AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH MAGAZINE

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ISSUE 123 - 2/08/2007

1. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH QUOTE OF THE WEEK

"The true teacher knocks down the idol that the student makes of him."
- Rumi

It is very tough to be a great teacher. We all have egos and teachers generally have stronger egos than other people. Regardless if a teacher cannot humble oneself and be a student the teacher no longer has value.  Some teachers like the authority and power that comes with having a following. Being a teacher myself I know how intoxicating it can be to be in front of a room of students and having their full attention. In addition, my students pay good amount of hard earned cash to work with me. I do not take the responsibility lightly and work my ass off to put on great workshops. In fact if I am not drained the day after a workshop then I know I held back and did not put my best effort forward. If I do not get testimonials from my workshop participants then I did not put in my best effort. Regardless, being a good teacher is not about acquiring praise or encouraging others to follow what you say blindly. In fact the greatest gift that a teacher can provide is the lesson of learning and critical thinking. A real teacher encourages students to seek out the truth on their own. A real teacher does not allow students to become worshippers and idolaters. Life is always a learning process no matter what the field of study is and when you stop learning you stop growing. A teacher has a responsibility to encourage growth and send the students forward when he or she no longer has anything to teach.  Great teachers take pleasure in their students surpassing them. Trying to hold one's students back is similar to a parent trying to impede the growth of their children. Such behavior is reprehensible! 

One of my favorite books is Dune by Frank Herbert. Frank Herbert was a brilliant man that had an incredible imagination. His characters come alive in his book and his stories are clearly made for adults. No simple good and evil battles with a condescending simplistic message. Herbert understood how complicated it is to be a human being and do the right thing. How being a leader is very difficult as even the best intentions can go horribly wrong. In the first Dune book, the main character Paul goes from being a naive young man to the strong and powerful leader of a repressed society. He leads a successful revolution against a corrupt emperor. Dune ends with a happy ending in which Paul takes the place of the emperor. His journey from boy to man was filled with trials and tribulations just as every person's journey to a self-actualized being is. In the third Dune book, Paul loses control of his empire. His followers kill in his name and he cannot do anything to stop it. He has become a figure head and a religion is created around him. He as an individual only has the illusion of power and what is done in his name is too much for him to take. The final straw is the death of his wife as she gives birth to his children. Unable to handle the depression he walks off into the desert to die.

Paul had the best of intentions. He was a good man and lead an oppressed people to freedom. Unfortunately, the oppressed people become the new oppressors and he could not do anything to stop it. His followers worshipped him as a god and at the same time no longer recognized the flawed humanity in him. They put their blinders on and there is nothing more dangerous than a desperate society of blind followers. Any history student can confirm that.

With being a teacher comes immense responsibility. You have to make it clear to you're students that you do not have all of the answers. You have flaws as well and the great thing is that it is not a big deal. We live in such an artificial world that many people welcome dept and real communication. We are so hungry for something real that our actions as a society have become desperate. The fact that "Reality TV" is so popular says it all. Many of us are so repressed that the inevitable boiling point is only around the corner and when it finally breaks through the flood gates all hell breaks loose. When we repress our emotions and feelings we always end up depressed. Eventually depression which is internal anger often leads to outward anger and the consequences can be disastrous.

In order to be more effective teachers we have to show honest vulnerability and honest flaws. The illusion of perfection is just that an illusion. Celebrities are not better then you and no they do not have all the answers. People with immense wealth are not better than you and nope they do not have the answers either. With the solving of any problem comes new problems. When you make a lot of money you solve the problem of not having money. Now you have to worry about losing you're wealth and people being friends with you only for you're money. When you lose fat and build muscle, you solve the problem of being overweight and unhealthy. Have no doubt that other problems are just around the corner.

Life is a constant battle of solving problems and facing new ones. Each time we solve a problem we grow immensely. When we stop having problems we are only kidding ourselves. Ignoring a problem or pretending that it does not exist will not make it go away. While this is unacceptable for anyone that is interested in personal growth and living a full life, it is completely reprehensible for a teacher to pretend that problems do not exist. If you run a company and you're top six people leave. It is highly unlikely that the six people who left are the problem. It is however highly likely that the organization that they left is the problem. Try to avoid that reality all you want. Just do not believe for a second that it is not likely the truth.

