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In the world of bodybuilding, achieving peak physical conditioning involves intense training, strict dietary regimens, and occasionally, the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids (AAS). While anabolic steroids can amplify muscle growth and performance, they may carry harmful side effects. Two particular common concern and health risks associated with anabolic steroid use are aromatization and liver health. It's crucial for bodybuilders to understand and address these risks to safeguard their health and well-being. This article dives into these two primary concerns regarding long-term health in the sport of bodybuilding: the impact of aromatization and estrogen, and the adverse effects of anabolic steroids on the liver.   Aromatization is the process through which aromatase enzymes convert testosterone into estrogen. While estrogen is crucial for hormonal balance in both men and women, excessive estrogen levels in males are often seen as a result of the aromatization of anabolic steroids especially those that are more androgenic, which can lead to adverse effects. These effects include weight gain, water retention, decreased libido, gynecomastia, and lethargy, all of which are contradict the desired outcomes of bodybuilding.   To help counter the negative effects of aromatization, many bodybuilders integrate aromatase inhibitors into their supplement regimen. Aromatase inhibitors function by stopping the conversion of testosterone to estrogen, thereby maintaining hormonal equilibrium and promoting a lean physique and a more favorable testosterone to estrogen ratio for male performance and reduced side effects. MuscleMeds, renowned for their supplement industry leading Carnivor Beef Protein Isolate, recognized a void in the space for natural aromatization solutions and developed AROMATEST, a maximum strength aromatase inhibitor. AROMATEST is formulated with a proprietary prenylflavonoid extract of Xanthohumol (XN) and 8-prenylnaringenin (8-PN). Research shows these two natural compounds are the most powerful aromatase inhibitors. To further improve the potency and efficacy of these compounds, AROMATEST uses a super-bioavailable lipophilic delivery system making Its effectiveness unparalleled. Research shows its advanced delivery system provides superior bioavailability and efficacy, with 20x greater absorption. The use of AROMATEST can be an effective strategy to combat aromatization and elevated while cycling on anabolic steroids.   When coming off a cycle athletes often crash. This is due to the effects that steroids have on decreasing your natural production of testosterone. So, when an athlete comes off their natural production of testosterone is usually low. Research also shows that aromatase inhibitors may be effective for PCT (post cycle therapy) to help kick start your natural production of testosterone.   In addition to the concerns of aromatization while of steroids and the negative effects they can have on your normal testosterone production, anabolic steroids pose an increased risk on your liver health. Extended or excessive usage of anabolic steroids can have serious adverse effects on liver function. The liver, a crucial organ tasked with metabolizing various substances, including anabolic steroids, can suffer damage with prolonged exposure to these compounds. Studies have shown that the use of anabolic steroids may lead to liver issues such as hepatotoxicity, cholestasis, liver tumors, jaundice, and inflammation. Global health statistics reveal that   "100 million people worldwide suffer from various forms of liver disease, with another alarming 80 million unaware of their condition."   Today's young adults and bodybuilders of all ages need to be aware of the potential dangers associated with anabolic steroids and take proactive steps to protect their health. The key markers of how your liver is functions and the health of your liver can be determined by having blood these done to measure your liver enzymes. Elevated liver enzymes are a key indicator of compromised liver health.  If you are taking steroids it is highly recommended that you get your levier enzymes checked. If you liver enzymes are elevated you may want consider taking MuscleMed’s clinically researched LIVER DETOX & DEFEND, which has been shown to reduce ALT, AST, and ALP liver enzymes levels in just 28 days!   LIVER DETOX & DEFEND stands out as the latest, fast acting clinical dosed liver support formula. It incorporates a groundbreaking herbal complex that has never before been available until now. Featuring KaraLiv, Milk Thistle, and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC), renowned for their ability to safeguard the liver against today's environmental toxins, LIVER DETOX & DEFEND offers a comprehensive solution for liver protection. By integrating efficaciously dosed products like LIVER DETOX & DEFEND into a structured protocol regimen, bodybuilders can equip their bodies with the support necessary for optimal function, while mitigating the risks associated with AAS use. This comprehensive liver support formula not only aids in shielding against anabolic steroid induced hepatotoxicity but also supports overall liver health, ensuring that bodybuilders can continue pushing the envelope in a safer and more effective manner.   The adverse effects of anabolic steroids on liver function, coupled with the impact of aromatization and estrogen, underscore the importance of proactive measures to support liver health. Incorporating supplements like MuscleMeds AROMATEST and LIVER DETOX & DEFEND into a bodybuilding protocol alongside proper training and nutrition; bodybuilders can optimize performance and well-being in their endless pursuit of the perfect physique. 

