Clydesdales/Athenas (200+ lb / 91+ kg) - Supplements

So I started a regiment of supplements everyday. On that i started to take was CLA tonalin. It is a linoleic acid that helps with inflammation. I noticed effects right away with it opening my nasal passages. They say as far as weight loss and muscle building goes it takes three months for you to start seeing the effects. I was wondering if any one else is taking it?

I have also started taking fish oil and glucosimine. Are there any other supplements that people could suggest? What has worked well for you?

A good multivitamin, preferably the adult dose of a childrens chewable, since it metabolized better, and Calcium Citrate, with Vitamin D. The B Complex (B1, B6, B12) will also help you with energy levels, as well as the hemocrit levels and they are water soluble, so any excess will pass thriough the kidneys assuming normal kidney function.

+1 on the Glucosamine. I've noticed the biggest overall improvement since I started taking a Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM combo supplement (I use the triple-strength Osteo-Biflex brand) over 3 years ago. My knees aren't as creaky and crunchy as they used to be. It takes a good while (for me it was 2-3 months) before you feel the effects of it, but for me it was well worth having the patience. I plan on adding some type of Omega-3 fish oil supplement eventually because I've read that it has good anti-inflammatory properties (I have lower back issues), but am having a difficult time on deciding which brand to go with. I've heard/read that some of the cheaper, lower-quality stuff can have toxic metals and such, and also a "fishy" taste...which I certainly do not want. Can anyone recommend a high-quality fish oil supplement?

Linda

+1 on the Glucosamine. I've noticed the biggest overall improvement since I started taking a Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM combo supplement (I use the triple-strength Osteo-Biflex brand) over 3 years ago. My knees aren't as creaky and crunchy as they used to be. It takes a good while (for me it was 2-3 months) before you feel the effects of it, but for me it was well worth having the patience. I plan on adding some type of Omega-3 fish oil supplement eventually because I've read that it has good anti-inflammatory properties (I have lower back issues), but am having a difficult time on deciding which brand to go with. I've heard/read that some of the cheaper, lower-quality stuff can have toxic metals and such, and also a "fishy" taste...which I certainly do not want. Can anyone recommend a high-quality fish oil supplement?

Linda

I take Hammer Nutritions Carlson Norwegian Salmon Oil.
http://www.hammernutrition.com/za/HNT?PAGE=PRODUCT&PROD.ID=5112&OMI=10130,10047&AMI=10130#info1
Randy

I am taking fish oil and regular multi-vitamins.
Perhaps is sound stupid but I had the impression that the fish oil has a positive influence on the mood.

I have no experience with weight-loss supplements. Let us know if you find them helpful or not.

I take only a multivitamin. I don't understand taking supplements in order to aid riding.

If you suffer from inflammations, then you aren't training smart. If you ride 50 miles and suffer, you need to go down to 30 then gently work your way up in order to avoid further injuries.

If you suffer some health issues, like knee problems, then maybe you shouldn't be riding. If you are masking the issue with supplements, I would think you are only causing more damage in the long run.

As far as noticing improvements withinin 3 months, the same can be said about smart training.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks this way, but I haven't suffered any knee or other injuries after years of riding and lifting weights.

Mr Beanz, supps like Glucosamine are beneficial, in that it causes your bone ends to secrete lubricants. This can be critical as we age. ;) I use it myself, since I have my 48 year old abused knees to deal with. It also assists in reparing the wear and tear damage through stimulating the regeneration of cartilage. This is also where the calcium I suggested comes in, and also the Ca+ is necessary for the cellular metabolism to operate and supplementation will help avoid the Osteopenia (Pre Osteoporosis condition due to Calcium leaching from the bones) that cyclists can develop.


I take only a multivitamin. I don't understand taking supplements in order to aid riding.

If you suffer from inflammations, then you aren't training smart. If you ride 50 miles and suffer, you need to go down to 30 then gently work your way up in order to avoid further injuries.

If you suffer some health issues, like knee problems, then maybe you shouldn't be riding. If you are masking the issue with supplements, I would think you are only causing more damage in the long run.

As far as noticing improvements withinin 3 months, the same can be said about smart training.

Maybe I'm the only one that thinks this way, but I haven't suffered any knee or other injuries after years of riding and lifting weights.

