The ketogenic diet, so-named because of the higher production of ketone bodies produced by the diet, first appeared in the 1920s. The original use was to treat children with epilepsy. Although doctors didn't know why eliminating most carbohydrates from the diet could … [Read more...]
Adrenal Support Supplements: More than meets the eye by Jerry Brainum
Let's face it, we live in a high-stress world. While many articles and videos often suggest that we try to modulate the effects of stress, that's easier said than done. We face such constant stress as financial problems; family interactions; marriage-related stress; and even … [Read more...]
Supplement Failures by Jerry Brainum
In 1982, a new type of food supplement was introduced. The supplement began as a mysterious orange-flavored powder that was distributed in unmarked bags to members of Gold's Gym in Venice, California. The developers of the product were Dan Duchaine, later to gain notoriety as … [Read more...]
A supplement combination that boosts gains in men over age 40 by Jerry Brainum
"Supplements don't work, they are just snake oil." I see such comments nearly every day on various sites over the Internet. Many are convinced that various food and sports supplements are nothing but hype promulgated by often outrageous advertising claims. I even … [Read more...]
Which Promotes Greater Muscle Gains: Branched-Chain Amino acids or Whey? by Jerry Brainum
The branched-chain amino acids (BCAA) consist of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. All three are essential amino acids because they cannot be synthesized in the body, but must be supplied by food sources. While most other amino acids are metabolized in the liver … [Read more...]
Science-Based Optimal Supplement Timing and Dosing by Jerry Brainum
In past issues of Applied Metabolics, I've discussed in-depth issues related to protein timing. This relates to the idea that ingesting protein at specific times produces more of an anabolic effect in muscle compared to other times. Timing also relates to … [Read more...]
New studies from a science meeting by Jerry Brainum
I've reported about science meetings here in Applied Metabolics and prior to that in magazines. These meetings, which are usually held in exotic locales that double as vacation resorts (the likely real reason for the meetings!) … [Read more...]
Creatine for women by Jerry Brainum
Only a fool would fail to notice the differences between men and women. I'm not talking about the obvious physical differences, but rather the way men and women react differently to various aspects of life. While you cannot generalize, women do tend to be more … [Read more...]
Alpha-GPC: Can it make you stronger and smarter? by Jerry Brainum
The year is 1969, the place is Vince's gym in Studio City, California. A recently arrived immigrant to the United States is training in Vince's small gym when he looks up and spots one of his bodybuilding idols. Coming through the front door of Vince's is Larry Scott, … [Read more...]
Can Ashwagandha help increase muscular size and strength? by Jerry Brainum
Can an herb whose name roughly translates into "smell of horse" help you add muscular size and strength? The herb in question, ashwagandha, has been revered in Ayurvedic medicine, or the folk medicine of India, for centuries. The botanical name for ashwagandha is … [Read more...]