The effects of dehydration on physical performance have been well established both anecdotally, and within the scientific literature. Athletes commonly experience involuntary dehydration of 1-2% body mass during practices and athletic events, particularly in warm environments (4).  Hydration levels impact athletic performance as much, or more, than any other variable, and consuming fluids in sufficient amounts is essential for normal cellular function.  Additionally, water is the most prevalent component of the human body, representing 45-70% of an individual’s body weight, and 75% of contractile tissue (1). As little as ≥ 2% reduction in body mass has been shown to impair aerobic performance (2), but what about anaerobic performance associated with strength and power training?  Jones et. al. (5) demonstrated reduced muscular power associated with dehydration levels of 3.1%.  Both upper and lower body peak power was decreased by 14.5 and 18.4% respectively, which results in significant performance decrements. Researchers also reported decreased upper body (7.2%) and lower body (19.2%) mean power outputs.  Additional research has shown dehydration levels as little as 1-3% can have negative impact on repeated high-intensity sprint performance (3).  When properly hydrated, subjects reported significantly lower perceived effort during high-intensity exercise in addition to faster sprint times.  Moreover, athletes who focus on pre-exercise fluid consumption, report feeling more adequately recovered and prepared for high-intensity exercise compared to their mildly dehydrated counterparts. It is important for athletes to not only achieve adequate levels of hydration prior to initiating high-intensity power or strength training, but to also maintain adequate fluid levels throughout the training session, and properly replace levels following the completion of exercise.  In addition to fluid levels, for hard-training individuals who aim to improve strength, power, lean muscle mass, and body composition, consuming a blend of electrolytes and amino acids throughout the intra-workout period is imperative.  This is precisely where CARNIVOR PROTEIN HYDRATION shines.  CARNIVOR PROTEN HYDRATION RTD’s provide a superior lactose free alternative to commonly used dairy and whey products and contain more electrolytes than many popular sports drinks.  Providing 30 grams of fat free, gluten free high-quality beef protein isolate to support muscle building and recovery, this product is tailor made for hard training individuals who seek to optimize body composition and perform at high levels in the gym and on the field.  Make every workout count with CARNIVOR PROTEIN HYDRATION! References: Baechle, TR and Earle, R. Essentials of Strength Training and Conditioning (2nd ed.). Champaign, IL: Human Kinetics. 2000. p. 246. Cheuvront, SN, Montain, SJ, and Sawka, MN. Fluid replacement and performance during the marathon. Sports Med 37: 353–357, 2007. Davis, JK, Laurent, CM, Allen, KE, Green, JM, Stolworthy, NI, Welch, TR, and Nevett, ME. Influence of dehydration on intermittent sprint performance. JSCR 29: 2586-2593, 2015.   Garth, AK and Burke, LM. What do athletes drink during competitive sporting activities?. Sports Med 43: 539–564, 2013.   Jones, LC, Cleary, MA, Lopez, RM, Zuri, RE, and Lopez, R. Active dehydration impairs upper and lower body anaerobic muscular power. JSCR 22: 455-463, 2008.

