Fads in foods
Diets like these, however valid sounding, still don’t promise 100 percent positive results. The question then is, which diet is fad and which diet is fact?
“There’s so much stuff out there, it’s really hard,” said Dr. Kendrick Adnan M.D. of the Breckenridge Medical Center. “If you’re considering something, consult a health professional. Don’t be afraid to explain exactly what you want to do and run it by them. Sometimes we get calls about supplements or diets we’ve never heard about. But doctors will have connections to find answers to the questions.”
There are certain diet strategies that always work, Adnan said, like vitamins and a well-balanced diet. Taking too many vitamins can cause them to turn to toxins, but for the most part, you can’t go wrong with a variety of low-fat and colorful foods on your plate.
A supplemental glossary
Walk into a nutrition store and see the hundreds of different choices that all promise body-changing benefits. From fish oil to testosterone boosters, here’s a basic guide to help define what you find.
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Creatine –A natural chemical produced in the body by amino acids. Amino acids make proteins and proteins build muscles. In synthesized forms, it comes as a powder, a pill or a liquid. As a supplement, body builders and athletes take about five grams a day before a workout. Taken properly, changes in muscle strength and muscle gain should be noticed immediately.
Enderox –After a workout, muscles break down and release lactic acid into the bloodstream. It needs to replace the elements that leave, and supplements like Enderox are taken to expedite the process.
Glucosamine – Glucosamine is a natural element that mends cartilage and joints. Doctors prescribe it for those with arthritis or those healing from joint injuries. It takes, on average, 3-5 weeks to start taking effect.
Whey Protein – A versatile tool for athletes who are undersized and wish to gain weight. Names range from “Mega Whey” to just plain old “Whey.” The average body needs 1.5 grams of protein a day per pound of body weight to sustain a certain weight. By adding more protein, the body adds weight.