The final thing that a teacher must do is admit mistakes. Just as a good teacher is aware that students make mistakes. A good teacher must be aware that he or she not only makes mistakes but will always make mistakes. Does this mean that a teacher that makes mistakes is not a good teacher? Of course not. In baseball if you hit the ball three times out of every ten tries you're a superstar! This means that players who miss the ball the majority of the time are the best around. Their flaws are open to all of their fans yet the fans still love them. If professional baseball players can be superstars with their obvious flaws, a teacher in any field can be a superstar as well with the admittance of mistakes. Bottom line is you're students see you're mistakes anyway so take responsibility and ownership of you're actions.

Sending the message to you're students that you are infallible and perfect is a disservice to say the least. Sending the message that you're too good to get you're hands dirty only sends the message that you're not a good teacher. As we have all heard many times a great teacher leads by example. The saying "Do as I say not as I do" is perfect for teachers that do not deserve to be teachers.

Whenever a teacher is too good to be true, go with you're instincts. We all know when someone is genuine and when someone is disingenuous. Whether we choose to go with our instincts is another story. Perception may be reality. However, at the end of the day reality is reality and the truth can only be held back for so long.

Be a great teacher and a great person by laying it on the table. Do not be afraid to be vulnerable and imperfect. Hell, do not be afraid to be afraid. Life is scary and avoiding that truth does not make it any less scary. Leave distraction methods to magicians. Work some real magic in you're life by being an authentic person and surrounding yourself with other authentic people. Life is too short to live a lie. Live the truth!

Live Life Aggressively!

Mike Mahler

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Who says we do not have any heroes any more? Here is a group of them. Thanks men you make us all proud!

"Good morning Mike! Just wanted to share some pics from the Fort Hood KB Club via Baghdad. The team is doing well and staying safe, although we did lose a close friend on the recent helicopter crash. I truly enjoyed your "Aggressive Strength Solution for Incredible Kettlebell Training". I am planning on ordering your latest Ebook "Aggressive Strength Solution for Size and Strength". Would I have your permission to share this with the team members here in Iraq? I believe I have stated this before in previous emails, but just wanted to say thanks again for the great web site and free articles. Your contribution to the fitness community is duly noted."
- David COL Jon "David" Mullins

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2. AFFORDABLE HIGH QUALITY KETTLEBELLS ARE FINALLY HERE!

I have been getting a lot of questions regarding the new Lifeline USA Kettlebells and here are some answers:

Q: I have one Dragondoor bell, can I use a Lifeline USA bell with the DD one for double work?

A: Yes it should not be a problem at all. While the LL bells have slightly thicker handles, the bell is pretty much the same size and will not be an issue.

Q: Can I get single units of the super small bells (16lbs and below)?

A: Right now the super light bells are only sold in pairs. I am trying to get LL to change this for the very near future. All other sizes 35s and up are available in single units.

Q: Can the smaller ladies bells be used for Renegade Row?

A: While the smaller bells look like real kettlebells (no plastic thin handles) I do not recommend anything below 35lbs for Renegade Row. It becomes too much of a stability issue with very light bells.

Q: Do the handles have the slick smooth epoxy coating that DD bells have?

A: Nope, I made a point of having LL avoid the slick handles. They are smooth enough that they will not tear up your hands and rough enough that they will not fly out of your hands on high repetition work.

Q: How big is the 97lb bell?

A: Around the same size as DD's 88lb bell. I love the 97s for double work!

Q: How is the quality?

A: I am very happy with the quality. The bells went though strict quality control measures and passed with flying colors. I could put my reputation behind any bell on the market and chose to do so with the LL bells. I have been training with them for a month and love them. I know you will as well.

You will love the prices on these bells. Click on the link below and check it out.

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3. 2007 AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH KETTLEBELL WORKSHOPS

Interested in hosting or sponsoring an Aggressive Strength Kettlebell Training Workshop?
» Click Here for More Information

Attention: I will no longer be doing workshops in Northern VA/DC, Denver, and Northern CA.