In pursuit of the ideal physique, an alarming number of individuals, including non-competitive bodybuilders, resort to the use of Anabolic Androgenic Steroids (AAS). Recent surveys have shed light on the widespread use of AAS among non-competitive bodybuilders worldwide, indicating a concerning trend that extends beyond the realm of professional sports and bodybuilding. According to a survey referenced in the Journal Of The Royal Society Of Medicine, a significant percentage of non-competitive bodybuilders utilize AAS to enhance the aesthetics of their physique, raising pertinent concerns regarding the associated health risks and adverse effects on liver health. This phenomenon warrants closer examination, particularly considering the lack of professional oversight and education among this demographic. Unlike professional bodybuilders who often undergo rigorous monitoring and possess some level of education on minimizing health risks associated with AAS usage, non-competitive individuals may lack access to such resources. Surveys have revealed alarming patterns of AAS usage, with dosages exceeding medical recommendations by substantial margins.   "Of the 500 AAS users who participated in the survey, 78.4% (392/500) were noncompetitive bodybuilders and nonathletes; 59.6% (298/500) of the respondents reported using at least 1,000 mg of testosterone or its equivalent per week."  These types of numbers far surpass any medically advised limits and predisposing users to a mirage of health concerns and complications. One of the most significant concerns regarding AAS usage is its detrimental impact on liver health and function. High doses of anabolic steroids can lead to elevated liver enzymes and various liver complications, including hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic adenoma, and vascular changes such as peliosis hepatis. The elevation of liver enzymes, including ALT, AST, and ALP, serves as a warning sign of potential liver damage and underscores the importance of addressing this issue. Recognizing the critical role of liver health in overall well-being, it becomes imperative to explore strategies for mitigating the adverse effects of AAS on the liver. While the risks associated with AAS usage cannot be eliminated, certain measures can help minimize harm.  MuscleMeds, a renowned name in the realm of sports nutrition, has taken proactive steps to address this issue with their latest development, Liver Detox & Defend a fast acting, clinically dosed liver support formula. This comprehensive all-in-one solution helps combat the adverse effects of AAS, alcohol, and certain medications on liver function and health with efficacious backed dosages of KaraLiv™️ Milk Thistle, and NAC. KaraLiv, the latest clinical backed research ingredient for supporting healthy liver function, has been shown to support healthier liver function & supports ALT, AST, and ALP liver enzyme levels in just 28 days! By harnessing the power of the latest natural ingredients and cutting-edge research, MuscleMeds aims to provide individuals with a potent tool to safeguard their liver health amidst the challenges posed by the rise of AAS usage. The widespread use of AAS among non-competitive bodybuilders underscores the need for increased awareness and proactive measures to mitigate the associated health risks. Understanding the negative impact of AAS on liver health and adopting new innovative solutions like Liver Detox & Defend can help individuals protect their overall health markers across the board as they strive towards their health and fitness goals.

Research Shows Beef Increases Muscle Mass & Strength In a blinded placebo control study, hard training athletes supplementing with Beef Protein Isolate (BPI) like that found in Carnivor gained an average of 4.6 lbs. of muscle mass, while significantly increasing weight lifting strength.+ Researchers gave test subjects BPI daily for 8 weeks while they exercised 5 days weekly. Athletes taking BPI added an impressive 5.7% average increase in lean body mass. In contrast, the placebo group did not significantly improve their lean body mass from baseline. Finally, there were no symptoms of stomach distress with daily BPI supplementation, and no changes in health or blood parameters. The Science Of Beef: A Rich Source of Anabolic Nutrients Beef provides a potent source of protein, with 22 grams of protein coming from just four ounces of lean roast beef. But beef protein is also highly digestible and naturally supplies a rich source of essential amino acids and branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) that are important for “triggering” muscle protein synthesis (muscle growth). Beef also supplies unique ergogenic nutrients including creatine. Creatine is a tri-peptide compound used in skeletal muscle to regenerate our muscles chief energy source adenosine tri-phosphate (ATP) and super-hydrate muscles. As you may be aware, creatine is possibly the most researched ergogenic aid and has been shown