Lately, it seems if you are a boxer or MMA fighter at the top of your game, you can’t seem to get away from the chatter. He is too strong, too fast, and he is also ripped. He must be on something.
People these days seem to be throwing around the words steroids and growth hormones entirely too much. In my last article, I spoke about blood doping and EPO.
In this article, I decided to write on a topic that comes up frequently, the definition of steroids, growth hormone, and testosterone. I should also talk about the illegal ways of taking performance enhancing drugs, the various testing methods given by the sanctioning bodies and the natural ways one maximizes what God has given.
Steroids are hormones produced in the body. They travel in the blood stream attached to protein and enter individual cells, thanks to the fact that they are a fat, helps to improve the reproduction of protein and muscle growth. Synthetic steroids were originally developed to help to maintain muscle mass, and prevent muscle wasting in diseases, such as cancer and HIV. It wasn’t until the body building era of the 60’s and 70’s, that steroids became popular. At that time, athletes were looking to pack on muscle and gain a better performance edge. In 1990 steroids were banned for possession and/or sale for anything other than medical use. There are various steroids, as well as various methods in which to take them (pills, injections, skin patches, etc.) You will still see athletes using steroids today in order to maximize muscle growth and strength.
The structure of steroids is fairly easy to test by using urine samples. In the long run, the athlete needs to keep in mind the drawbacks of steroid use. Use of steroid effects are: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, and the possible decrease of HDL, (good cholesterol), causing the weakening of bone ligaments and tendons. The tendons take longer to adapt to physical stress than muscle, so they become the weak link in the chain. It has also been said that steroids can lead to mood swings, as well as a decrease in natural testosterone and sexual dysfunction.
Growth hormones are produced in the body by the pituitary gland located on the under portion of the brain. It is usually released in pulses based on the daily stress and diet of an individual. Human growth hormones were originally prescribed to aid in the growth of children and adults with height deficiencies. With a natural deficiency for growth, these hormones were first processed from the pituitary glands of dead animals, later came a process using bacterial growth.
In theory, the effects of taking such a drug would be to increase muscle size and strength, insulin/glucose absorption which help the carbohydrates create the necessary energy, as well as bone growth. Side effects may include abnormal growth of body organs, such as the heart and liver, hardening of the arteries, and even nerve entrapment (pinched nerves.) Unlike steroids, growth hormone is harder to detect because of its naturally occurring state in the human body.
In addition to steroids and growth hormones there are also hormone precursors such as Androstenedione (Andro) and Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA). These growth hormones are believed to be converted into steroids in the liver; usually taken in pill or powder form. Both are banned by most sports governing bodies. They are believed to have similar side effects to steroids ; easily detected in urine samples.
Lastly, athletes may also take insulin and thyroid hormones, which are also naturally occurring in the body. Insulin may be used for glucose and amino acid absorption, as well as the control of lean body mass. An excessive amount of insulin in the body, just as with diabetics can lead to hypoglycemia and possibilities of a coma. Thyroid hormones are currently prescribed to people with an under active thyroid, (mostly women), to help control metabolism and allow for weight loss. Again, any hormone replacement drugs can have side effects that may include, heart rhythm abnormalities, increased body temperature, as well as hypertension.
Many governing bodies have banned different substances. It is up to the athlete and his/her team to know what is going into the athlete’s body. Even herbal remedies and over the counter supplements may show up as a positive in a blood test. It is the individual governing body’s (ex: IOC, USA boxing, FIFA) role to help keep a level playing field for all its athletes. Drug tests such as urine samples, blood tests and hopefully in the future, hair samples can help as well. It is important to know and understand that most of these exams not only test for abnormally high traces of banned substances but also abnormal levels of naturally occurring substances, like in blood doping or steroids. The blood or urine sample is checked for the number of immature cells versus mature cells. Someone who is doping will not have the proper portion of these cells. One may try to cover their use by taking herbal flush or diuretics. This only helps to dilute the urine. Samples are also checked for these products, while every day new less detectable performance enhancers are produced, we need to remember that science is not far behind following with a new, more advanced method of testing.
I have always been an advocate of “training smarter.” You can try and take a short cut; take any one of these products. You may risk getting caught, or even worse, having a severe side effect. Scientific studies of nutrition show that not only what you eat, but the scheduled time you eat can control any one of these hormones. Take the time do your homework; learn what to eat, when to eat, and in what portions. Nothing beats a stress free, good night’s sleep for the release of growth hormones.
Remember, that resistance training does have its part in this process, as well. It helps control the release of testosterone, steroids, and growth hormones. I also have to say, that regular massages, chiropractic adjustments, and if possible, resting in a hyperbaric chamber, by increasing oxygen aiding in healing the body. We can all become well-tuned athletes. Listen to your body. If it’s telling you to take a day off, then do it. Nothing will ruin your physical well-being, hormone regulation, and mood swings then taking the time to rest from a hard workout.
We all know that being an athlete means competing and pushing the body to its limits. I say, find the natural way. It’s the only way.
Dr. Pietro Baio DC
Performance Edge Chiropractic, P.C.
7112 Ave U
Brooklyn, NY 11234
(917)-309-5464