February 24, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in Los Angeles, CA (one spot left) 
» Click Here for More Information (Only 2007 LA Workshop)

March 10, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV (one spot left) 
» Click Here for More Information

March 11, 2007:

Mahler Level 2 Advanced Kettlebell Workshop in Las Vegas, NV
» Click Here for More Information

May 12, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Beginner Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY
» Click Here for More Information

May 13, 2007:

Mahler Level 2 Advanced Kettlebell Workshop in New York City, NY (Sold Out! Email mahler25@yahoo.com for the waiting list) 
» Click Here for More Information

May 20, 2007:

Mahler Level 1 Plus Kettlebell Training Workshop in Miami, FL
» Click Here For More Info (Only 2007 Miami Workshop)

September 15, 2007:

Mahler-Shaffer Level 1 PLus Kettlebell Workshop In Dallas, TX
» Click Here For More Information (Only 2007 Dallas Workshop)

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4. Aggressive Strength Community Service 

Crash sends local women to FMC

On January 29, 2007, our sister Ashleigh was in a horrific car accident near her home in Sedona, Arizona. She flipped her car and was ejected, in which she sustained life-threatening injuries including a torn aorta, 2 fractured vertebrae, a shattered pelvis, a shattered femur (thigh), tibia (shin), and ankle, broken sternum, fractured orbital (right eye), 2 broken ribs, broken tailbone, and a severed left ear among others. She is currently on a ventilator to assist with her breathing and a dialysis machine to help with injured kidneys.

During the procedure to mend the torn aorta in her heart, her spinal column was depleted of the necessary blood flow to sustain her lower extremities. Ashleigh is now permanently paralyzed from the midsection down. If she survives the preliminary phase to stabilize her condition and mend her most prominent injuries, she is still going to require extensive rehabilitation lasting well over 6 months.

Ashleigh’s medical expenses are well into the hundreds of thousands of dollars and at the time of this posting, it has been only 5 days since the accident. She has only state assisted medical insurance, which will be depleted very shortly. Many of you have expressed your desire to help in some way. While prayer is most important, there is also a fund in which you may donate money to lessen the financial burden if you wish. There are 2 ways to contribute funds: cash donations in any Bank of America branch in the name of “Ashleigh Freer Medical Fund”, or click on the Credit Card link below and pay through PayPal using the recipient email of ashleighfreermedicalfund@hotmail.com

Please don’t feel obligated, but any donation will be appreciated.

Again, thank you for all your support and prayers! Keep praying for her daily – she needs a miracle…

Sincerely,

Allan, Kristi, Michael, and Cortni

http://www.ashleighfreermedicalfund.com

My friend and top body worker Dianna Linden sent me a list of non-profit organizations for helping out the Katrina Victims. Here is the list:

• Operation USA http://www.opusa.org
• Mercy Corps http://www.mercycorps.org
• Oxfam America http://www.oxfamamerica.org
• America's Second Harvest http://www.secondharvest.org

I encourage you to take a look at the above organizations and make a donation to the one that sits well with you. Also if you want to help out animals, make a donation to http://www.bestfriends.org.

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5. NEW AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH E-BOOK IS OUT!

Here is what people are saying about my new e-book:

"I'm in week 6 of the HFT program and I followed your instructions.  I just double cleaned and pressed the 88's!!!  It really worked."

--Josh Elliot 

"Wow. Now that I have seen the book I can honestly say that I just ripped you off, Mike. This e-book is a compendium of some of the best training methods all boiled down, with all of the nonsense filtered out and set forth in a way that even a training novice can understand. I think that there are enough routines to keep anyone busy for AT LEAST 2 YEARS, maybe more. The sections on testosterone and estrogen and how to get these hormones under control was worth the price of the e-book all by itself. Thanks again for an awesome product!"
- Nemiah VanGuilder

"You've done it again. I recently purchased your e-book, and it is full of useful information for serious trainees, from beginner to advanced. Whether it is nutrition, endocrine advice/management or program design, the advice is sound, tested and presented in a way in which there can be "no excuses". Way to go, Mike."
- Steve Strickman, RKC New York, NY

"Mike I just got done reading your latest book "The Aggressive Strength Solution for Size and Strength" and it was time well spent over the holidays. You laid it all out when it comes to getting it done. Whether you have access to the best equipment in the world or just your own bodyweight you spoon fed us with all the programs, methods, and principles imaginable to get the desired results. I appreciate you reminding me of many great programs I had forgotten along with some new ones I can't wait to cycle into my training this year. But cutting through the BS and giving us your take on how to get the most out of our training was the difference in this book. You are a great motivator I found myself doing sets of heavy KB clean and presses as I read the chapters. If you can get me working out as I'm reading I can only imagine what your live training clients get from you!"
- Tim Larkin, Founder and CEO of TFT Group www.targetfocustraining.com

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6. RECOMMENDED LAS VEGAS MASSAGE THERAPIST