48? Right behind you at 45 bud!:D

I take only a multivitamin. I don't understand taking supplements in order to aid riding.

If you suffer from inflammations, then you aren't training smart. If you ride 50 miles and suffer, you need to go down to 30 then gently work your way up in order to avoid further injuries.



I do not suffer from inflammation from riding. Did I state that in my thread? No. Then do not assume.

Inflammation can mean a number of things: simple stuff from working out, arthritis, heart disease, etc. The sort of things that a clyde/athena is at risk for. Since a lot of us have carried around or are still carrying around a lot of weight then we need to do things to help our bodies heal and maybe correct some of the problems we have given ourselves. One way to do that is with supplements. We need to take supplements sometimes because our food sources do not contain these items.

I started taking some supplements because one of the strength trainers I read recommend them. If I decide to take something that will help fight the onset of cancer and heart disease don't rain on my parade. I had enough riding in the rain today :(

Do some research first then gripe.

I do not suffer from inflammation from riding. Did I state that in my thread? No. Then do not assume.
Do some research first then gripe.


Geez! I just love the fact that you can not read anyother post than yourown. If you look one or two posts below yours, you will see that the other poster brought up the subject of creaky knees and other inflammatories.

You either have very poor reading comprehension or are blind. Thanks for reading all the posts before posting an smart@zz comment like you did! (removed)


Inflammation can mean a number of things: simple stuff from working out, arthritis, heart disease, etc. The sort of things that a clyde/athena is at risk for.

And the above statement is a copout for being weak. This is true for anyone, even the skinny guys. I think you need to do some research of yourown.

I am taking fish oil and regular multi-vitamins.
Perhaps is sound stupid but I had the impression that the fish oil has a positive influence on the mood.

I have no experience with weight-loss supplements. Let us know if you find them helpful or not.

B-12 is known is known as the "happy pill", however most multi-vitamins don't really have enough of any particular vitamin to be of much use, you need to know how much of each one your pill contains, and how much you need.

Another issue that many people don't look into is getting a blood test to see what you actually need, everyones diet and body are different, so folks that are deficient in one vitamin may have too much of another one, if your pill has a lot of one you already have enough of, and a small amount of one, your deficient on, then it's not going to help, Multi-vitamins tend to be designed based on what the manufacturer can get cheapestr, rather then what folks need most. You can also learn to listen to your body, something far too few people want to do. I think this is why so many folks have weight problems, if your brain determines your short on vitamin C, it may tell your brain that, if you take that as general hunger, and have a donut and coffee instead, then the need (and want) are still there, so you have two donuts instead, and are still wanting...... If instead you pass on the coffee shop, and have a glass of orange juice, then the body tells brain, okay need met, and the brain says, okay your satisfied.

Then again what do I know? It's just a theory, I feel like a banana, must be a little low on the potassium reserve.....

Mr Beanz, supps like Glucosamine are beneficial, in that it causes your bone ends to secrete lubricants. This can be critical as we age. ;) I use it myself, since I have my 48 year old abused knees to deal with. It also assists in reparing the wear and tear damage through stimulating the regeneration of cartilage. This is also where the calcium I suggested comes in, and also the Ca+ is necessary for the cellular metabolism to operate and supplementation will help avoid the Osteopenia (Pre Osteoporosis condition due to Calcium leaching from the bones) that cyclists can develop.

Obviously this activity called "cycling" is exclusively for healthy people, Tom. I'm so glad we've been informed. :D

So I started a regiment of supplements everyday. On that i started to take was CLA tonalin. It is a linoleic acid that helps with inflammation. I noticed effects right away with it opening my nasal passages. They say as far as weight loss and muscle building goes it takes three months for you to start seeing the effects. I was wondering if any one else is taking it?

I have also started taking fish oil and glucosimine. Are there any other supplements that people could suggest? What has worked well for you?

I also use glucosimine - on Tom Stormcrowe's recommendation, in fact. I am currently taking fish oil on a trial basis - it was recommended to me by a roadie I'd trained with, but I'm hard-pressed to determine a benefit from it. I take a multivitamin, and niacin (B-3) to help elevate my HDL count.

