Ask the Expert

As a person who had to lose almost 100 pounds to be healthy after retirement from a multi decade athletic career, I feel your pain. And, most importantly, I have been there.

First thing you have to do is burn calories. Cardio at least 20-30 minutes 3-5 times a week will help you get to your goals. Muscle burns fat and the more muscle you have the more fat you will burn, working out with resistance exercise is a must to some extent, because the more muscle mass you have the more fat you will burn.

Increasing thermogenesis one key to weight/fat loss. What is thermogenesis? Thermogenesis the biological process by which the body increases its metabolic rate beyond normal levels and, as a by product, generates heat and energy. The greater thermogenic response the more calories burned. The #1 selling hardcore thermogenic brand in America has been and still is HYDROXYCUT

HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE has been scientifically shown to elevate nonrepinephrine levels in the body, one of your body's primary fat-breakdown hormones.

You have one body, make the most of it.

I developed Layfield’s Energy Plus no Pain ENERGY PLUS NO PAIN  as a means to work out daily due to my bad back. Layfield’s Energy Plus no Pain ENERGY PLUS NO PAIN  gives you the energy and with all natural anti inflammatories allows you to knock out the pain and stiffness that bothers you so you can work out more.

MHP Dren DREN , Xenadrine XENADRINE RZR, Nutrex LIPO-6 BLACK HERS and Hydroxycut HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE are all companies that have turned fat loss into a science.

Great products here on our web store that we recommend-

1.  LIPO-6 BLACK HERS -Cutting edge fat burner for ladies.

2. HYDROXYCUT HARDCORE -Hydroxycut is America's #1 selling thermogenic brand for weight loss.

3. DREN 30 CAPS -A scientific breakthrough in weight loss. 

4. VPX Meltdown -The most powerful university researched fat burner ever!

5. Layfield’s Energy Plus No Pain -Energy with pain relief allows you to work out like you want to, not like you normally do.  

6. XENADRINE RZR-X -Increase fat oxidation by 35% in just 24 hours! Ultra pure thermogenic compounds.

Protein = Lean Muscle Mass

Protein is the building blocks of our muscle structure. To build lean muscle mass you must have an adequate intake of protein daily. A male should take in 1 gram to 1.5 grams of protein per pound of body weight. A female should take in .5 grams to 1 gram of protein per pound of body weight.  We do this through a diet of high protein, and low carbs.

The required protein intake can be achieved through meals or meal replacement shakes over a 24 hour period.  Protein powders that are low carb, low sugar, and high in protein that we recommend are:

1. Optimum Nutrition Whey Protein

2. BSN Syntha 6

3. Cytosport Muscle Milk

4. Champion Nutrition Pure Whey

5. Optimum Nutrition 100% Casein Whey

While Achieving your daily protein intake, one should take HMB. This product increases protein synthesis for increased muscle mass and strength, and decreases protein breakdown from hard workouts.

1. Optimum Nutrition HMB

2. EAS HMB

Adding 5 to 20 grams of creatine a day will also build lean muscle mass.  It increases muscle size and strength while reducing body fat, and speeds recuperation.  Quality Creatines are:

1. Gaspari Size On

2. Dymatize Creatine monohydrate

3. BSN Cell Mass

4. Optimum Nutrition Creatine

5. Prolab Creatine monohydrate

The one thing men lose as they age is testosterone. When I, John Layfield, retired from wrestling at age 42 years old, my testosterone level was under 80, 220 is considered the low end normal. I was advised by different doctors to take testosterone replacement therapies-take in artificial testosterone. I declined the advice from these two doctors and embarked on a natural program-my testosterone levels are now around 480, well within normal ranges. I am living proof it can be done naturally. You can too.

I was convinced I could do it naturally. I chose a multi vitamin-ANIMAL PAK that had 30mg of zinc and 600 mcg of copper to raise testosterone levels-this combination has been medically proven to raise testosterone levels. You have to take a multi vitamin anyway, might as well take one that makes your testosterone levels rise as well. ANIMAL PAK is the number one selling training pak/multi vitamin for the last 23 years!

I also started taking 15 grams of Arginine-NOW L-Arginine daily along with 6 grams of Carnitine - NOW L-Carnitine divided and broken into 3 equal doses per day. I cycle this on and off on a continual 8 week on 4 week off cycle.

I also developing my own product, MAMAJUANA ENERGY SHOT, which uses maca to give a testosterone boost. MAMAJUANA ENERGY SHOT is an energy drink for guys-it gives you energy and a testosterone boost, everything a guy needs in one bottle. MAMAJUANA ENERGY SHOT has been made in the Caribbean for over 400 years, that legend has inspired this American version.