"I was in Vegas preparing for my own wedding. I was stressed to the max and the only thing I could think of to relax me temporarily get my mind off of things (other than wine) was Carol. Carol was so professional and so attuned to my needs. I believe it was the best massage I have ever experienced. Needless to say, with Carol's help I wasn't so stressed and the wedding went smoothly. Thank you Carol, you have a life-long client! The wedding did go very smoothly and we had a wonderful time. We plan to return to Vegas in June and we'll be back for another massage appt. Thanks again Carol!"
- Tonya Taylor, Lafayette, LA

My fiancé Carol is now available for therapeutic massages in the Las Vegas area. We have a great massage room at our house that will help you unwind right away. Check out her web page today at: Las Vegas Massage

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7. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH SPORTS NUTRITION ARTICLE

What Are Systemic Enzymes and What Do They Do?
By: Dr. William Wong ND, PhD www.totalityofbeing.com

The word “systemic” means body wide. Systemic enzymes are those that operate not just for digestion but throughout your body in every system and organ. But let’s take first things first, what is an enzyme?

An enzyme is a biocatalyst - something that makes something else work or work faster. Chemical reactions are generally slow things, enzymes speed them up. Without enzymes the chemical reactions that make up our life would be too slow for life as we know it. (As slow as sap running down a tree in winter). For life to manifest as we know it, enzymes are essential to speed up the reactions. We have roughly some 3000 enzymes in our bodies and that results in over 7000 enzymic reactions. Most of these enzymes are derived or created from what we think of as the protein digesting enzymes. But while digestion is an important part of what enzymes do, it's almost the absolute last function. First and foremost these body wide proteolytic (protein eating) enzymes have the following actions:

Natural Anti-Inflammatory.

They are the first line of defense against inflammation. (1,2,3). Inflammation is a reaction by the immune system to an irritation. Let’s say you have an injured right knee. The immune system sensing the irritation the knee is undergoing creates a protein chain called a Circulating Immune Complex (CIC for short), tagged specifically for that right knee. (The Nobel Prize in biology was won in 1999 by a scientist who discovered this tagging mechanism). This CIC floats down to the right knee and causes pain, redness and swelling are the classic earmarks for inflammation. This at first is a beneficial reaction; it warns us that a part of ourselves is hurt and needs attention. But, inflammation is self-perpetuating, itself creating an irritation that the body makes CIC’s to in response!

Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Vioxx and the rest of the Non Steroidal Anti Inflammatory Drugs all work by keeping the body from making all CIC's. This ignores the fact that some CIC’s are vital to life, like those that maintain the lining of the intestine and those that keep the kidneys functioning! Not to mention the fact that the NSAID’s, along with acetaminophen, are highly toxic to the liver. Every year 20,000 Americans die from these over the counter drugs and another 100,000 will wind up in the hospital with liver damage, kidney damage or bleeding intestines from the side effects of these drugs. (4,5).

Systemic enzymes on the other hand are perfectly safe and free of dangerous side effects. They have no LD-50, or toxic dose. (6). Best of all systemic enzymes can tell the difference between the good CIC’s and the bad ones because hydrolytic enzymes are lock and key mechanisms and their "teeth" will only fit over the bad CIC’s. So instead of preventing the creation of all CIC’s, systemic enzymes just “eat” the bad ones and in so doing lower inflammation everywhere. With that, pain is lowered also.

Anti Fibrosis.

Enzymes eat scar tissue and fibrosis. (7). Fibrosis is scar tissue and most doctors learn in anatomy that it is fibrosis that eventually kills us all. Let me explain. As we age, which starts at 27, we have a diminishing of the bodies’ output of enzymes. This is because we make a finite amount of enzymes in a lifetime and we use up a good deal of them by the time we are 27. At that point the body knows that if it keeps up that rate of consumption we’ll run out of enzymes and be dead by the time we reach our 40’s. (Cystic Fibrosis patients who have virtually no enzyme production to speak of, even as children usually don’t make it past their 20’s before they die of the restriction and shrinkage in the lungs from the formation of fibrosis or scar tissue).

So our body in it's wisdom begins to dole out our enzymes with an eyedropper instead of with a tablespoon; as a result the repair mechanism of the body goes out of balance and has nothing to reduce the over abundance of fibrin it deposits in nearly every thing from simple cuts, to the inside of our internal organs and blood vessels. This is when most women begin to develop things like fibrocystic breast disease, uterine fibroids, endometriosis, and we all grow arterial sclerotic (meaning scar tissue) plaque, and have fibrin beginning to spider web its way inside of our internal organs reducing their size and function over time. This is why as we age our wounds heal with thicker, less pliable, weaker and very visible scars.