Obviously this activity called "cycling" is exclusively for healthy people, Tom. I'm so glad we've been informed. :D


No, actually it's for people that would rather get out there and ride rather than talk about how many calories are burned at what time of day, what supplements make you strong, what diet can burn enoprmous amounts of fat. I've seen a few do some good but others just talk way too much with no action.

I don't talk about how smart I am when it comes to nutrition. I don't pretend to know what I'm talking about when I don't know squat. I don't pretend that fancy wheels are going to make me fast and light on my bike. I do what makes me strong like maybe 10% of these people. The rest are all talk and no training.

If they applied what they talk to their riding, they'd all be stringbeans.

What makes you strong is good hard work, not magic supplements and what time of day you eat or exercise. That's bull!

I'm not sure why you have such an inferiority complex. Nobody expects anything from you!

I've seen a girl with one leg do a century. I've seen a guy with one arm race. I've seen serious diabetics (thin guy) do centuries. They didn't whine about it. They quit talking and did it!

Then again what do I know? It's just a theory, I feel like a banana, must be a little low on the potassium reserve.....

What does a banana feel like? :D

Sometimes you feel like a nut.... sometimes you don't. :D

And then there's the classic exchange from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:

"Space travel is rather unpleasantly like being drunk."

"What's so unpleasant about being drunk?"

"Ask a glass of water."

OK, I'm done....

I started taking a Fish oil supplement and also backed it up with B12. I can say it helped my mood alot in the last few months.

So I started a regiment of supplements everyday. On that i started to take was CLA tonalin. It is a linoleic acid that helps with inflammation. I noticed effects right away with it opening my nasal passages. They say as far as weight loss and muscle building goes it takes three months for you to start seeing the effects. I was wondering if any one else is taking it?

I have also started taking fish oil and glucosimine. Are there any other supplements that people could suggest? What has worked well for you?

So what exactly are your goals for these supplements? Are you looking for general wellness, muscle bulk, or weight loss? Some combination of the three?

Add a good multivitamin and your on the right track for general wellness.

Whey protein and Creatine for muscle bulk taken immediately after your workout.

Since the banning of Speed and Ephedra (in the US) weight loss supplements have been somewhat moot. I have heard good things about DREN but never really looked into it, supposedly its an appetite suppressant. For the most part weight loss supplements are a waste of money, any elevation to your metabolism they may claim could also be attained by a brief cardio workout.

Bau

What does a banana feel like? :D

Sometimes you feel like a nut.... sometimes you don't. :D

And then there's the classic exchange from Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy:

"Space travel is rather unpleasantly like being drunk."

"What's so unpleasant about being drunk?"

"Ask a glass of water."

OK, I'm done....

Okay I felt like having a banana (which I did)......

The same book that described flying as throwing yourself at the ground and missing. I've read the book and seen the movie, I don't know what that author was smoking, because it seemed to wander more then a drunk on a drunken cow path......

So what exactly are your goals for these supplements? Are you looking for general wellness, muscle bulk, or weight loss? Some combination of the three?

Add a good multivitamin and your on the right track for general wellness.

Whey protein and Creatine for muscle bulk taken immediately after your workout.

Since the banning of Speed and Ephedra (in the US) weight loss supplements have been somewhat moot. I have heard good things about DREN but never really looked into it, supposedly its an appetite suppressant. For the most part weight loss supplements are a waste of money, any elevation to your metabolism they may claim could also be attained by a brief cardio workout.

Bau

Weight loss pills should be avoided like the plague, while they suppress appetite, what happens when you quit taking them, your appetite returns even stronger, and you go from 220lbs to 180lbs to 240lbs.... Better is to learn how to eat properly, and change your eating habits. Then add a good exercise program to supplement that eating habit.

Okay I felt like having a banana (which I did)......

The same book that described flying as throwing yourself at the ground and missing. I've read the book and seen the movie, I don't know what that author was smoking, because it seemed to wander more then a drunk on a drunken cow path......

The film was reportedly dreadful, and anyway the script was written after Adams passed. I took the Hitchhiker books as a parody of bad science fiction, and bad science fiction seems to wander all over the place.

So what exactly are your goals for these supplements? Are you looking for general wellness, muscle bulk, or weight loss? Some combination of the three?