Mamajuana is something I take daily; I feel the difference over a few days after taking it-it’s like getting a young man’s interest levels again in the opposite sex, dangerous to the opposite sex, but fun.

MHP's Test Shock Kit- TEST SHOCK KIT is something I have used on and off as recommended for years-it's a product you take in cycles, you can feel the testosterone boost in a few weeks-it is unmistakable.  There is nothing like feeling the levels of testosterone in your body rise, TEST SHOCK KIT provides this for you.

Nutrition Market.com also recommends Animal Stak ANIMAL STAK a powerful stack from Universal that gives a hormonal boost to men, and NOVEDEX XT by Gaspari which has been shown to boost natural testosterone levels by 600% on average in 8 weeks.

My top testosterone boosters.

1. ANIMAL PAK - #1 selling training pack/multi vitamin for the last 23 years.

2. Arginine/Carnitine stack-Arginine is a known testosterone and nitric oxide booster, 12-16 grams a day in 4 doses of a high quality supplement like  NOW L-Arginine along with 6 grams of Carnitine daily divided into 4 doses daily as well   NOW L-Carnitine. 

3.  MAMAJUANA ENERGY SHOT - Energy shot for men, as men age they lose testosterone and energy, this legend from the Caribbean gives men both. A daily use product that will boost energy and testosterone for whatever needs you may have during the day-working out, date night, or just to feel young again. 

4. TEST SHOCK KIT (SARM+T-BOMB) -NutritionMarket.com recommended testosterone boosting package.

5. ANIMAL STAK - Not only boosts testosterone levels but inhibits estrogen as well, made for men. A powerful daily product that also gives you everything you need for hormonal boost.

6. NOVEDEX XT - increase natural testosterone levels an average of 600% in 8 weeks.

With the changing seasons approaching, why is it that our joints often feel the changes first?  Whether you have suffered physical injuries, are getting older or simply have worn your joints from year to year from over use, one thing is for certain and that joint support health cannot go neglected.

Arthritis is one of the leading joint diseases in the United States.  With numbers rising, currently one out of every seven Americans suffer from the pain of arthritis.  Why should you be one of those statistics?

Inflammation is the enemy of good health, you must control the inflammation for arthritis or other types of diseases of the joints are under control. Layfield's Energy Plus no Pain  ENERGY PLUS NO PAIN was developed by John Layfield as an answer to a broken back and the arthritis that accompanied that injury, through ENERGY PLUS NO PAIN John has lost almost 100 pounds and is now able to live a virtually normal life-all by controlling the inflammation (circumin, bromelain, cat's claw and quercitin) which in turns controls the arthritis.

Joint pain occurs because the cartilage within a joint has worn down, even shrinking or completely disintegrating from over use.  Cartilage is a key component because without it there is no padding between the bones of your body.  For those who have heard the term “bone on bone”, this is a prime example of cartilage deterioration and is very painful for every individual, no matter how physically fit you may be.  Even though cartilage is regenerative, it takes approximately 160 days to a year to reproduce itself.

In conjunction with a healthy diet and exercise program, the addition of a Glucosamine and Chondroitin  NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM (NutritionMarket.com recommended) product will play a key role in supporting joint regeneration and strength, which are both necessary in healing joint damage.

Fish oil, or omega 3 acids are also an important joint health product due to the fact that our body does not manufacture these fatty acids by itself which is key in rebuilding existing cells and the production of new ones, such as cartilage.  WELLNESS FISH OIL by Champion is a NutritionMarket.com recommended product. Besides WELLNESS FISH OIL benefits (due to its high content of Omega-3 fatty acids) of fat burning, muscle recovery, prevention of heart disease, and certain kinds of cancer and diabetes-the Omega-3s in  WELLNESS FISH OIL also convert to anti inflammatory prostaglandins that can guard against cartilage destruction, reduce pain and improve function.

If you are like the rest of America that tends to suffer from the aches and pains of weak joints, then help your body repair itself through the use of joint support - ANIMAL FLEX is a complete stack for joint construction for healthier joints.  Quit suffering needlessly!

Top products for joint relief.

1.  NOW Glucosamine & Chondroitin with MSM 180 cap - the trifecta of ingredients to multiply the effect of stopping inflammation-NutritionMarket.com recommended.

2. WELLNESS FISH OIL - Champion product that helps body balance and reduce inflammation

3. Layfield’s Energy Plus no Pain - a 'feel good' shot that gives you inflammation relief and energy in one 2 oz shot.
   

4. ANIMAL FLEX Joint construction complex stack for healthier joints.

H1N1 is the most contagious disease in recorded human history, the first ever phase 6 pandemic by the CDC. Children are most at risk.

