Sodium bicarbonate has long been a mainstay in delaying the onset of fatigue in the gym,
and its properties for buffering lactic acid and hydrogen ion buildup are well documented.63,64,65
Recent tests with wrestlers and other athletes have also found lactate to not only be an ideal
buffer but a very efficient energy source. The other ingredients in the formula are also useful for
increasing ATP in the muscle tissue. Carnosine, creatine phosphate, and butyrate have all
demonstrated strong properties for added energy production.
The above formulas should have zero or limited carbohydrates.OMEGA-3 FATTY ACIDS
Earlier in this book I told you about the importance of supplementing the meat in your diet
with monounsaturated or polyunsaturated fats (usually liquid in form) where possible. Of
primary concern for us here are the polyunsaturated fats available in the omega-3 fatty acids.
They’re found to a high degree in fish oils, and have been hailed as a great factor in lowering
serum cholesterol levels and a key in preventing coronary heart disease.66,67
Key to our concern are the effects these marine oils have been found to have on Eskimo
tribes renowned for diets high in fat. Though their high fat diet would seem to make them
prime candidates for heart disease and atherosclerosis, they’ve been found to be relatively
immune to cardiac problems, at least until adopting a more Western lifestyle in recent years.
Studies have centered on the omega-3 oils and their cardioprotective abilities as being central
to this phenomenon.68,69
For the bodybuilder on the Anabolic Diet, where fat and protein are found at high levels, the
omega-3’s provide an excellent edge of additional protection against any possible cholesterol
problems. Eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) are found in abundance
here, and they serve as starter material for hormone-like compounds in the body that can positively
affect blood pressure, clotting, immune response, and triglyceride levels. Even in cases where dietary
cholesterol is increased, they may lower serum cholesterol.70,71 Important to the bodybuilder, it
also appears that aerobic exercise can improve the effects of fish oil on cholesterol.
It’s also been found that the omega-3’s can enhance lipolysis or the combined breakdown of
stored fat, and decrease the production of new bodyfat.72,73,74 You’re actually making less fat
and breaking down more when you use these oils.
There’s also some anecdotal evidence that omega-3’s may increase cardiovascular and overall
strength levels and performance. In short, there are many uses for them and certainly no harm
can come from their use. While useful as a general supplement for anyone, they’re especially
effective as a targeted supplement for the Anabolic Diet.
Using EPA as the reference fatty acid here, I recommend 2,000 milligrams of EPA a day.
Fish oil usually contains around 20 percent EPA and 10 percent DHA, so 10 capsules a day of
1,000 milligrams of fish oil should give you the recommended amount.
It is preferable, however, that you get as much of this substance as possible through a fish
source. Just eating fish will give you a fair amount of omega-3 fatty acids, and you can cut back
SUPPLEMENTATION 61