Add a good multivitamin and your on the right track for general wellness.

Whey protein and Creatine for muscle bulk taken immediately after your workout.

Since the banning of Speed and Ephedra (in the US) weight loss supplements have been somewhat moot. I have heard good things about DREN but never really looked into it, supposedly its an appetite suppressant. For the most part weight loss supplements are a waste of money, any elevation to your metabolism they may claim could also be attained by a brief cardio workout.

Bau

Right now I am looking for wellness and weight loss. I get most of the bulk I am searching for from my strength training program. I have taken soy protein shakes post work out but I just kind of quit doing that for no paticular reason. It may come back into my diet again. It is more of a motivation thing. I have stayed away from creatine because I have no interest in it. I do not want the body builder look. I am just looking to get fit and toned.

For me it is not appetite suppression but keeping me from eating because I am bored. I am just terrible about that. Sugar is also my downfall. Yeah the Ephedra thing came some from some people taking way to much because they wanted results without work. Being overweight and taking a lot of something that speeds up the heart is not a good thing.

Hmmm, this thread has quite a bit of hostility.

My take on supplements is that they may work, and they may not. I've always been skeptical of them because most are backed by feelings rather than controlled studies. I'm also skeptical because many of the positive reports on them come not from the general public, but from people who stand to gain financially from them. When I do read reports from people who aren't connected to the supplement, it's quite common to hear them say essentially the same thing as the promoter. Many people want to believe...

So, if you think they will help you, and you have checked to be sure that they do not have any negative effects, go for it. Even if they don't actually do anything, just thinking they do (the placebo effect) might make you feel better. However, more important than any supplement is to eat a balanced diet, to establish and maintain a regular, and reasonable exercise plan, and to listen to your body.

Geez! I just love the fact that you can not read anyother post than yourown. If you look one or two posts below yours, you will see that the other poster brought up the subject of creaky knees and other inflammatories.

You either have very poor reading comprehension or are blind. Thanks for reading all the posts before posting an smart@zz comment like you did! I think maybe the ASS is U, not ME.


Inflammation can mean a number of things: simple stuff from working out, arthritis, heart disease, etc. The sort of things that a clyde/athena is at risk for.

And the above statement is a copout for being weak. This is true for anyone, even the skinny guys. I think you need to do some research of yourown.

No I have read every post hear. You mention the other post after talking about inflamation in a different paragraph. Making it easy for someone to think you are talking about someone elses argument.

No I do not have poor reading comprehension. I have read Beowulf in Old English.

Is the my statement a cop out. Well I tell you what. When your attitude makes you as successful as this guy http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles.htm when it comes to training athletes then I will stop taking what he suggest and listen to you. Do you think he is week? How about the pro and elite amature athletes he has trained? He has his athletes take a number of supplements to help them achieve their goals. I am sure Lance took tons of supplements too.

If I take something that helps to get my body in better shape and does not harm it while doing so then do not worry about it. It sounds like you already have all the answers so there is no need for you to post here on this thread. You have lost your weight your way. Good for you. The same thing does not work for everyone.

Hmmm, this thread has quite a bit of hostility.

My take on supplements is that they may work, and they may not. I've always been skeptical of them because most are backed by feelings rather than controlled studies. I'm also skeptical because many of the positive reports on them come not from the general public, but from people who stand to gain financially from them. When I do read reports from people who aren't connected to the supplement, it's quite common to hear them say essentially the same thing as the promoter. Many people want to believe...

So, if you think they will help you, and you have checked to be sure that they do not have any negative effects, go for it. Even if they don't actually do anything, just thinking they do (the placebo effect) might make you feel better. However, more important than any supplement is to eat a balanced diet, to establish and maintain a regular, and reasonable exercise plan, and to listen to your body.

Agreed. Or, as they post around here, +1.

The fish oil I'm taking was a recommendation from a roadie who swears by it. By the time I've finished the bottle I should know if its had an effect.

When your attitude makes you as successful as this guy http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles.htm when it comes to training athletes then I will stop taking what he suggest and listen to you. Do you think he is week? How about the pro and elite amature athletes he has trained? He has his athletes take a number of supplements to help them achieve their goals. I am sure Lance took tons of supplements too.


