enhancement of nervous system

[dueno8]

does anyone know of any the active ingredient of supps that enhance motor neuron function or something like that? i was taking a supp and one of the benefits was improved strength because it said it enhanced motor neuron function, but i was unable to identify the active ingredient which caused this.

any ideas?

[Venom]

The amino acid shooter stimulant version would be an awesome pre-workout stack for enhancing neural functions. http://www.abcbodybuilding.com/aminoacidshooterindex.php

1. It has caffeine, which works by the nervous system to decrease rate of perceived exertion, and concentration.
2. It has a special combination of amino acids, that help decrease fatigue through decreasing serotonin uptake in the brain. This is called the ‘central fatigue hypothesis’
3. It has a substance called , Glucuronolactone which appears to be able to enhance focus.

Ginko biloba may also enhance memory and concentration.

[ElGrizzle]

I totally disagree with usuing caffiene as a workout supplement. strength benifits are minimal, and it will cause you to dehydrate(you want to be as hydrated as possible while working out). Caffiene is bad for you anyways, it puts stress on the heart and central nervous system because it spikes your energy, which in turn will drain you.

Taurine was probably the ingredient you were looking for.

Taurine enhances nueron transmisson. Taurine also improves the absoroption of creatine by 30%, not to mention its energy lending properties.

Taurine can be found in things like Xpand, or taken on its own with creatine. Taurine is perfectly healthy. google it.

Other things that work well for raising your energy is ginseng and royal jelly.

[Venom]

Good info, El Grizzle. /forum/images/graemlins/cool.gif

Yeah, I am not a big fan of caffeine myself (discussed this in my journal recently). Interestingly, there are a lot of studies showing that the dehydration component of caffeine may be overrated. It appears that in a 24 hour period of time, the amount of dehydration caused by caffeine is actually negligable. I have a 2006 audio recording at the ACSM conference of a scientist named Armstrong, who has done a lot of research on this. Here is a short article I googled for you, http://www.ific.org/foodinsight/2002/ja/caffdehydnbfi402.cfm

[ElGrizzle]

interesting article.

I find it interesting how they say this...

"There is no evidence that consumption of caffeinated beverages causes a fluid-electrolyte imbalance that is detrimental to health or exercise performance"

Yet, if you look elsewhere, we find that it raises blood pressure and stree hormone. http://www.webmd.com/content/article/49/40053.htm

There many other problems we could find with caffeine as well. But it doesnt matter, I can listen to my own body, and my body tells me it doesnt like caffeine.

[Venom]

[ QUOTE ]
Yet, if you look elsewhere, we find that it raises blood pressure and stree hormone.

[/ QUOTE ]

But that increase in blood pressure is probably related to hormones like catecholamines, rather than electrolyte or water loss. That was the main focus of the article--if caffeine signifigantly dehydrates you.

It does not work well for me either. Glad I am not alone. /forum/images/graemlins/grin.gif

[ryancostill]

Well I have to say, I have began using caffeine in cycles in the last 5 months or so and I have noticed a huge beneficial effect, specifically in training sessions where I am working toward single maximum lifts. But my style of training (weightlifting) would be very different in comparison to bodybuilding sessions.

[TonyTheTiger]

The article you mention elgrizzle seems to be a bit old. Take a look at this synopsis of a recent article in Circulation: Journal of the American Heart Association

http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=3039183

From what I gather newly concluded long term studies demonstrate no correlation between caffine intake and increased risk of heart disease for the vast majority of people.

I agree with your statement, however, about listening to your body. The same study seems to show that there are a small group of people who have a hard time metabolizing caffine. Personally, I find caffine highly effective.

[ElGrizzle]

I guess that goes for all foods, weight training, and sleep. Listen to the body!!!

[Venom]

I have unquestionably noticed an increase in performance when taking caffeine acutely. And a lot of studies appear to support that. As far as the efficacy of caffeine chronically, it may be a different case. At least, in part. Because I am aware of studies that do show negative impacts from caffeine chronically, such as decreased insulin sensitivity and glycogen replenishment.

My biggest issue, from a bodybuilding perspective, is body comp. For me, it has not worked well at all. The side effects out way the benefits for myself. :/

[shodan]

I also find that when used sparingly, I notice an increase in performance. I limit myself to no more than say 3x/week and will take weeks off in between sometimes so my body does not get used to it.

Venom, when you say acutely, how many sessions in a 7 day period would you use caffeine? Also, what negative effects has it had on your body composition? Thanks.

[Venom]

No more than 3.

I notice I don't handle carbs as well (i.e. I store more fat from carbs). I also notice my blood pumps in the gym are down. And I feel very grumpy lol. :/