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What is IGF-1 and why is it important?

The primary purpose of IGF-1 is to stimulate cell growth. Every cell in the human body can be affected by IGF-1, but cells in muscle, cartilage, bone, liver, kidney, skin tissue, lungs, and nerves tend to be most positively affected.

Several scientific tests have been conducted to determine the benefits of IGF-1 and thus have prompted companies to seek approval from the Federal Drug and Administration for substances that can increase the body's IGF-1 levels. IGF-1 can also stimulate a decrease in body fat, an increase in lean muscle mass, improved skin tone and restful sleep. IGF-1 has also been documented to increase the rate and extent of muscle repair after injuries or strains. Not only do muscles recover more quickly, they also tend to return stronger and healthier than ever when levels of IGF-1 in the bloodstream are at their highest.

Many believe that (IGF-1) is the key factor in muscle growth. It is released from the liver during times of high insulin and high GH (growth hormone) levels. I will repeat, to stimulate the production if IGF-1, GH levels and insulin must be high simultaneously. This is the problematic part because when insulin levels are high, GH is normally kept low.

This is another reason why insulin levels must be consistently controlled. Insulin levels must be raised at specific times to promote enhanced growth and IGF-1 production. For example, to make IGF-1 work for you after a hard workout of 45 minutes your GH levels will be very high so If you then eat a high carb/high protein meal, you will cause a rise in insulin levels, which will cause the release of IGF-1.

IGF-1 is not released during times of low insulin levels. Low insulin and low IGF-1 levels are the primary reasons it is difficult to gain muscle on low-carb diets. It should be noted to that low protein intake also causes a decrease in IGF-1 levels.

One must be careful not to have too much supplemental IGF-1 in the body or side effects can occur. When too much synthetic IGF-1 is present one can experience jaw pain, facial, hand, and heart swelling. Heart swelling can lead to higher blood pressure and heart failure. Synthetic IGF-1 stays in the body longer than natural IGF-1 and because IGF-1 produces growth cells it can lead to muscle and organ overgrowth. References to bodybuilders and power lifters with abnormally large stomachs have been linked to overuse of IGF-1 because their internal organs have grown too large. Lastly, if free roaming IGF-1’s stay in the body too long there has been evidence to show that it can produce different cancers.

So, in a nutshell, IGF-1 is a great hormone that your body produces naturally. It is an amazing compound that helps with cellular growth and repair throughout the body. It helps our bodies grow to their natural state as well as aids in the building and repairing of muscles. But one must be careful when using synthetic IGF-1 for bodybuilding purposes, not to over do it. In my opinion the side effects of overuse do not outweigh the results. Again, the saying “You can’t have your cake and eat it too!” comes to mind.

Read more http://uspeptides.com/articles/what-igf-1-does-in-the-body/

#hgh #igf-1 #hrt #trt #muscle

New Study Appears to Suggest Benefits from Testosterone in Elderly Men

Salt Lake City, UTMuch has been written about testosterone side effects and especially adverse reactions that affect the heart. While testosterone therapy is indicated for individuals with severe testosterone depletion (hypogonadism), the recent advent of testosterone as a pathway to the fountain of youth has resulted in numerous men who arguably are not in medical need of testosterone supplementation, allegedly suffering debilitating cardiovascular injuries such as testosterone stroke, amongst other adverse reactions.