I know nothing about this guy other than reading a few pages on his web site. As with everything else on the internet, it's important to keep things in perspective. Of particular interest is that he has a business selling supplements. It's entirely possible that they really work, but when one profits in such a manner, it's fair to question the impartiality of his recommendations.

A good multivitamin, preferably the adult dose of a childrens chewable, since it metabolized better, and Calcium Citrate, with Vitamin D. The B Complex (B1, B6, B12) will also help you with energy levels, as well as the hemocrit levels and they are water soluble, so any excess will pass thriough the kidneys assuming normal kidney function.

I forgot to ask you Tom about the B complex. Do you take a B supplement also or is it part of your multivitamin?

And for those wondering here is some good facts on fish oil: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles2.htm

No I do not have poor reading comprehension. I have read Beowulf in Old English.



You read Beowulf in OE?!? I gave up attempting Chaucer in ME.

(bows)

I'M NOT WORTHY! I'M NOT WORTHY!

You either have very poor reading comprehension or are blind. Thanks for reading all the posts before posting an smart@zz comment like you did! (removed)


Blind people can read web sites. There is technology that makes this possible. Sorry to hassle you about that but I am on a personal crusade to change the stereotypes the general public attach to blind people. I will most likely be the lead on a tandem for a blind cyclist one day in the future. Now that I got that out of the way. I will have to side with Beanz on this one. My mantra is HARDWORK = SUCCESS. I don't beleive in putting a lot of supplemental crap in my body. I have been relying on a proper diet when possible. The only thing I have tried when I first started cycling is a Natural Whey Protien shake prior to a work out or other physically challenging activity. I usually cycle or jog at lunch at work and when I would get back I would be falling a sleep at my desk, the shakes seem to give me a bit more energy to finish the day. The shake is only about 90 calories and serves as my lunch for the day which helps in the weight loss area as well.

HARDWORK = SUCCESS
Learn It, Love It, Live It!!!

No I have read every post hear. You mention the other post after talking about inflamation in a different paragraph. Making it easy for someone to think you are talking about someone elses argument.

No I do not have poor reading comprehension. I have read Beowulf in Old English.

Is the my statement a cop out. Well I tell you what. When your attitude makes you as successful as this guy http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles.htm when it comes to training athletes then I will stop taking what he suggest and listen to you. Do you think he is week? How about the pro and elite amature athletes he has trained? He has his athletes take a number of supplements to help them achieve their goals. I am sure Lance took tons of supplements too.

If I take something that helps to get my body in better shape and does not harm it while doing so then do not worry about it. It sounds like you already have all the answers so there is no need for you to post here on this thread. You have lost your weight your way. Good for you. The same thing does not work for everyone.

Lance Armstrong was, and possibly is, on the board of directors of New Sun Nutrition,

"a developer and distributor of nutritional supplements, healthy snacks and beverages that is pioneering the development of flavonoid antioxidant health solutions to improve consumer health and wellness.

"The company’s product portfolio includes FRS® health drink, a scientifically formulated supplement designed to boost energy, enhance performance and neutralize free radicals before they can cause cellular damage. FRS, which stands for the scientific term Free Radical Scavenger, contains a patented combination of flavonoid antioxidants, essential vitamins and metabolic enhancers. The flavonoids are quercetin, an antioxidant typically found in the skins of apples, onions and red grapes, as well as catechins extracted from green tea."

This, of course, doesn't mean Mr. Armstrong used supplements during his racing career, but it implies he doesn't disapprove of them.

Separately I take the MV in the AM and the B Complex with lunch to maximize uptake. The B12 specifically is a sublingual liquid (Under the tongue.). B1 and B6 are pills.
I forgot to ask you Tom about the B complex. Do you take a B supplement also or is it part of your multivitamin?