to increase muscle mass, strength, power, endurance, muscle cell swelling and volume. Beef is also high in the amino acid carnitine, which is essential for burning fat. Lastly, new research shows that beef may contain growth factors and immunoglobins that increase anabolic hormones such as GH and IGF-1, thereby supporting muscle growth. Easy on the Stomach and No Cholesterol Beef protein isolate (BPI) allows athletes to get the anabolic benefits of beef protein in a delicious tasting, fast digesting and convenient protein shake – without the excess amounts of fat and cholesterol. It’s also lactose free and gluten-free making it easier on the stomach. Exploring Beef Protein Supplements MuscleMeds Carnivor shakes offer an amazing alternative to athletes looking to benefit from the muscle building power of beef, without the unwanted calories that come from steak, or the allergens that come from milk proteins. Using advanced extraction, clarification, hydrolysis and isolation technologies, Carnivor BPI has greater amino acid concentrations than milk, soy or egg. Carnivor BPI is even 350% more concentrated in anabolic muscle building amino acids than a prime sirloin steak! Better yet, when it comes to purity and potency, Carnivor is unmatched with 23 grams of beef protein, 0 fat, 0 cholesterol, 0 sugar, 0 lactose and 0 gluten per serving. Carnivor is also fortified with a unique Anabolic Nitrogen Retention Technology (ANRT). To elaborate, when you consume amino acids, not all of them are used to support muscle building. A large portion are broken down and degraded, producing byproducts such as ammonia that can impair your exercise performance. ANRT solves this dilemma by literally recycling nitrogen from ammonia back into anabolic amino acids that then can be used to support additional muscle growth! In addition, because CARNIVOR is a BPI, it is also very fast digesting and highly digestible. Essentially, CARNIVOR allows athletes to get the power of beef at the speed of a protein isolate. For athletes seeking to gain weight, MuscleMeds developed Carnivor Mass. This weight gainer boasts 720 calories, 50 grams of rapidly digesting hydrolyzed Beef Protein Isolate, the innovative ANRT technology, creatine and BCAAs. To optimize energy stores, it also has a iSPIKE technology that consists of 125 grams of high impact carbohydrates from micronized waxy maize, maltodextrin and amylase, which can promote superior insulin response compared to eating protein alone. Insulin amplifiers from Chromium, 4-hydroxyleucine and d-initol are also added to improve muscle insulin sensitivity and anabolic signaling. For athletes looking for a research-supported, low allergen, clean and pure protein, Beef Protein Isolate offers a superior protein choice. MuscleMeds Carnivor continues to be the world’s #1 selling beef protein line and offers a variety of delicious flavors. With 0 grams of sugar, fat, cholesterol, lactose and gluten per serving, this offers an amazing alternative to athletes allergic to milk proteins. Dr. Gabriel Wilson has a Ph.D. in Nutritional Sciences and is a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist (CSCS). He is currently the Sr. Director of R&D and Innovation for MuscleMeds. ++Sharp, et al., 2015 ISSN International Conference [Poster]. Weight and strength gains compared to baseline. Based on 46 grams of protein daily.

Carnivor Protein is perfect for athletes and gym rats! HARD TRAINING requires optimal recovery—and that’s exactly why you need a quality protein powder like Carnivor. Developed by Gerard Dente, CEO of MuscleMeds, Carnivor protein is packed with 100% beef protein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), and creatine (2.5 grams). What sets it apart from other proteins, however, isn’t what’s in it—but what’s not. “In the development of Carnivor, my objective was to create a high-quality musclebuilding beef protein without fat, cholesterol, lactose, and other allergens,” Dente explains. While beef protein isn’t a new development, there is a new audience for it—carnivore dieters. As the name implies, followers of this diet eat foods from animals only, with more extreme adherents sticking with mainly red meats. Also known as the zero-carb diet, the carnivore diet calls for consuming only fat and protein. While research on the diet is inconclusive, anecdotal evidence suggests that followers can lose fat quickly and increase strength. Though whey protein is technically carnivore-friendly, it still contains allergens and carbohydrates, making Carnivor the ideal choice. In addition to the standard powder, which has 23 grams of protein, there are two other ways to get your protein fix. The Carnivor 4-ounce shot is a quick solution with 30 grams of protein, and the Carnivor RTD (ready-to-drink) packs 40 grams of the good stuff and is perfect for busy athletes who need to time their protein intake perfectly. “Because Carnivor is so clean and pure, it has an amazingly good taste, and athletes love it,” Dente adds.