If we replace the lost enzymes we can control and reduce the amount of scar tissue and fibrosis our bodies have. As physicians in the US are now discovering, even old scar tissue can be “eaten away” from surgical wounds, pulmonary fibrosis, kidney fibrosis and even keloids years after their formation. Medical doctors in Europe and Asia have known this and have used orally administered enzymes for these situations for over 40 years!

Blood Cleansing.

The blood is not only the river of life, it is also the river through which the cells and organs dispose of their garbage and dead material. Enzymes improve circulation by eating the excess fibrin that causes blood to sometimes get as thick as catsup or yogurt, creating the perfect environment for the formation of clots. All of this material is supposed to be cleared by the liver on its "first pass", or the first time it goes through but given the sluggish and near toxic or toxic states of everyone's liver these days that seldom happens. So the sludge remains in the blood waiting for the liver to have enough free working space and enough enzymes to clean the trash out of the blood. This can take days, and in some cases, weeks! (8).

When systemic enzymes are taken, they stand ready in the blood and take the strain off of the liver by:

1. Cleaning excess fibrin from the blood and reducing the stickiness of blood cells. These two actions minimize the leading causes of stroke and heart attack causing blood clots. (8).
2. Breaking dead material down small enough that it can immediately pass into the bowel. (8).
3. Cleanse the FC receptors on the white blood cells improving their function and availability to fight off infection. (9).

And here we come to the only warning we have to give concerning the use of Vitalzym or any other systemic enzyme - don't use the product if you are a hemophiliac or are on prescription blood thinners like Coumadin, Heparin and Plavix, without direct medical supervision. The enzymes cause the drugs to work better so there is the possibility of thinning the blood too much.

Immune System Modulating.

Enzymes are adaptogenic seeking to restore a steady state to the body. (9). When the immune system is running low we become susceptible to infectious disease, when it’s cranked up too high then the system creates antibodies that attack it's own tissues as are seen in the auto immune diseases of MS, Rheumatoid Arthritis, and Lupus. Here the enzymes will tone down immune function and eat away at the antibodies the immune system is making to attack its bodies own tissue.

Virus Fighting.

Viruses harm us by replicating in our bodies. To do this a virus must bond itself to the DNA in our cells through the medium of its exterior protein cell wall. Anything that disrupts that cell wall inhibits the ability of viral replication by rendering individual viruses inert. (10,11). Systemic enzymes can tell the difference between the proteins that are supposed to be in your body and those that are foreign or not supposed to be there, (again the enzyme lock and key mechanism). Vitalzym has the strongest protein eating effect of any enzyme due to its Serrapeptase content and can be of help in combating viruses.

One note: many in the States have learned in school that enzymes are too big a protein to be absorbed through the gut. The pioneering research done in the US by Dr. Max Wolf (MD & PhD x7) at Columbia University in the 40’s through the 70’s has not made it to the awareness of most doctors. There are currently over 200 peer reviewed research articles dealing with the absorption, utilization and therapeutic action of orally administered systemic enzymes. A search through Pub Med using the key words: serrapeptase, papain, bromelain, trypsin, chymo trypsin, nattokinase and systemic enzyme will yield some of the extensive work. Systemic enzymes now have a 4 decade plus history of widespread medical use in central Europe and Japan.

Vitalzym with it's serrapeptase based blend of enzymes is the strongest and fastest working systemic enzyme on the planet with research to prove it.

References:

1) Carroll A., R.: Clinical examination of an enzymatic anti-inflammatory agent in emergency surgery. Arztl. Praxis 24 (1972), 2307.
2) Mazzone A, et al.: Evaluation of Serratia peptidase in acute or chronic
inflammation of otorhinolaryngology pathology: a multicentre, double blind,
randomized trial versus placebo. J Int Med Res. 1990; 18(5):379-88.
3) Kee W., H. Tan S, L., Lee V. Salmon Y. M.: The treatment of breast engorgement with Serrapeptase: a randomized double blind controlled trial. Singapore Med J. 1989:30(l):48-54.
4) Celebrex article Wall Street Journal 19 April 1999.
5) No author listed: Regular Use of Pain Relievers Can Have Dangerous Results. Kaleidoscope Interactive News, American Medical Association media briefing. July 24, 1997.
6) Enzymes ñ A Drug of the Future, Prof. Heinrich Wrba MD and Otto Pecher MD. Published 1993 Eco Med.
7) Kakinumu A. et al.: Regression of fibrinolysis in scalded rats by administration of serrapeptase. Biochem. Pharmacol. 31:2861-2866,1982.
8) Ernst E., Matrai A.: Oral Therapy with proteolytic enzymes for modifying blood rheology. Klin Wschr. 65 (1987), 994.
9) Kunze R., Ransberger K., et at: Humoral immunomodulatory capasity of proteases in immune complex decomposition and formation. First International symposium on combination therapies, Washington, DC, 1991.
10) Jager H.: Hydrolytic Enzymes in the therapy of HIV disease. Zeitschr. Allgemeinmed., 19 (1990), 160.
11) Bartsch W.: The treatment of herpes zoster using proteolytic enzymes. Der Informierte Arzt. 2 (1974), 424-429

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8. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH NUTRITION ARTICLE

Estrogen Inhibitors - Overview and Science

By Ori Hofmekler

It has been widely established that certain compounds in plants called flavonoids and indoles can exert various biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-estrogenic and modulation of sex hormones. Flavonoids are a group of polyphenolic phytochemicals that include flavones, isoflavones, isoflavonones, catechins and chalcones, among other chemicals. They occur in relatively high concentration in fruits, vegetables, nuts and grains. Flavonoids are known to have widely diverse beneficial biological effects, such as anti-inflammatory (Middelton, 1998), antioxidant (Pletta, 2000), antiviral (Jassim and Naji, 2003), and anticancerous (Alercreutz, 2002; Frei and Higdon, 2003; Rietveld and Wiseman, 2003). They also modulate the function of sex hormones and their receptors.

... certain compounds in plants called flavonoids and indoles can exert various biological effects, including antioxidant, anti-carcinogenic, anti-estrogenic and modulation of sex hormones.

Estrogen Promoters vs. Estrogen Inhibitors

Certain flavonoids, such as the isoflavone genistein (found in soy) are estrogenic (Wang et al, 1996; Zand et al., 2000), whereas others, such as 5.7 dihydroxyflavone (chrysin) are anti-estrogenic and can interfere with steroid hormones synthesis and metabolism.

Note that estrogen promoting compounds are often called phytoestrogens. However, only a limited number are in fact estrogen receptor agonists (estrogen mimickers). In contrast, many flavonoids are known to interfere, to a greater or lesser degree, with various cytochrome P 450 enzymes, including those involved in steroid hormone synthesis.

Several studies have addressed the ability of flavonoids to interfere with the activity or expression of aromatase (cytochrome P 450 19 cyp19), the enzyme responsible for the conversion of androgens to estrogens (Ibrahim and Abul-Hajj, 1990; Kellis and Vickery, 1984; Le Ball et al., 1998; Whitehead and Lacey, 2003). These studies revealed significant differences in the relative inhibition potencies of flavonoids. For that matter, cellular uptake and metabolism capacity of flavonoids as well as their tissue specific affinity needs to be considered.

Aromatase inhibition of flavonoids

The ability of various natural flavonoids to inhibit aromatase activity was investigated and documented. For example, quercitine (abundant in onion and garlic) was found to inhibit human aromatase activity in plancental microsomes (Kellis and Vickery, 1984). The ranking of relative inhibition potencies differed among tissues tests, although some general trends are apparent.

In certain cancerous cells (plancetal chorlocarcinoma cells), apigenine (derived from chamomile) was more potent than hydroxyflavone, chrysin (derived from passiflora or tobacco), naringenin (derived from grapefruit) and quercitine. On the other hand, in normal human plancetal cells, 7 hydroxyflavone and chrysin were more potent than apigenine, naringenin and quercitine. In general, studies show that flavones (chrysin, apigenine) were more potent aromatase inhibitors than flavonones (7 hydroxyflavone or naringenin), a finding that is consistent with previous reports (Le Bail et al., 1998; Sorrinen et al., 2001).

Recent studies at Utrecht University, Holland, found no effect of 7 methoxyflavone and flavonone on aromatase inhibition. For that matter, products containing methoxylated flavones that were previously introduced to the fitness industry failed to provide any substantial estrogen inhibitory benefits.