And for those wondering here is some good facts on fish oil: http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles2.htm

Blind people can read web sites. There is technology that makes this possible. Sorry to hassle you about that but I am on a personal crusade to change the stereotypes the general public attach to blind people. I will most likely be the lead on a tandem for a blind cyclist one day in the future. Now that I got that out of the way. I will have to side with Beanz on this one. My mantra is HARDWORK = SUCCESS. I don't beleive in putting a lot of supplemental crap in my body. I have been relying on a proper diet when possible. The only thing I have tried when I first started cycling is a Natural Whey Protien shake prior to a work out or other physically challenging activity. I usually cycle or jog at lunch at work and when I would get back I would be falling a sleep at my desk, the shakes seem to give me a bit more energy to finish the day. The shake is only about 90 calories and serves as my lunch for the day which helps in the weight loss area as well.

HARDWORK = SUCCESS
Learn It, Love It, Live It!!!

I'm all in favor of shattering stereotypes. Now if we can get rid of the stereotype that people who use supplements are trying to avoid hard work.

BTW, protein shakes count as a supplement. :eek:

Separately I take the MV in the AM and the B Complex with lunch to maximize uptake. The B12 specifically is a sublingual liquid (Under the tongue.). B1 and B6 are pills.

Why the separate B vitamins, Tom? Why not an 'all-in-one' pill?

You read Beowulf in OE?!? I gave up attempting Chaucer in ME.

(bows)

I'M NOT WORTHY! I'M NOT WORTHY!

Thanks. Try Chaucer again. The Canterbury Tales rhyming does make ME a little easier. Sometimes I read aloud to myself to help with the rhyming and the flow.

I've seen serious diabetics (thin guy) do centuries. They didn't whine about it. They quit talking and did it!

Did they take insulin?

Thanks. Try Chaucer again. The Canterbury Tales rhyming does make ME a little easier. Sometimes I read aloud to myself to help with the rhyming and the flow.

I cheated and used a 'supplement' of a modern English translation. Obviously I didn't want to work hard instead of talking and whining. :D

Seriously, if I can get through the York mystery plays in original spelling, Chaucer shouldn't be that much of a stretch.

When I first started cycling I used the protien shake. I no longer use them because I got over that hump. I think my body couldn't handle(the cycling at lunch and loss of energy issue) it because of about 7-8 years of a non-active lifestyle and a lousy diet. I am eating better(cut out soda and fast food), down 25 pounds and I have more energy. It seemed to be all the processed crap I was eating. Added more fruits and veggies and drink a lot of water during the day to keep my system flushed. I still do eat the occassional sweet stuff but not like I used to. I mean I would down an entire box of Fruity Pebbles or bag of Chips Ahoy(milk and cookies where my downfall) in one sitting. I would like to live longer and see my kids, kids, kids, if that is even posssible and I have a fear that putting the supplemental stuff in my system will make things grow that shouldn't and put me in the ground prior to reaching my goal. How do your kidneys and liver process that foreign stuff? Were they really made to do that, what are the long term effects?

As I was typing the above a question came to mind.
If it is all natural is it still a supplement??

When I first started cycling I used the protien shake. I no longer use them because I got over that hump. I think my body couldn't handle(the cycling at lunch and loss of energy issue) it because of about 7-8 years of a non-active lifestyle and a lousy diet. I am eating better(cut out soda and fast food), down 25 pounds and I have more energy. It seemed to be all the processed crap I was eating. Added more fruits and veggies and drink a lot of water during the day to keep my system flushed. I still do eat the occassional sweet stuff but not like I used to. I mean I would down an entire box of Fruity Pebbles or bag of Chips Ahoy(milk and cookies where my downfall) in one sitting. I would like to live longer and see my kids, kids, kids, if that is even posssible and I have a fear that putting the supplemental stuff in my system will make things grow that shouldn't and put me in the ground prior to reaching my goal. How do your kidneys and liver process that foreign stuff? They were really made to do that, what are the long term effects?

As I was typing the above a question came to mind.
If it is all natural is it still a supplement??

Yes. You are 'supplementing' your diet with something you don't normally consume.

Incidentally, the items mentioned most often in this thread are vitamins and glucosamine, which is an amino sugar. Hardly the sort of things folks ought to get worked up about.

Not worked up about it. Just a personal philospy I guess. I am from the school of whatever floats your boat and felt Beanz was out on an island in this thread and was kind of thinking the way he was so I chimed in. The Glucosamine has peaked my interest however. I have heard about it but have not researched it. In my younger days I used to play Volleyball pretty regularly and my knees have taken a beating over the years which is another reason I have taken up cycling. The more I ride the better my knees feel. I have started playing volleyball again but usually have to stop because my knees start hurting(Patellar Tendonitus). Also, when walking down steps I can hear a crunchiness sound in my left knee. Would the Glucosamine cure the crunchiness I am hearing?