But now there is a study that appears to suggest that elderly men with low testosterone and pre-existing coronary artery disease can benefit from testosterone through a reduction of risk for cardiovascular events, including stroke, heart attack and death. The multi-year study was conducted by the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute, based in Salt Lake City, Utah. The research team was to have presented their findings this past Sunday (April 3, 2016) at the American College of Cardiology’s 65th Annual Scientific Session. “The study shows that using testosterone replacement therapy to increase testosterone to normal levels in androgen-deficient men doesn’t increase their risk of a serious heart attack or stroke,” said cardiologist Brent Muhlestein, MD, co-director of cardiovascular research at the Intermountain Medical Center Heart Institute. “That was the case even in the highest-risk men - those with known pre-existing heart disease.” The study appears to add a new chapter to everything we know about testosterone supplementation beyond the FDA-approved indication for hypogonadism. Prevailing wisdom suggests that testosterone overload can result in an over-production of red blood cells, which can thicken the blood and lead to testosterone side effects such as testosterone stroke. While the US Food and Drug Administration has always maintained there was some risk with use of testosterone supplementation, the benefit was nonetheless thought to outweigh the risk for those men suffering from severe depletion of testosterone - which by itself can have serious health consequences. The difficulty with the current testosterone supplementation environment - the advent of the so-called “Low-T” condition - is the use of testosterone as a response to low libido or sagging energy that is a natural byproduct of aging. Clever marketing on the part of testosterone manufacturers has appealed to men’s vanity, with the result that thousands of men who otherwise do not have medically supported or diagnosed testosterone depletion are taking testosterone without knowing that an over-abundance of testosterone in an otherwise healthy man could result in a testosterone heart attack, and even testosterone death. Many a testosterone lawsuit has been founded on that very premise. The Intermountain Medical Center study makes no attempt to discount the risks of testosterone therapy in otherwise healthy, middle-aged men. And, in fact, The new study corroborates the findings of a 2015 Intermountain study, which found that taking supplemental testosterone didn’t increase the risk of experiencing a heart attack or stroke for men who had low testosterone levels and no prior history of heart disease. However, the research nonetheless appears to suggest a benefit for elderly men with pre-existing cardiac disease. A total of 755 participants at hospitals within the Intermountain Healthcare system were studied over a period of years. Study participants ranged in age from 58 to 78 and all suffered from some form of severe coronary artery disease. According to Science Daily (4/3/16), study authors concluded that after one year, 64 patients who weren’t taking testosterone supplements suffered major adverse cardiovascular events, while only 12 who were taking medium doses of testosterone and nine who were taking high doses did. After three years, 125 non-testosterone-therapy patients suffered major adverse cardiovascular events, while only 38 medium-dose and 22 high-dose patients suffered similar reactions.

“Although this study indicates that hypo-androgenic men with coronary artery disease might actually be protected by testosterone replacement, this is an observational study that doesn’t provide enough evidence to justify changing treatment recommendations,” Dr. Muhlestein said. “It does, however, substantiate the need for a randomized clinical trial that can confirm or refute the results of this study.” While the aforementioned is useful information for those men of advanced years with pre-existing coronary disease, it nonetheless takes nothing away from testosterone side effects lawsuits filed by otherwise healthy, middle-aged men with no history of cardiovascular issues, whose use of testosterone supplements proved to have negative impacts on their health. Many plaintiffs suggest they were not made aware of the potential dangers of testosterone supplementation, and allege a testosterone heart attack or testosterone stroke was brought on needlessly.

April 7, 2016, 10:30:00AM. By Gordon Gibb

GAC Performance Injections

Glutamine 25mg/ml is one of the most common amino acids in human muscle and the most abundant protein in muscle tissue. The amino acid is needed to synthesize protein and transporting nitrogen between tissues. Glutamine is needed by the body in times of extreme physical activity and when your immune system is fighting off an illness. Claims: Improve rapid water absorption, stimulation of muscle protein synthesis and muscle tissue growth, increased immune system and prevention of infection, reduction in muscle soreness and improved muscle tissue repair, and helps burn more fat while preserving the muscles and minimizing discomfort. Intense training will drop plasma glutamine levels and low levels of glutamine have been a contributing factor in athletic overtraining syndrome and an increased risk for infection that effects athletes during training and competition. Validity: Glutamine is thought to be relatively safe and well tolerated, yet is not recommended for those with kidney disorders. Excessive doses may cause gastrointestinal problems.