Aromatase induction by flavonoids

The human aromatase enzyme is known to be under the control of several tissue-specific promoters (Bulun et al., 2003; Harodo et al., 1993; Simpson et al., 1993). For example, aromatase in human gonads is regulated through promoter p 11 and 1.3, both of which are stimulated by cAMP dependent protein kinase A (PKA) second messenger pathway. Healthy breast adipose stromal tissue utilizes promoter 1.4, which is stimulated by glucocorticoid (cortisol) signaling pathway. However, in malignant breast tumors, a promoter switch appears to occur, resulting in strongly increased in promoters pll and 1.3 activity (Agrawald etal.j1996, Kamatetal., 2002) Researchers believe that the above promoters are therefore important in aromatase regulation in gonads and breast tumors.

... certain flavones that cause fat loss in animal studies may induce aromatase activity in humans.

In recent reviews, scientist from Utrecht University, Holland and the California University, Davis, California reveal that certain flavones that cause fat loss in animal studies may induce aromatase activity in humans. Both quercitine and genistein increased intracellular cAMP concentrations and thus elevated cAMP mediated p II and I.3 promoter specific mRNA levels. The researchers indicated that these isoflavones are known to be phosphodiestrase inhibitors in several tissues. Phosphodiestrase is the enzyme that metabolizes cAMP, thus lowering its cellular level. Inhibition of phosphodiesterase will sustain high levels of cAMP, a cellular factor that induces fat breakdown in adipose tissue. Both quercitin and genistein have been shown to stimulate cAMP medicated Lypolsis in rat adipocytes (Kuppusamy and Das, 1992). However, they also show to induce aromatase activity in cancer cells. Quercitine, however, can be an aromatase inhibitor in healthy cells or when applied to cancer cell in high concentration.

Note that forskolin (derived from coleus as forskolii), a compound used by the fitness industry to promote fat loss, should be of concern. Forsklin is in fact a potent estrogen promoter due to its cAMP stimulating and aromatase inducing effects.

Balancing estrogen promoters with estrogen inhibitors

As the human diet contains several flavonoids with aromatase inhibitory properties in various concentrations, it may be possible for combined tissue concentrations to be reached via proper supplementation, and thus result in a certain degree of aromatase inhibition.

It has been therefore suggested that consumption of high concentrations of potent aromatase inhibiting compounds (more than 100 times the typical diet) may result in high concentrations of single flavonoids, sufficient enough to inhibit aromatase activity.

However, under normal dietary conditions, flavones occur in complex mixtures, with often contradictory effects (inhibiting or promoting) on the aromatase enzyme and estrogen metabolism. It has been therefore suggested that consumption of high concentrations of potent aromatase inhibiting compounds (more than 100 times the typical diet) may result in high concentrations of single flavonoids, sufficient enough to inhibit aromatase activity.

Inhibition of aromatase activity in individuals suffering from over estrogenic activity due to exposure to chemicals, hormonal therapy or aging, may help reduce the risk for cancer and may also help eliminate estrogen related fat gain.

Recent studies at the Medical University of South Carolina, Charleston, South Carolina lead researchers to the conclusion that , flavones work better in a stack to provide total body (systemic) aromatase inhibition and defense against estrogen. Flavones, such as chrysin, apigenine and galangin (ingredient in bee propolies) showed various inhibition and different affinities potencies towards the two human cytochrome P450 aromatase enzymes: 1A1 and 1A2. Therefore, combining anti aromatase flavones together in a stack will most likely grant a superior total body estrogen inhibiting impact by virtue of addressing various tissue specific ratios of CYP 1A1 / CUP 1A2.

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9. AGGRESSIVE STRENGTH TRAINING ARTICLE

Here is a small section of the Q&A section of my Aggressive Strength Solution For Size And Strength E-book: 

Q: You talk a great deal about the importance of testosterone and growth hormone for well-being, fat loss, and muscle building.  Do you recommend hormone replacement therapy?

A:  While I am certainly not against the appropriate use of testosterone and growth hormone, both should be looked at as a last resort rather than the first line of defense.  In other words, modify your lifestyle, eat properly and take some natural supplement for at least six months before thinking about taking testosterone or growth hormone.  If your levels are still low then talk to an anti-aging Doctor (Not a regular MD as they generally do not know jack about hormones) and see what he or she recommends.  Hormones are powerful and should not be taken without a doctor’s supervision.  This includes the hormones that you can get over the counter such as DHEA.  A good research book for more information on sex hormones is Suzanne Somers’ “Ageless.”  That is right “Chrissy” from the show “Three’s company” and the lady in the thigh master commercials has put together a fantastic book on sex hormones.  Check it out:  click here

Q: Do you have any other recommendations for avoiding estrogen?