(Geez, I folded rather quickly, am I joining the Dark Side?:D)

I don't take any supplements. I do drink a protein shake after a workout on the rollers, tho. And even then, I rather eat a banana with peanut butter or some nuts to get my protein in.

Other than that, fresh fruit, fresh veggies, very little meat during my normal meals. Lotsa carbs before a ride and I'm set. Everything organic if I can find it.

I treat synthetic products I ingest as toxins. Call me a nut, weirdo, crazy, tree hugger or hippie. I don't trust anything which hasn't been grown out in the sun even tho I do eat processed stuff sometimes.
I see humans as greedy *******s who don't give a **** about other peoples health as long as they can make a buck with marketing their synthetic stuff as the new health bringing wonder drug.

I do eat organic energy bars and even take an energy gel once in a while, as it's very convenient during a bike ride to carry around, but I cringe at the thought of what I'm digesting.

So it is still an ongoing battle for me to find the right way on how to completely cut the synthetic and processed stuff out of my life, but eventually I will get it done.

Yep, there you have it, I'm a pessimistic and non-trusting sum*****. But I like it that way.

Not worked up about it. Just a personal philospy I guess. I am from the school of whatever floats your boat and felt Beanz was out on an island in this thread and was kind of thinking the way he was so I chimed in. The Glucosamine has peaked my interest however. I have heard about it but have not researched it. In my younger days I used to play Volleyball pretty regularly and my knees have taken a beating over the years which is another reason I have taken up cycling. The more I ride the better my knees feel. I have started playing volleyball again but usually have to stop because my knees start hurting(Patellar Tendonitus). Also, when walking down steps I can hear a crunchiness sound in my left knee. Would the Glucosamine cure the crunchiness I am hearing?

(Geez, I folded rather quickly, am I joining the Dark Side?:D)

Tom Stormcrowe is the expert, so I hope he'll give a better description. But my understanding is that glucosamine helps with cartilege loss in the joints. It won't give you back all you lost, but it helps. "People over 35 with knee issues should baste themselves in the stuff," according to Andy Pruitt of the Center for Sports Medicine in Boulder, Colorado.

I've been using it for about six months now, and my knees feel better than they have in years. But then again all I do is talk and whine anyway. :D

See a doctor about the 'crunching.' It sounds serious.

I treat synthetic products I ingest as toxins. Call me a nut, weirdo, crazy, tree hugger or hippie. I don't trust anything which hasn't been grown out in the sun...

Does this mean you don't eat mushrooms? ;)

I don't really need to, Neil, you just gave a good description. The only thing you missed is that it also causes secretion of lubricant from the bone ends into the joint capsule, which helps prevent age related inflammation of the joint.

Does this mean you don't eat mushrooms? ;)

Mmm.... shrooms... yumm yumm :D

Ok.. let me rephrase that, everything that grows on natural soil :)

Well, what Shrooms grow in isn't exactly soil.....

It is composted though ;)
Mmm.... shrooms... yumm yumm :D

Ok.. let me rephrase that, everything that grows on natural soil :)

No I have read every post hear. You mention the other post after talking about inflamation in a different paragraph. Making it easy for someone to think you are talking about someone elses argument.

No I do not have poor reading comprehension. I have read Beowulf in Old English.

Is the my statement a cop out. Well I tell you what. When your attitude makes you as successful as this guy http://www.bodybuilding.com/fun/charles.htm when it comes to training athletes then I will stop taking what he suggest and listen to you. Do you think he is week? How about the pro and elite amature athletes he has trained? He has his athletes take a number of supplements to help them achieve their goals. I am sure Lance took tons of supplements too.

If I take something that helps to get my body in better shape and does not harm it while doing so then do not worry about it. It sounds like you already have all the answers so there is no need for you to post here on this thread. You have lost your weight your way. Good for you. The same thing does not work for everyone.


