Health and Nutrition: Steroids and protein drinks are bad news ...

Date: 12-06-2003 Posted by: Anabolic Info TeamUnited States

Q: What is you opinion of protein drinks and steroids that enhance athletic performance?

MF, Canton, Ohio

A: There is plenty to talk about, but my opinion is that I am opposed to any use of either steroids or protein drinks.

Many body builders take anabolic steroids to build muscles and enhance performance.

The Drug Enforcement Administration made anabolic steroids controlled substances, ending legal prescription of them, but other sources have now appeared because of the promise of rapid development of big muscles.

Some people and teens especially think that a powerful body image is very seductive.

Now let's talk about the downside. Steroids can have adverse effects which includes loss of sexual potency and drive, erratic mood swings, increase risk of heart disease, baldness, acne, abnormal liver function and high blood pressure.

Steroids unbalance the body's hormonal system which causes the body to weaken. High doses of are addictive. If you value your life, don't even think about trying steroids.

Protein drinks can be beneficial if taken in small amounts but can be dangerous to your health by overloading the digestive and liver systems.

High protein consumption takes more energy to digest and metabolize. It breaks down into toxic residues that the kidney and liver must handle. The breakdown products of protein metabolism can irritate the kidney, liver, digestive system and immune system.

It's your body — treat it kindly and healthy.

Q: Can nutrition help emotional disorders?

BL, Monticello, Fla.

A: Until recently the brain was thought to be impermeable to the effects of nutrition. Although other organs such as the liver and the heart show profound changes as a result of poor dietary intake of minerals, vitamins, and nutrients of low health value.

The brain was thought to be protected from fluctuations in nutrient intakes by a series of partitions, called the blood-brain barrier — which separated the brain from the rest of the body. This concept is now recognized as incomplete and inaccurate. Food and nutrient intake have a powerful affect on a person's mood, the ability to learn, and behavior patterns.

Vitamins and minerals can change the structure and function of the brain and nervous system. Also affects behavior, memory, mood and learning. Vitamins and minerals can alter mood and behavior disorders, once considered irreversible but now show much improvement when nutrient intake is increased with raw and lightly steamed foods.

Deficient nutrients such as iron, calcium, folic acid, Vitamins A, C, E, B-6 and B-12 help reduce the number of red blood cells. A deficiency reduces the supply of oxygen to the brain. This could cause mood disorders, lethargy, depression, and learning abilities. Symptoms of Vitamin E deficiency includes the nervous system disorders and anemia.

Increased vitamin intake of the vitamins mentioned earlier and others, contributes to several neurotransmitters (the chemicals that regulate the brain and nerve functions.)

Vitamin B-12 is most important for the formation and maintenance of the insulation around nerve cells that speeds the conduction of nerve impulses. Lack of B-12 causes nerve damage, tingling and numbness, moodiness, agitation, confusion, dimmed vision, delusions, dizziness, and linked to mental illness and anemia. A list of foods to eat that contain B-12 can be yours by sending me a stamped self-addressed envelope, and specify this article on foods that supply B-6 and B-12. I will send you the information.