CARNIVOR™ SHRED The Ultimate Muscle Building/Fat Burning Protein Building muscle and burning fat represents the pinnacle of hardcore conditioning. It’s what every bodybuilder strives for, but only some are able to achieve. Top IFBB pros known for their peak condition have their supplementation down to a science and have discovered the dual benefits of CARNIVOR™ SHRED – which uses a revolutionary combination of muscle-building beef protein and the clinically tested grains of paradise and other fat-burning ingredients to get you big and ripped. CARNIVOR™ SHRED is the ultimate fat-burning and muscle-building solution, featuring the incredible muscle-building power of CARNIVOR™ Beef Protein Isolate and powerful shredding agents such as Super 6-Paradol™, green tea, yerba mate and green coffee bean. CARNIVOR™ SHRED harnesses the anabolic powerhouse of beef protein isolate and delivers extreme fat burning in the same one-two punch. World’s #1 Selling Beef Protein Isolate Clinically Proven to Build Muscle! New clinical research shows that CARNIVOR™ Beef Protein Isolate supplementation helps build muscle mass in just eight weeks. Study participants gained an impressive 8 pounds of lean mass.1 And there is absolutely zero fat, cholesterol, sugar, lactose or gluten. 20 Times the Creatine of Steak, Plus Added BCAAs Each serving of CARNIVOR™ Beef Protein Isolate contains an impressive 23 grams of pure beef protein, and 20 times more creatine per serving than steak to help saturate your muscles for explosive strength, growth and cell volume. The formula is packed with added branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs) to promote a positive nitrogen balance, increase protein synthesis, decrease catabolic muscle breakdown, improve workout performance and reduce muscular fatigue. And the exclusive Anabolic Nitrogen Retention Technology™ recycles amino acids for increased muscle building, plus minimizes ammonia and toxin buildup for added anabolism. Burn Up to 100 Extra Calories Daily CARNIVOR™ SHRED also helps activate brown adipose tissue (BAT) and boosts your metabolism to get you shredded. Brown fat (brown adipose tissue, BAT) is a metabolically active, calorie-burning tissue in the human body that converts food energy directly into heat. The capability of harnessing one’s own brown fat for fat burning is revolutionary— the more brown fat you have, the more calories you burn. Researchers at Tenshi College in Japan also concluded that oral ingestion of grains of paradise extract increases whole-body energy expenditure through the activation of BAT in humans.3 After ingestion of grains of paradise, energy expenditure in BAT-positive subjects increased within two hours “to a significantly greater (P<0·01) level than that of the BAT-negative group,” researchers found. CARNIVOR™ SHRED also contains the clinically tested ingredient Super 6-Paradol™ to help generate heat, release fatty acids from stored fat and trigger thermogenesis in brown adipose tissue. This helps boost metabolism to burn up to 100 extra calories daily— equal to the calories burned while running 1 mile.4 A Paradise of Fat Burning One of the key fat-burning ingredients in CARNIVOR™ SHRED is grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta), a species of the ginger family that has been clinically proven to increase whole-body energy expenditure and decrease visceral fat in humans.2 Researchers at the Department of Nutrition, School of Nursing and Nutrition, Tenshi College in Tokyo found that grains of paradise induced changes in visceral fat that were “significantly different” compared to a placebo (p<0.05). The researchers noted than when ingested daily, “Grains of paradise extract may be an effective and safe tool for reducing body fat, mainly by preventing visceral fat accumulation.” CARNIVOR™ SHRED is packed with other potent natural plant extracts and herbs rich in polyphenols, methylxanthines and caffeine that work synergistically to enhance fat burning. These ingredients help reduce hunger, decrease cravings and promote satiety. The powerful energizing and mood enhancing effects of the CARNIVOR™ SHRED matrix take the edge off dieting and help you feel great. References: Sharp, et al., 2015 ISSN International Conference [Poster]. Based on 2 scoops (46 grams protein) daily. Both male and female subjects experienced an increase in lean body mass. Sugita J, Yoneshiro T et al. Daily ingestion of grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract increases whole-body energy expenditure and decreases visceral fat in humans.J Nutr Sci Vitaminol (Tokyo). 2014;60(1):22-7. Sugita J, Yoneshiro T et al. Grains of paradise (Aframomum melegueta) extract activates brown adipose tissue and increases whole-body energy expenditure in men. Br J Nutr 2013 Aug;110(4):733-8. doi: 10.1017/S0007114512005715. Epub 2013 Jan 11. Sugita J et al. Based on use of 30 mg. Super 6-Paradol (grains of paradise) daily for women or 40 mg daily for men. One scoop of CARNIVOR SHRED provides 40 mg GOP. Br J Nutr. 1-6 (2013); and Sugita J et al. J Nutr Sci Vitaminol 60(1), 22-7 (2014).

