Vitamins and Supplements

Vitamins and Supplements:

What to believe and what to stay away from

Let me make this clear at the beginning. What I am going to tell you is my opinion on the subject of vitamins and supplements. Most of what you read about supplementation is opinion although it is represented as fact. The fact that you can quote a study to back up your claims really doesn't mean you are right. It just means that you found a study that backs up what you believe in.

My opinions are based on personal trial and error, common sense and a good nose for b.s.

My second point I would make is that you may have noticed that Pro Grade Nutrition is a sponsor of M Factor Fitness. My advice to you is simple. I like these guys and the products they offer. I think the quality control is very good and the prices are fair. I have no hesitation asking you to try their products. They are laboratory certified and they carry a money back guarantee. Regardless, whatever type of vitamin or supplement that I talk about, there are other companies who will offer similar products. Try out whatever brands you want and compare for yourself. Everyone is different and the important thing is that I open your mind to the possibilities.

Can vitamins cure diseases?

This is that slippery slope where many supplement companies make exeratted claims. or outright lies depending on your point of view. Most cases of this occur when untrained sales people ( read multi-level marketing reps and holistic guru-types ) say anything to sell product.

A lack of a vitamin can cause disease but a surplus of a vitamin does not seem to prevent a disease. For example, lack of vitamin A has been shown to lead to night blindness. Fine but you can't take megadoese of vitamin A and improve your vision.

The worst cases of this are when companies claim vitamins can cure cancer. Now whether taking vitamins and supplements can prevent cancer, heart attacks etc... Who knows? How can you know?

Should I take a multi-vitamins?

You know I have gone through periods where I take vitamins and supplements and times where I don't. As a general rule, taking cheap vitamins never made a noticeable difference. When I started taking better quality vitamins, I did notice a slight difference. The idea is that you take a multi-vitamin as an insurance policy. I agree with this but some formulas you see have ridiculous amount of potency. I really don't think you have to go overboard. That alone can lead to issues.

Don't waste your money buying cheap vitamins.

Don't spend a fortune on designer vitamins.

Always take vitamins with food.

If you take your multi-vitamin and you get an upset stomach, consider cutting the recommended dose in half.

Try different formulas and choose the one you like.

Don't expect a vitamin to cure any ailment or disease.

What about workouts? What should I take?

There is debate about pre-workout supplements. I like to have a small snack such as an apple or nuts and a pre-workout drink. This contains caffeine, branch chain aminos and b vitamins.

Working out when you are hungry is almost always a bad idea. Low blood sugar and vigorous exercise do not mix.

Always, always, a;ways eat a protein and a carbohydrate after working out. Get a shake like Pro Grade workout or have a protein bar.

What about cleansing diets

So called cleansing diets are hotly contested. I am talking about the kits that you buy that have herbs. I know of people that have been hospitalized trying to follow these cleanses. What is really bad is that tell you that you are going to feel bad. So when you start feeling bad, you think you are getting rid of toxins when you could be doing real damage to yourself.

Herbs are powerful and can interact with any medication you are on.

Making a sudden change in eating and lifestyle is never a good idea. It throws the body into shock.

If you want to cleanse, google a good cabbage soup diet. These involve cabbage soup, fruits and vegetables. They are very safe and effective. it is possible to lose up to ten pounds in a week.

How effective are fat loss pills

Diet or fat loss pills are generally filled with caffeine. Either caffeine or plants and herbs that contain caffeine such as guarana, kola nut etc...

Caffeine decreases your appetite and is an ergogenic aid so it isn't a bad thing to take as long as you don't have heart issues, high blood pressure and never exceed the recommended dosage.

There are studies that show it increases your ability to concentrate and lift more weight.

Any weight loss supplements at best will have a 5-10 % effect on your results. The vast majority of your success will be working out, nutrition and sleep. So please focus your attention more on that than the latest supplements.

I hope this helps. Here are some links to some more articles you may find of interest.