Oil / Flax Seeds – I love both forms. It takes quite a bit to reach a serving, so be sure to take a full serving and take it everyday. Here is a great flaxseed oil or if you would prefer, here is a great organic flaxseed.
2. Fish Oil – There are different types (salmon, cod, etc.). They are all very good. I suggest a flavored one to knock back the fishy flavor. Carlson Fish Oil rule this catagory – awesome selection.  You can get the best price right here.

Like all supplements take them everyday as directed to make sure you are feeling the benefits. You can expect – better skin – smoother, shinier hair – weight and fat loss – better energy – and the list goes on.

Fats really are amazing.

Big Jim

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Every body needs fuel to maintain and function efficiently. Re-generation of cells, muscle, tissue and bones requires a vast amount of biological activity. Even physical and mental processes can deplete natural vitamin and mineral stores. In order to better understand what fuels us, here is some current research. Women have nutritional needs that are different from men and need to be addressed accordingly. Two critical components for healthy function are macronutrients and micronutrients. Macronutrients encompass the large categories of protein, carbohydrates and fat. Vitamins and minerals fall into the micronutrient category and have four sub-categories of their own. These are water-soluble vitamins, fat-soluble vitamins, major minerals and trace minerals. The human machine needs a liberal supply of these nutrients available at all times. Water-soluble vitamins like vitamin C are eliminated in sweat and urine and must be regularly replenished. Fat-soluble vitamins have the capacity to be stored in the body and include vitamins A and D. All act as antioxidants that help detoxify our systems. Additionally, adequate levels of essential fatty acids are necessary to help prevent inflammation, stabilize cholesterol and keep hormones in check.

According to a study in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), the doses of vitamins and minerals necessary for optimum health are significantly higher than those listed in the Recommended Daily Allowance (RDA). The RDA guidelines were established as functional bare minimum, not optimum doses. So how do women make educated decisions when selecting a multivitamin? Look for something that contains the highest percentages of vitamins and minerals and includes a fatty acid formula such as EPA and DHA. Select natural products whenever it is possible to do so. This means that the vitamin contains no artificial preservatives, dyes or allergens. Look for “standardized” formulas to ensure that it contains exactly what is listed on the label. But most importantly, if a multivitamin does not make you feel any different after using the bottle, try another brand. Your body will thank you.

Julie Riggs Med. RD LD

Find the best multi for you in our great catalog – www.i-supplements.com

Glutamine is an awesome recovery product that is used by athletes in a variety of different sports. Glutamine is one of the most important amino acids in the body in that it fuels both the gut and immune system and maximizes protein synthesis. With the amount of training that is involved in mixed martial arts, a fighter’s number one priority should be recovery. Its no secret that training from four to six hours a day can take its toll on the fighter which leads to over training and injury. Research shows levels of supplementation from 2 to 40 grams daily. Two to three grams has been found to help symptoms of queasiness. This two to three gram dosage used post workout builds protein, repairs and builds muscle and can induce levels of growth hormone found in the body. Along with that, glutamine has other healthy benefits that include:

• Increase nitrogen retention
• Reduce muscle breakdown
• Decrease recovery time needed after a workout
• Enhance immune functions

I know of many top fighters who use glutamine everyday with great success. Glutamine is an all-purpose supplement that will enhance your body and immune system. When training for fights, I try to take in around 15 to 20 grams daily. My favorite time to take glutamine is right after a workout and before bed. If you’re a big dude its probably a good idea to take in a little more. All you heavyweights should shoot for around 20 to 30 grams a day. Just about every top supplement company has a glutamine product. I like Glutamine Select from Beverly International and L-Glutamine by Schwartz Labs. Glutamine is a must have supplement. Stay ahead of the competition with this multi purpose knock out supplement.

Josh Rafferty

Get the best prices on a huge variety of glutamine supplements at www.i-supplements.com.

Josh Rafferty was one of 16 fighters from across the United States to compete on The Ultimate Fighter Season 1, which airs on Spike TV still today. As a Mixed Martial Arts Veteran, Josh has had over 25 fights since 1998 and continues his career into 2009. Josh is also a coach and mentor to many amateur and professional fighters in his hometown of Cincinnati, OH.

About five years ago my friend Tim was going on and on about this new supplement called Red Dawn. This mood enhancer is the strongest supplement I have ever taken, and it produces drug like effects. Red Dawn provides extra clean energy and will give you that extra edge in your nightlife. It can be used alone or with other products without legal risks and its all natural. The dawn is a great alternative to drinking alcohol with the added bonus of no hang over or crashes. Many of my friends have experimented with Red Dawn with much success. Lets rewind five years and go back to my original test drive with this unique supplement. At first I didn’t feel much, within thirty minutes the euphoric feeling the bottle describes started kicking in. Red Dawn is powerful and in my eyes it lived up to the hype. Just because the sun is coming up, the party doesn’t have to end. Enjoy the experience of Red Dawn!