L-Arginine 100mg/ml is the biological precursor of nitric oxide

Claims: Many protein powders and energy shakes contain this amino acid, marketing it as a nitric oxide producing, muscle-building supplement. Nitric oxide, in theory, is thought to be useful to athletes as it opens the blood vessels allowing for greater circulation of oxygen to all the organs, muscles, and internal systems. Additionally, it is said to stimulate the release of human growth hormone which in turn will increase muscle growth and strength. Arginine is a protein synthesis and is necessary for the proper function of burning fat and is excellent in would healing and bone repair. Claims: Marketed to enhance muscle growth, strength, and to jump start the immune system.

L-Carnitine 250mg/ml is made from several amino acids in your body, mainly lysine and methionine. It is a vitamin-like substance important for fatty acid transport. Claim: In theory, supplementing carnitine will increase glucose metabolism, VO2 max, and reduce lactate production during high intensity exercise. However, the most important claim resides in the fact that carnitine is a “fat burner”, increasing fat metabolism and decreases fatty build up. Endurance athletes use this supplement In order to spare muscle glycogen by the relying of fat oxidation.

The formulation of the three together are believed to provide an energy producing, fat burning, & muscle building pathway to your goals.

#GAC Injections #glutamine #L-Arginine #L-Carnitine #weightloss

As testosterone therapy gains popularity, medical controversy increases

Some information taking a look at both sides.

For the millions of men who’ve been taking testosterone — and the millions more who’ve probably been thinking about it — there’s some good news and some not-so-good news.

New research this month from the Kansas City VA Medical Center and Harvard Medical School found that this powerful male hormone may not raise risks of heart disease, as some previous studies had suggested...

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article32704101.html#storylink=cp

#trt #low-t #trtfacts

As testosterone therapy gains popularity, medical controversy increases

Some information taking a look at both sides.

For the millions of men who’ve been taking testosterone — and the millions more who’ve probably been thinking about it — there’s some good news and some not-so-good news.

Read more here: http://www.kansascity.com/news/business/health-care/article32704101.html#storylink=cp

#trt #low-t #trtfacts

Read more about how Testosterone Replacement Therapy confers health benefits and lower cardiovascular risks when compared to transdermal administration.

#cardiovascular #hypogonadal #testosterone replacement therapy

Foods that can naturally boost testosterone levels

Is there really such a thing as a magic shot or pill? For some, testosterone replacement therapy may be the closest thing. However, appropriate balance should also incorporate specific lifestyle changes. The first step is evaluating diet. A recent article by Onegreenplanet.org does a nice job of listing 5 Plant Based Foods that Boost Testosterone in the body.

#low-t #Plantbasedfoods #testosterone

Bone mineral density & testosterone replacement therapy

Dr. Richard Yuan-Tud Chen reviews a case where a 70 year old patient's X-ray revealed a compression fracture in a vertebra in his lower spine. A bone mineral density assessment confirmed that the patient had significant osteoporosis, which could have been due to some specific lifestyle choices. Treatment included a high-dose of vitamin D2 and testosterone injections to address his deficiency. The patient reported overall improvements in quality of life and his lower back pain disappeared.

#bmd #testosterone #osteoporosis #bone mineral density

Does having children cause low testosterone?

Okay, you just had a couple of kids and you're really starting to feel the toll on your psyche. That lethargic feeling from the non-stop hustle of changing kid's clothes, never ending pile of dishes, doing the school runs, and coaching soccer. Oh, don't forget about your significant other, the Monday morning work meeting and all the other workplace performance metrics you are going to be measured by for your upcoming review. Well, according to one study*, if that scenario represents a fraction of your life, you may have experienced a significant drop in testosterone. The direct link isn't necessarily having children, but it is with how actively involved men are with daily parental duties.

The sample size of the study was 624 men. The original testosterone sample was taking from men that were 21 years of age. A second testosterone sample was taken again when those same men reached age 26. The study also noted that both samples were taken from the men in the morning, which is typically when the body's testosterone is at its peak. Segmentation of the group was based upon those that didn't have children, Fathers that had children, but were NOT actively involved, and those fathers who spent more than 3 hours a day with parental duties.