CARNIVOR RTD Featured in MD’sHOTTEST SUPPS of 2019! Beef has always powered athletes and enabled them to reach the heights of physical achievement beyond those of mortal men. In Ancient Greece, men consumed 20 pounds of meat daily to fuel their indomitable strength, power and athletic prowess. Fast-forward to 2019, and beef is still fueling elite athletes such as IFBB pros Victor Martinez, Akim Williams and Nicolas Vullioud. Since today’s athletes live busier lives, they don’t have time to eat an entire bull in one sitting. They know that beef is superior to whey for building muscle, and they get the muscle-building power of pure beef protein in a delicious and convenient shake with CARNIVOR RTD. 40 GRAMS OF MUSCLE-BUILDING POWER CARNIVOR RTD packs 40 grams of super clean, muscle-building beef protein isolate per serving, and is 350% more concentrated in aminos than steak. It’s loaded with amino acids from high-quality beef protein and fortified with branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). No fat, cholesterol, lactose or sugar … and amazing great taste! The Chocolate flavor tastes like a Hershey’s bar and the Strawberry flavor tastes like strawberry Quik. After you try CARNIVORRTD and savor the delicious taste you will exclaim, “Holy cow!” BEEF – THE SUPERIOR PROTEIN ALTERNATIVE TO WHEY Promotes lean muscle. Beef protein isolate was shown in a clinical study published in the Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research (Sharp et al., 2017) to be as effective as whey protein for promoting lean muscle and strength. Hard-training male and female athletes exercising five days weekly over eight weeks while taking46 grams of beef protein isolate daily gained an average of 4.6 pounds of lean muscle mass— more than double the amount of the placebo control group. Subjects takingbeef protein isolate also increased deadlift strength by 90 pounds and bench press strength by 40 pounds from baseline. Builds lean body mass. New research on protein intake and body composition demonstrates that beef protein provides effects similar to whey protein. Researchersconducted a systematic review and metaanalysis of randomized controlled trials that compared the effects of exercise training combined with beef, whey protein or no protein supplementation on body composition or exercise performance. The researchers concluded in Nutrients (11(6), 1429; Published: 25 June 2019) that beef protein “provides similar effects to whey protein on protein intake and body composition and, compared to no protein, might be an effective intervention to increase total daily protein intake, lean body mass and lower-limb muscle strength.” Superior mTOR Activation. Researchers examined the benefits of whey protein, and found that the muscle-building power of beef was unsurpassed by whey. Consistentwith these results, a muscle cell culture trial demonstrated that beef supports superior mTOR activation relative to whey protein — a key molecular signal that increasesmuscle protein synthesis (Detzel et al. 2015, ISSN Poster). These results powerfully demonstrate that beef is a powerful nutrient that can be used to spur muscle growth and anabolism in athletes. SUPERIOR PURITY AND POTENCY TO WHEY Not all protein supplements are formulated to optimal standards of purity. When you buy a protein supplement, you might think you are getting good, clean protein, but that’s not always the case. Typical whey protein powders are only 70 to 80 percent protein content. The other 20 to 30 percent of whey protein may consist of fats, carbs and sugars as well as significant amounts of cholesterol and lactose— which bodybuilders need like a hole in the head. Beef protein isolate is an astonishing 99 percent protein, so you’re going to get more bang for your buck with beef protein isolate than any type of whey. CARNIVOR: THE WORLD’S #1 SELLING BEEF PROTEINCARNIVOR RTD 40 grams of Beef Protein Isolate 350% More Concentrated In Aminos Than Steak 0 Fat • 0 Cholesterol • 0 Lactose • 0 Sugar Chocolate and Strawberry Flavors