Josh Rafferty

Party the night away with Red Dawn’s mood enhancing products at www.i-Supplements.com

Josh was one of 16 fighters from across the United States to compete on The Ultimate Fighter Season 1, which airs on Spike TV still today. As a Mixed Martial Arts Veteran, Josh has had over 25 fights since 1998 and continues his career into 2009. Josh is also a coach and mentor to many amateur and professional fighters in his hometown of Cincinnati, OH.

So maybe I’m showing my age but I couldn’t help thinking of that old song by the Partridge Family every time I came across Brain Pharma’s Happy Pills. Now, I’m usually no supplement snob and I stay pretty open when it comes to trying new things. However, I was having a lot of trouble taking this product seriously when I first saw it. I mean how serious can a product called Happy Pills actually be?

Anyway, I got a sample of them the other day from our warehouse and I just couldn’t resist the temptation. I had to know. According to Brain Pharma, Happy Pills are supposed to naturally boost serotonin levels, enhance your mood, increase your libido and help you lose weight, all in a safe, convenient long lasting dose with no sexual side effects. It also promises increased mental focus by stimulating a chemical in the brain to create natural adrenaline.

So, I took the two-pill sample dose as indicated on the back of the package of Happy Pills. I wasn’t too hopeful because the package indicated it works better with prolonged use. To me this is normally the cop out for, ‘you will feel nothing from this sample pack.’Was I wrong! This stuff totally rocked. My boss, who is convinced I am a raging bitch a good portion of the time walked by my desk and asked me what I was grinning about. He commented on how happy I seemed, which he found totally out of the norm. I drove 45 minutes in rush hour traffic to get home from work that evening and I didn’t shoot the bird to a single driver on the road. Okay, so I still honked, but I did it with a smile! My husband wanted to know what had gotten into me when he walked in the door and I literally jumped on him for an early evening romp. It is clear, that despite the funny name, this supplement is no joke. The best part was, everything just seemed clearer. I felt like, even after a long day at work, I was firing on all cylinders. I wasn’t tired and cranky. I was a freaking ray of sunshine! And if you knew me better, you’d know how rare that is especially in the cold drab winter months of our beautiful queen city.

The Team at i-Supplements.com

Get your Happy Pills at www.i-Supplements.com

37-year-old MMA fighter Jeff Monson was charged with First Degree Malicious Mischief on January 14 for spray painting an anarchy symbol, a peace symbol and the words “no war” and “no poverty” on the Washington State Capitol. When I first came across this story I was disenchanted. I believe that we all have the right to say what we want and I think that it’s important to take advantage of our rights. The problems that I have are that these anarchists and anti war demonstrators always do some juvenile act and celebrate it like it’s something special. Hey everybody look at me I’m against the war and our government so I’m going to act like a little kid and I’m going to tag a government building. I thought Jeff was 37 not 13. It seems kind of lame that a guy with his education and his stature is spray painting a government building. This is a class B felony and Jeff is looking at a maximum of 10 years and a 20,000 dollar fine. Sounds kind of expensive for committing a crime so you could look cool to all of your anti American left wing social mutant friends who continue to suck the chi out of America everyday with their negativity. Lets not forget that Jeff makes a substantial amount of money for his fights, I’m talking around $100,000.00, but America is such a dark evil place. Many of my family members like my Dad and brother have served and fought for this country and when I see something like this it really makes me sick. We have thousands of young Americans fighting for our safety and freedom and if it wasn’t for them, guys like Jeff Monson would not have the chance to participate in his demonstrations and have the opportunity to make the kind of money he is making. Jeff has the right to express his views and beliefs , I just didn’t expect something so weak from such a strong man.

Josh Rafferty – Mixed Martial Arts Veteran

Find a great selection of supplements at www.i-Supplements.com

No matter what diet you are on, protein plays a big part in the process of reaching your goals. A diet high in protein has many different possible advantages such as muscle repair and growth. Quality protein is very easy to obtain and is available where ever food is sold with a wide variety of choices.

Some great examples of protein are:

One of my favorite ways to consume protein is by eating lots of boneless skinless chicken breast. Chicken is an excellent choice of lean protein and it’s easy to prepare. I prefer to boil my boneless skinless chicken breast. Before I boil my chicken, add some honey and salt to the water for added flavor. Then I boil the chicken breast for 20-30 minutes. When the time is up I will check the chicken to make sure it’s all white with no pink in the center. Let the chicken cool and then enjoy your low-fat, high protein meal. It is a great idea to make extra boneless skinless chicken breast for your next couple of meals. If refrigerated properly boneless skinless chicken breast should be good for about three days. Enjoy this delicious, low fat recipe!