The data showed a strong causal link exists between high testosterone and mating success. However, with success in mating and having children, the largest drop in testosterone came from those fathers actively involved in parental activities (26%-34% reduction in testosterone compared to non-fathers)! One may hypothesize the reason for the decline is a nature vs nurture or as men move away from traditional hunter-gather roles to more nurturing roles of present day.

Get your levels checked and live a more balanced life!

#Low-T #Testosterone

The study of healthy young adults in Korea found that, compared with people who didn’t drink coffee, those who drank three to five cups of java per day had a lower risk of having calcium deposits in their coronary arteries, which is an indicator of heart disease. "But the risk went down with just one cup per day," compared with the risk of people who drank no coffee, Guallar added. Still, the researchers stopped short of recommending that people drink coffee to prevent heart disease.

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primebalancefl

Truth

Adult growth hormone deficiency and why Sermorelin.

Maintaining a proper hormonal balance is a great way to head off some manifestations that we all experience with aging. Adult growth hormone deficiency is medical condition that exists when the body simply does not produce adequate levels of growth hormone. This can be due to several causes, but primarily due to damage to the pituitary gland and genetic issues. There are some instances where there is no obvious cause for the deficiency exists and that is said to be idiopathic.

Symptoms:

Increased abdominal fat

Reduced vitality & energy

Poor general health

Reduced strength

Depressed moods & anxiety

The test for GH deficiency: Since GH is rapidly converted to IGF-1 (Insulin like growth factor - 1 or Somatomedin-C) and can not be easily measured directly. The test for hGH is IGF-1 levels, with ideal ranges being between 200-300 ug/ml. Growth hormone deficiency is then typically defined by IGF-1 levels below 160 ug/ml.

Due to the cost prohibitive nature and the legality of growth hormone, Sermorelin has become a viable option utilizing amino acids to stimulate the body's own natural production of growth hormone. Dr. Novins explains that sermorelin is not growth hormone, but two naturally occurring amino acids that communicate with the pituitary gland to make additional growth hormone. Since the increased volume of human growth hormone (hGH) is produced by the body's own pituitary gland, the body will not allow too much hGH to be produced by Sermorelin GHRP6 than what it can safely process. This eliminates the potential side effects that comes with over dosing of direct injections of hGH.

The benefits of Sermorelin GHRP therapy may include an increase in lean muscle mass, stronger joints, connective tissue, and bone density, improved mood, mental state, energy, improved libido, increase in sleep quality, and a decrease in body fat. The outward benefits that are clearly visible come in the form of an overall improvement in skin quality.

Patients are prescribed Sermorelin are able to safely administer subcutaneous injections in the privacy of their own home.

Balance your hormones... and Balance Your Life!

#TRT #HRT #hGH

Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, M.D. shares his findings on TRT and PSA

"Dr. Abraham Morgentaler, an associate professor of surgery at Harvard Medical School and the director of Men’s Health Boston, specializes in treating prostate diseases and male sexual and reproductive difficulties. He has developed particular expertise in treating low testosterone levels. In this interview, Dr. Morgentaler shares his views on current controversies, the treatment strategies he uses with his own patients, and why he thinks experts should reconsider the possible link between testosterone-replacement therapy and prostate cancer."

http://www.harvardprostateknowledge.org/a-harvard-expert-shares-his-thoughts-on-testosterone-replacement-therapy

#low-t #andropause #psa

Does Testosterone Increase Risk for Heart Attacks?

Life Extensions Magazine has released a series of points that outlines specific flaws with an original study on Testosterone increasing incidents of heart attacks.

"This study was designed by physicians who apparently don’t know how to safely restore testosterone levels in aging men.

The media’s portrayal of this flawed study will discourage aging men from properly restoring their testosterone levels. To help spare the lives of testosterone deficient men, we have prepared an extensive rebuttal to this erroneous report.

Life Extension’s official response, starting below provides a detailed point-by-point rebuttal to the many defects in this study that was used to discredit natural testosterone restoration".

