prostaglandins used to fight inflammation and muscle soreness in the body and, thus, is of great
use to the bodybuilder in training. Take 2 of the 500 milligram capsules 3 times a day.
Calcium is needed to prevent muscle cramping when exercising. Some anecdotal evidence
also indicates that it may well delay the onset of fatigue in muscle. It’s suspected that calcium
may also increase growth hormone secretion during exercise. Take 500–1,000 milligrams of
calcium prior to working out and 500–1,000 during the workout. Calcium can be taken in the
form of Rolaids.
Ephedrine is a double-edged sword when it comes to supplements. On the one hand, it seems
to work well as a stimulant, giving the user a central nervous system effect somewhere between
adrenaline and amphetamines. Many athletes have found it useful in providing more drive and
better performance during workouts.
On the other hand, ephedrine is a drug. At higher dosages it can result in heart palpitations,
cardiac arrhythmia, hypertension, tremor and, occasionally, death. When used with proper
restraint, no more than 90 milligrams should be taken during the day, with dosages of 20–30
milligrams at a time. Ephedrine is also found in the Chinese herb, Ma Huang, in widely ranging
dosages. It’s often coupled with caffeine and aspirin in a thermogenic cocktail.
Bottom line, I can’t really endorse ephedrine. It’s available now over the counter, but many
states are now thinking about making it a prescription item. It has some serious health drawbacks,
and I urge you to consult your doctor before beginning to use it.
Coenzyme-Q10 is a promising antioxidant that can give you the antioxidant effects listed
earlier in this chapter and may possess other properties useful in increasing exercise performance.
It may also influence cell growth and serve some protective effect for muscular injury. 60
milligrams of Coenzyme-Q10 every day could provide a real bonus in general health and growth.
BUFFER DRINKS
Intense exercise always causes significant reduction in ATP, a buildup of lactic acid, and increase
in acidity of the body tissues. Although normally the body can handle the extra acidity, under the
high stress of exercise, the buildup is too fast for the body to cope with. With the increasing acidity
comes decreased contractibility of the muscle fiber and premature muscle fatigue.
There are two ways to approach fatigue in athletes. One way could come from increasing
ATP in the tissues, either by administering ATP or increasing energy-rich compounds like
creatine phosphate (for example by using creatine monohydrate) in the muscle.
The other comes from trying to reduce the effect intracellular acid has on the muscle by
buffering the buildup of lactic acid and hydrogen ions (H+) with certain alkaline compounds.
Ideally, combining both of these approaches would provide optimal results. While I haven’t
decided on the final formula, it will include sodium bicarbonate, ATP, carnosine (a histidine
dipeptide), creatine phosphate, lactate, and aspartame, and will provide a maximum buffering
effect. Other possible components will be one or more ketones including butyrate, creatine
monohydrate, and various potassium and citrate compounds.
60 CHAPTER 4