Josh Rafferty – Professional Fighter

A high protein diet consists of quality protein. At i-supplements.com, we have all the top brands at the best prices.

We hear about them all the time, especially during cold and flu season, but what exactly are antioxidants? It helps to first understand oxidants or how the process of oxidation occurs. When oxygen interacts with any type of cell, be it a slice of fruit or bodily cells, the cells begin to change. In the case of fruit these cells die, (hence the reason apples turn brown after they are cut). In bodily cells, new cells replace the dead ones over time. The problem is that eventually the dead cells turn into “free radicals” which can injure healthy cells by damaging DNA. This sets the stage for cell mutation and disease. Antioxidants are vitamins and proteins that assist in arresting and even reversing the effects of oxidants.

The Bad and the Good

Oxidation in the body occurs naturally to some extent. The dying and rebuilding of cells is always a continual process. But outside factors contribute to expedition of this process. A sampling of the factors includes chemicals in processed foods, air, water, antibiotics, alcohol, smoke, detergents, and pesticides. If it sounds impossible to avoid exposure to these elements take heart! Remember the role of antioxidants is to help counteract the effects of oxidants. Easily accessible antioxidants include Vitamin E, Vitamin C, Beta-carotene and Selenium. They can be found in such foods as berries, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, green leafy vegetables, carrots, sweet potatoes. (For the holiday season, red wine and dark chocolate also contain antioxidants, but consume them in moderation).

Antioxidants are also thought to play a significant role in slowing the aging process and helping prevent heart disease and strokes and combating stress.

The Team at i-Supplements.com

Soy protein shakes are often used as a meal replacement. Soy shakes are a great way to have a high protein and high fiber meal. Soy also includes vitamins, minerals, essential fatty acids, and active probiotics.

Soy shakes are a way to curb your hunger until you can get some real whole food in your next meal. Soy shakes boost your immune system and keep your metabolism going, and this can assist in weight loss.
Soy shakes are recommended for those who are trying to lose weight. Soy offers low carbohydrates, and therefore a low glycemic index. Two servings per day followed by a whole food meal is said to offer the most benefits in your efforts to loose weight. This is a great program for someone with a busy lifestyle.

Soy meal replacement shakes are a good way for people who are lactose intolerant to make sure they get their daily requirements of calcium. Soy also contains Acidophilus and Bifidus that are beneficial to your digestive tract.
Soy meal replacements are also a great way to save some money. Think of all the money you spend on fast food… Something you grab when you are in a hurry… Instead you could just whip up a shake, save some money, and do something good for your body all at once.

The team at i-Supplements

You no longer need to keep scouring the internet to find the best deals on nutritional supplements. At www.i-supplements.com, everything you need to take your body to the next level is on one easy to use site, all at the lowest prices around.

Over the counter steroid supplements are often referred to as “pro-hormones” or “legal steroids”. But how do these supplements differ from illegal anabolic steroids? First it is necessary to understand the function of each. Anabolic steroids result in anabolism which is the build-up of cellular tissue, especially muscle. Medically anabolic steroids are used to treat chronic conditions that waste tissue, such as cancer or AIDS. Because of their ability to increase muscle mass and strength, athletes and body-builders began utilizing them for performance and physique enhancement. Pro-hormones are the predecessors to anabolic steroids. Enzymes in the body convert pro-hormone supplements to an active anabolic steroid. Once that conversion takes place the result is very similar to that of taking an illegal anabolic steroid, although the properties of each vary in potency. Many illegal steroids are less potent alone than the end result of taking a legal pro-hormone that converts anabolically to an active steroid.

But even legal pro-hormones must be used with caution as the resulting anabolic effect still can bring with it serious health risks. Some of these risks include unhealthy changes in cholesterol, high blood pressure, liver damage and structural heart changes. But over time and especially in recent years, legislation has determined that many pro-hormones are considered controlled substances because they have the ability to bypass breakdown by the liver and absorb directly into the body. Use and/or possession of numerous previously legal pro-hormones are now banned and therefore punishable by law. This ban has not been as effective as it was originally intended since many companies are developing pro-hormones that walk the fine line of legality. Some of the newer products run the risk of ending up on the “banned” list and can be even more risky than most of the officially banned pro-hormones.

If considering the use of prohormones for enhanced athletic or body-building performance, be sure to conduct thorough research on the components of the compounds and their possible side effects.

Big Jim  

Prohormones can help take your muscle growth to the next level. At i-supplements.com, we have prohormones at the best prices.