Continued...

http://www.lef.org/Magazine/2014/3/Response-To-Media-Reports-Associating-Testosterone-Treatment-With-Greater-Heart-Attack-Risk/Page-01

#TRT #testosterone #low-t #andropause

Gluten-Free Vietnamese-Like Pho

You are going to be amazed at how authentic this taste.

Ingredients:

4oz lean chicken breast, chopped into very small pieces 1/2 tsp virgin coconut oil 1 large clove garlic (crushed) 1/2 tsp fresh ginger (crushed) 1 cup organic, low sodium chicken broth 1/2 cup water 1/2 tsp Coconut Aminos 1 squirt of siriacha sauces 1/2 package of Konjac Shirataki noodles (rinsed) 1/2 cup baby kale (chopped) 1/4 lime

Instructions: Crush 1 large garlic clove and 1 tsp of fresh ginger. Place 1/2 tsp coconut oil in a small saucepan, add garlic and ginger and saute until lightly browned. Pour in 1 cup organic low sodium chicken broth and 1/2 cup water. Stir in 1/2 tsp Coconut Aminios and a a little squirt of siracha. Bring to a rolling boil. Saute chicken breast briefly in nonstick pan, then add to broth and turn heat down to simmer, cooking chicken until no longer pink. Rinse the Konjac Shirataki noodles in cold water in a colander for one minute (very important to get the smishy smell off!) and allow to drain in sink. Chop the kale, mushroom and chives very small. Place 1/2 of the drained noodles in a bowl and pour the broth and chicken over them. Add the coopped veggies and squeeze in the lime juice. Do not stir. Cover for 5-10 minutes then enjoy!

Nutrition: 210 cal. Fat 4.9g. Saturated Fat 2.4g. Cholesterol 76mg. Carbs 15.3g. Fiber 9.5g. Sugars 0.4g. Protein 32.9g. Vitamin A 55% - Vitamin C 46% - Calcium 5% - Iron 11%

By Michelle Powell

#low cal #low carb #high protein

Needing to shave less frequently is one symptom that your testosterone levels may be low. These ads have become increasingly prevalent in recent years, creating confusion among some men about the supposed risks of low testosterone and the best course of treatment.“We’re looking at a huge increase in testosterone products that are available and testosterone prescriptions that are being written by physicians,” said urologist Michael Eisenberg, MD, director of male reproductive medicine and surgery at Stanford Health Care. The truth behind the hype: Almost all men experience an age-related decline in testosterone at the rate of about 1 percent per year beginning around age 20, Eisenberg told Yahoo Health.

Egg White Grab-n-Go "Muffins"

These are very healthy and incredibly convenient for grab-n-go options for the hectic mornings. Total time is 45 min, they stay fresh in the fridge and reheat time is only 10-20 sec! Make them on a Sunday and you are good for a few days.

Preheat oven to 350F

Ingredients:

One 32oz carton 100% Egg Whites 1 cup raw spinach, chopped OR 1 cup green bell pepper, chopped 6 slices lower sodium sliced deli ham, chopped A small amount of chopped onion if desired 3 Tbs shredded parmesan cheese Sea salt, pepper, garlic powder to taste Frank's Hot Sauce

Directions: Line 6 regular size or 12 small size muffin cups in your muffin tin. Divide entire carton of egg whites evenly into the muffin liners. Mix in sea salt and any seasonings from recipe you desire. Add in even amounts of spinach or bell pepper and deli-ham and onion if desired. Top with shredded parmesan (1/4 Tb each for 12 or 1/2 Tb for 6) and a little Frank's Hot Sauce if desired. Bake for 15-30 minutes depending on size. Keep an eye on them and check them when golden brown. These may be stored in an airtight container in fridge, then microwaved for 10-20 seconds on a paper towel. Serving size is one large or two small muffins. Calories per serving is approximately 130. Add a small serving of fruit (remember to log those calories too!) to this and you have a nice grab-n-go breakfast prepared for a couple of days. Enjoy!

By Michelle Powell

#diet #recipes

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