A: Avoid plastic bottles and switch to glass bottles.  Just buy a bottle of Perrier water, dump out the carbonated water and fill it up with filtered water.  You can put it in the dishwasher once a week or more often.  Plastics contain tons of harmful chemical estrogens.  Avoid food that is wrapped in plastic whenever possible.

Make sure all of your meat is organic.  Yes it costs more and hopefully you think you are worth it.  If not, get some therapy sessions and develop some self-worth.  Non-organic meat is loaded with hormones and you will be as well.

Be cautious with soy products.  Avoid soy protein isolate and fake meats, which contain soy protein isolate. Both are concentrated with phytoestrogens, which mimic estrogen in your body.  Now some feel that the weaker estrogens help clear out stronger estrogens.  Then there are some who feel that consuming soy increases estrogen and lowers testosterone. Personally, my estrogen levels are low.  However, I do not consume a lot of soy.  Maybe once a week or less.  If your estrogen levels are high then you should avoid soy.  Basically, when in doubt avoid it. 

Lower your body fat.  The more fat your have the higher your estrogen levels will be.  Get your body fat down to between 8% and 12%.

Q: What else can I do to increase testosterone?

A: Every time you have a success that is meaningful your testosterone levels go up.  For example, if your close a big business deal your T levels will elevate.  Thus, lead a successful life.  Make goals and achieve them.  Every time you do you increase T levels.

The opposite is also true.  Every time you let people push you around, your T levels plummet.  Doing that job you hate and being in a relationship you do not want to be in both have adverse effects on your T levels.  Low T equals low quality of life so make whatever changes you need to make. Basically, take charge of your life and be a man.  Make your own decisions and stick up for yourself.  The quality of your life is dependant on it.

Get rid of negative people in your life and surround yourself with winners. People that make you want to be a better person and bring out the best in you.

A regular sex life is also an important part of testosterone health.  However, do I really need to sell you on the idea of having regular sex?  I hope not.

Q: What is the deal with all of the sex talk?  What does it have to do with productive training?

A: Sexual health is an obvious sign of adequate levels of testosterone production.  If you have a low sex drive it is a certain that you have inadequate testosterone levels.  This applies to both men and women.  You may also have low levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that is important for mood and well being.

We live in a funny country in which we are bombarded with sexual images and at the same time sex is a taboo subject.  People are uncomfortable talking about it and many people, especially men, have trouble seeking help for sexual dysfunctions.  In addition, women who have strong sex drives are often labeled as “sluts” or other derogatory terms, which is a real shame.

In the classic book “Think And Grow Rich,” Napoleon Hill states that a common trend among successful men and women is the presence of a strong sex drive.  Basically, if you have a low sex drive forget about being successful.  Many people will argue that Mr. Hill’s comments are garbage. However, my guess is that such people have low sex drives.

Health is not something that is compartmentalized.  Mental health, physical health, sexual health and spiritual health are all important elements of overall health.  If you are lagging in one area it will carry over to other areas. Yes, there are always exceptions but it is highly unlikely that you are the exception.

Finally, one of our biggest drives is to impress the opposite sex (or same sex depending on what thread you are cut from).  We have all had experiences of an increase in strength and energy when in the presence of someone we find attractive.  My attitude is to work with this part of our nature and to transfer the energy to our workouts and career goals to increase the likelihood of success.  Use your desire to impress the opposite sex as an impetus to be successful in whatever you do.

Q: How important is the mental side of training?

A: The mental side is critical for success in any endeavor in life.  It certainly is a critical component of training success.  Applying visualization is an effective way to increase the probability having of great training sessions.  Before you start your workout, do the workout in your mind.  Visualize yourself training with strength and power and go through the exact workout in your mind.  Then start your workout.  After you practice this for a while you will program your brain to start the workout from a point of success. You have typed in the proper codes into your brain and now have to follow through with your body.  Your brain knows what the goal is, and the more targeted your goal the more likely you are to be successful. 

For more training info, get my e-book at: http://www.mikemahler.com/store_books.html

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Until next time.

Live Life Aggressively!

Feel free to email me with your comments and feedback at mahler25@yahoo.com

Mike Mahler

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