“…every post hear.” “…inflamation…” “…someone elses argument.” “Is the my statement…” “Well I tell you what.” “…taking what he suggest…” “Do you think he is week?” “…elite amature athletes…”

Old English? :-)

TF

I don't take any supplements. I do drink a protein shake after a workout on the rollers, tho. And even then, I rather eat a banana with peanut butter or some nuts to get my protein in.

Other than that, fresh fruit, fresh veggies, very little meat during my normal meals. Lotsa carbs before a ride and I'm set. Everything organic if I can find it.

I treat synthetic products I ingest as toxins. Call me a nut, weirdo, crazy, tree hugger or hippie. I don't trust anything which hasn't been grown out in the sun even tho I do eat processed stuff sometimes.
I see humans as greedy *******s who don't give a **** about other peoples health as long as they can make a buck with marketing their synthetic stuff as the new health bringing wonder drug.

I do eat organic energy bars and even take an energy gel once in a while, as it's very convenient during a bike ride to carry around, but I cringe at the thought of what I'm digesting.

So it is still an ongoing battle for me to find the right way on how to completely cut the synthetic and processed stuff out of my life, but eventually I will get it done.

Yep, there you have it, I'm a pessimistic and non-trusting sum*****. But I like it that way.

The eat like a cave man theory. I am trying to work up to that level. For me ,carbs are the enemy, so I am trying to cut as many of them out of my diet as possible.

“…every post hear.” “…inflamation…” “…someone elses argument.” “Is the my statement…” “Well I tell you what.” “…taking what he suggest…” “Do you think he is week?” “…elite amature athletes…”

Old English? :-)

TF

Yeah my spelling is weigh;) off today. I do not know what is going on there.

Wow!!! Seems as though my "creaky knees" comment (yes, that was my post that Mr Beanz was referring to)has really set some folks off. I'm almost sorry that I posted it. Yes, I do have some joint inflammation from time to time...geez, doesn't everyone get a few aches and pains every now and then??? My creaky knee developed due to a fall during a 5k running race 15 years ago. I hit the pavement hard with my left knee and it hasn't been the same since. However, I haven't let it stop me from running, cycling, or any other activity. My back problem is a slipped vertebra that I've had since childhood...not much I can do about that, other than a fusion surgery which I absolutely refuse to put myself through since there is no guarantee that it will work. I see nothing wrong with taking joint supplements, if it enables me to get out there and particpate in activities that I enjoy doing so much. Why is that such a bad thing? Should I just stay home, sit on the couch and stuff my face because my knees are little creaky??? That's ludicrous to me. Sure...if my pain was to the point where I was unable to walk or had limited mobility...then, that's a different story. But seeing as though I'm training for my first triathlon this summer, I consider myself to be far from immobile. For what it's worth...I'm a 42-year old female that has been working out on a regular basis (read: daily) since I was 18....with weight fluctuations from 215 (my highest) to 146 (my lowest and current weight). Aside from my creaky knee and slipped vertebra, the only other health problem I have ever had (and still have) is asthma...which is completely under control thanks to preventive meds. So...I'll keep on taking my glucosamine supplements (and multivitamin and protein shakes) because I feel they are beneficial to me...and for those that think they don't do squat...oh well.

+1 on the Glucosamine. I've noticed the biggest overall improvement since I started taking a Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM combo supplement (I use the triple-strength Osteo-Biflex brand) over 3 years ago. My knees aren't as creaky and crunchy as they used to be. It takes a good while (for me it was 2-3 months) before you feel the effects of it, but for me it was well worth having the patience. I plan on adding some type of Omega-3 fish oil supplement eventually because I've read that it has good anti-inflammatory properties (I have lower back issues), but am having a difficult time on deciding which brand to go with. I've heard/read that some of the cheaper, lower-quality stuff can have toxic metals and such, and also a "fishy" taste...which I certainly do not want. Can anyone recommend a high-quality fish oil supplement?

Linda


I've read that refrigerating or freezing the supplements will remedy the fishy taste and "burpy" after effects. It seems to work.

Well, what Shrooms grow in isn't exactly soil.....

It is composted though ;)
Seemed so happy thinking about shrooms that I didn't want to spoil the mood by mentioning it. I happened to watch a segment of "How it's made" last night that covered mushrooms.