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Bulk risks from substance use
By Maj Mike Tyquin
Edition 1168, June 14, 2007 |
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AS the fitness industry has burgeoned so too has the number of products designed to cater for it.
Consequently there is a massive choice of drinks, shakes, protein powders, snack bars and (for those over the edge) performance-enhancing drugs.
Three of the best known drug types that feature in sports are anabolic steroids, human growth hormone and erythropoietin (EPO).
Anabolic steroids are drugs that resemble testosterone, which is partially responsible for controlling rates of build up and breakdown of tissue and muscle. For this reason athletes use anabolic steroids to increase muscle mass and strength as well as to reduce body fat and post-injury recovery time.
However, there are dangers in using these substances and while some side-effects last only while the drug is being taken, others are long term. These include high blood pressure, liver abnormalities, sterility, changes to genital anatomy, acne and heart disease.
Human growth hormone (hGH) is popular as a quick fix by those too impatient to put in the hard work at gym. This hormone promotes physical development, boosts heart function and stimulates the breakdown of fat.
The bad news is that hGH may also be responsible for dangerously increasing the size of adult organs and the digestive system and may lead to diabetes.
Choosing erythropoietin may not be a smart decision either. Manufactured naturally in the kidneys it stimulates the production of red blood cells and therefore increases aerobic capacity. The problem is that if too much EPO is absorbed by the body, the risk of blood clotting, heart attack and stroke is very high.
When it comes to protein drinks and other supplement foods and additives, the choice is a wide one. Some dietary supplements, in combination with over-the-shelf medicines such as cold remedies, can be harmful.
Also many “energy” drinks which contain caffeine, cocoa or ephedrine-like substances have potentially serious side-effects, including high blood pressure and abnormal heart rhythms.
If you are buying these products read the labels carefully. Specifically, be warned against these proprietary products available on the internet: Lipo-6, Speed, Shot, Blaze and Nitro Shot. |
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