Vitamin D has been shown by studies (cited by the Vitamin D Council) to possibly be the best prevention against Swine Flu.

Why not do what is necessary to protect yourself and your family?

• Adults should take 5,000 IU of Vitamin D daily

• Children should take 1,000 - 2,000 IU daily

• Infants should take 400 IU daily

... as recommended by the Vitamin D Council

NOW Vitamins is an award winning Vitamin D that we have right here on www.NutritionMarket.com.

Caffeine: Friend or Foe?
By Jay Cardiello

Let’s face we all love that burst of energy that swims through our veins after we down our favorite energy drink, or caffeinated diet pill. Athletes have saturated themselves for years with many forms of caffeine to enhance performance, increase mental alertness and create a euphoric rush. Well, for the past several years those same experiences are now being felt in gyms and businesses all around the world. From the ballpark to the boardroom, caffeine has become the most widely used substance that many cannot live without.

What is Caffeine?

Caffeine can be described as a natural stimulant that is can be found in such every everyday pleasures as coffee, tea, chocolate, soft drinks or the ever popular energy drink. It is also, a common practice with many of many today’s athletes and gym goers, who readily use fat burners and now and Nitric Oxide supplements that deliver up to a whopping 250 mille-grams of caffeine per serving. With this kind of use, or abuse, no wonder caffeine is one of the most widely used used drugs in the world.

Differences in Caffeine:

Caffeine concentration will vary according to the plant that it is grown from; its growing conditions and ultimately the strength of the caffeine. For example, Coffee beans grown primarily in Central and South America contain approximately 1 Percent caffeine. However, Coffee beans grown in Africa and Indonesia, contain roughly about 2 Percent caffeine, While, the caffeine that is found in Tea Leaves may run as high as 5 Percent. Although, it is imperative to mention that even though Tea Leaves will contain more caffeine by weight than coffee beans. There will be a higher content of caffeine present in a cup of Joe, due to fact that more coffee beans than tea leaves are used to make each regular cup.

Approximate Amount of Caffeine:

1. Instant Coffee: 150 ml cup 60-100 mg
2. Percolated/Drip Coffee: 150 ml cup 100-150 mg
3. Espresso: 150 ml cup 90mg
4. Decaffeinated: 150 ml cup 2-4 mg
5. Tea: 150 ml cup 30-100 mg
6. Green Tea: 150 ml cup 15 mg
7. Red Bull: 250 ml 80 mg
8. Fat Burners: 20-100 mg per tablet
9. Coke/Pepsi: 250 ml 35 mg
10. Nitric Oxide: 200 mg Per Serving
11. Chocolate Bar: 30 gm bar 20-60 mg
12. Starbucks, Grande Coffee: (A Whopping 330 mg)

How Many Use Caffeine?

Worldwide per capita caffeine consumption (including that of children) is estimated to be 70 mg per day, or approximately equivalent to one cup of coffee. Now for Americans it is a bit higher: with the average intake is said to be around 200 mg per day (with most of the consumption coming before 9:00 am).

What are the Benefits of Caffeine?

For years, people have made Caffeine a daily part of their lives. From athletes, who have been downing this stimulant to enhance performance to the average layman, who feel that caffeine is just as important as the oxygen they breathe. Caffeine has become the most popular over the counter drug.

The reason, caffeine binds to and actually blocks proteins known as adenosine receptors. Naturally speaking, these receptors will bind to the adenosine, which in turn will produce feelings of sedation, while lowering heart rate, blood pressure and reducing neural activity. The ingestion of caffeine has the opposite effects for it allows dopamine, a stimulatory neurotransmitter, to play more of a primary role in comparison to the sedentary adenosine.

However, as the central nervous system may also play an imperative role with physical control and athletic performance, caffeine’s application to sports goes far beyond its effect as a mental stimulant. Nutriontist and Strength Coaches have speculated that the sensation of muscular fatigue during exercise is itself a function of the brain rather than actual muscular depletion, and that that with proper caffeine implementation, a masking sensation will occur in the brain, which will ultimately reduce the athlete’s perception of muscular fatigue. Laconically speaking, caffeine appears to enhance the mind’s sway over the body.

In another finding, caffeine will not only block protein it will significantly impact anyone in the gym. In a study reported by the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research, athletes who ingested a caffeine rich supplement one-hour prior to a bench press workout made significantly increased gains: by achieving a higher 1-Rep Maximum lift. In another study, subjects were able to exercise longer and generated higher cardio-outputs. This happens because of caffeine’s ability to burn more body fat, which in turn will ultimately spare muscle glycogen, while allowing the body to fight off fatigue longer.

How Does Athlete or Gym-Rat Use this Potent Drug?

One of the most effective ways that individuals are seeing the best results is by using a supplementation that has a serving of 200-400 mg of caffeine and ingesting that one-hour prior to exercise. It is also best, to use caffeine with a three-month cycle-followed by a month off between each cycle.

So, with all of the benefits and gains-is there anything to be worried about?

Yes!

What are the Short-Term Side-Effects of Caffeine?

Caffeine presents many side effects to regular users and also moderate consumers. At one point many researchers looked to link caffeine with heart disease and cancer. Also many studies have shown that blood pressure is increased with the consumption of caffeine, but the results of these studies vary. For the most part these beliefs have been put to rest due to extensive testing. Currently there is no evidence that links caffeine to cancer, cardiovascular disease, or high blood pressure. However, caffeine causes many side effects that can still cause many problems among athletes as well as the regular person. These side effects include sleep deprivation, nausea, cramping, anxiety, fatigue, headaches, and gastrointestinal instability. For athletes, caffeine has more disastrous effects that may affect performance. These side effects include muscle tightness, muscle cramping, and dehydration. The threat of any of these problems during competition is enough to make any athlete think twice before using caffeine in a major event.

Signs that You Maybe Ingesting Too Much of a Good Thing:

If any of the following experiences are occurring on a regular basis, it maybe time to switch to de-caffeinated coffee, or taking a break from the caffeine enriched Fat-Burner:

• Restlessness
• Nervousness
• Insomnia
• Increased body temperature
• Increased urination
• Increased alertness
• Irritability and restlessness
• Flushed face
• Increased urination
• Stomach upsets
• Muscle twitching

*It is imperative to mention that not all individuals will experience these symptoms.

Caffeine Overdose:

Fatal overdose with caffeine is extremely rare, but it is possible. The lethal dose in humans appears to be 5 to 10 grams, although toxic symptoms may appear with lower doses. Some symptoms of caffeine poisoning include tremors (involuntary shaking), nausea, vomiting, irregular or rapid heart rate and confusion. In extreme cases, individuals may become delirious or have seizures. In these cases, death may be caused by seizures that results in an inability to breathe. In less severe cases, high doses have been associated with panic attacks. In small children toxic effects may be observed with much smaller doses, i.e. drinking about seven cups of strong coffee. Most researchers now agree that there is little risk of harm when a person consumes less than 600 mg of caffeine a day. At times of anxiety or stress, or during pregnancy, many doctors now recommend consumption of less than 200 mg a day.

Caffeine has been making a “BUZZ” for itself for many years. With millions of dollars being brought in from this product, there is no wonder why it is one widely used products world-wide. But, with everything good, there is a bad. And, being that thrive in a society of over-consumption, it is imperative that I mention that before entering into any supplement program the consultation of a medical doctor is should be the first thing you consider.

Question: What can I do to help prevent diabetes? What can I do if I have diabetes and want to be healthier?

Answer: According to the American Diabetes Association 23.6 million Americans have diabetes-7.8% of the population.

• Diagnosed-17.9 million people
• Undiagnosed-5.7 million people
• Pre diabetes-57 million people
• Diabetes was the 7th leading cause of death as reported on death certificates in 2006
• 1.6 million cases of diabetes are reported in people over 20 years of age each year
• Age 20 and older-10.7% of people have diabetes, 23 million
• Age 60 and older-23.1% of people have diabetes, 12.2 million

People with diabetes cannot properly process glucose, a sugar the body uses for energy. As a result glucose stays in the blood causing blood glucose levels to rise.

Diabetes can lead to higher risk of infections, poor wound healing, and many other problems involving the kidneys, eyes, nerves and heart.

There are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is childhood-onset, or insulin dependant, and type 2 is adult-onset, or non insulin dependant.

Prevention of diabetes and help for those who have it.

1. Lose weight-losing 5-10% of body weight can produce a 58% reduction in diabetes potential and potential diabetes problems.
2. Regular exercise.
3. Proper nutrition and supplementation-while certain medications can delay the onset of diabetes, diet and exercise has shown to be better prevention.

Supplements that can help people with diabetes

Multi Vitamin and minerals - studies have shown that middle aged to elderly people with diabetes who took multi vitamin and minerals for one year were 80% less susceptible to infections.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - people with diabetes are prone to disease-and one of these is heart disease. Omega-3s (fish oils) have been shown to help prevent heart disease in addition to many other health benefits.

Alpha lipoic acid - an effective antioxidant that helps prevent cell damage due to high blood glucose levels.

Flaxseed oil - helps lower cholesterol; people with diabetes tend to have high cholesterol levels due to high protein diets that include red meat and egg yolk.  http://www.nutritionmarket.com/CHOLESTEROL-SUCCESS-120TABS.item