The “Sodium - Anabolic”Connection!

**Fitnfirm** · 07-30-2006, 07:39 PM

by LifeForce Hospitals

http://www.chemo.net/sodium-.htm

The “Sodium - Anabolic”Connection!

One of the most powerful anabolic stimuli
may be sitting right on your dinner table.

Bodybuilders are constantly fed conflicting information regarding nutritional
intake. This information, dished out mainly by the magazines, is primarily
manipulated to sell you supplements. Yes, the magazines do have a vested
interest in supplements. More space is devoted to marketing their
supplements, either through articles or ads (in many cases these are one in the
same), than is devoted to non-promotional productive training and nutritional
information. Sad but true. Unfortunately you have to learn to see through the
monetarily motivated bullshit.

The Sodium Dilemma

As a whole, bodybuilders who think they are serious about their diet, generally
cut out all extra sodium intake. Most are under the false notion that sodium
will make them fat, cause them to retain extra water (as if this were a bad
thing), cause high blood pressure or is just overall an unhealthy mineral. None
of which is true. First off, sodium does not cause hypertension. This is a
disease sodium can aggravate but not manifest. Secondly, sodium will not
make you fat in any way, shape, or form. Thirdly, sodium is an essential
nutrient your body can’t live without. Many functions in the body are
"sodium-dependant". They require the presence of sodium. Many amino acids
are transported by sodium carriers.

Just recently the results of a major 10 year study were released vindicating
sodium as the unhealthy mineral. In fact this study revealed that individuals
with higher sodium intake had a lower mortality rate. That's right. Those that
consumed a diet low in sodium actually died at an earlier age than those with
higher sodium intakes. That pretty much throws a serious monkey wrench into
the generally accepted thinking on sodium now doesn't it?

With these fallacies out of the way let's see how we can manipulate our
sodium intake to help increase muscular size and strength.

Sodium and Muscle Growth

Sodium is the primary positively charged ion in extra-cellular fluid. Sodium
regulates blood volume, acid-base balance, muscle and nerve function and
ATP-hydrolyzing activity in skeletal muscle. Potassium is the primary
positively charged ion in intracellular fluid. Potassium regulates intra-muscular
fluid levels, muscle and nerve function and ATP-hydrolyzing activity in skeletal
muscle.

As you can see, sodium and potassium perform very similar functions with the
major difference being in the intra and extra-cellular fluid regulation. Most
everyone is aware that sodium has an effect on subcutaneous (under the skin)
fluid retention. Potassium has its effect on fluid inside the muscle cell. What
most don’t realize is that these two minerals are constantly striving for
equilibrium. When one gets out of line with the other your system will strive to
adjust to the underlying situation.

When you cut your sodium intake, your body will quickly compensate by
holding more sodium in and releasing potassium out thereby decreasing fluid
inside the muscle cell. When you increase your sodium intake your body will
compensate by holding more potassium in (increasing intra-muscular fluid) and
increasing the excretion of sodium.

Sodium, potassium and the balance between the two can have a prominent
impact on muscle size and anabolism (increased cellular fluid inside the muscle
cell promotes an anabolic response in muscle tissue) as well as strength
through increase joint leverage. Also, elevated sodium and potassium levels
will tend to prevent soft tissue injuries so common in heavy training.

Sodium's Influence

Increases muscle size through an increase in muscle cell
fluid volume.

Increasing cellular fluid increases protein turnover and
overload stimulated lean tissue accrual.

Increased intra and extra-cellular fluid increases joint
leverage positively impacting strength for greater muscle
overload.

Increased intra and extra-cellular fluid decreases muscle
strains and helps protect soft and connective tissue from
injury.

Many critical amino acids are "sodium-dependant". This
means they actually have to attach to a sodium molecule
to enter the muscle cell.

Getting Enough

You can get enough potassium from a good multi-mineral supplement.
Bananas are also an excellent source and are highly recommended. Each bite
has about 100 milligrams of potassium. Sodium is another story. The typical
athlete that eats a disciplined diet low in fat is probably not benefiting from
proper sodium intake as he should. Forget the myth of avoiding table salt.
Don’t be afraid to use salt liberally. This is important. I know, over the years
the media has pounded the “avoid salt” routine down your throat but you must
understand, not only this is geared towards the “average person” - if you train
and eat like a bodybuilder, you are not an average person - it's opposite of
what recent science has shown to be healthy.

Remember, the low/no sodium approach will limit the rate at which you can
put on muscle from both a fluid balance standpoint and through hormonal
suppression effects.

One of the key effects of steroids, especially the high androgenic ones, is their
ability to promote the retention of sodium. This sodium retention is believed to
be a major contributor to the muscle growth experienced while on steroids.
This is a relatively new area of research. The medical community can’t seem
to agree on just how and why steroids work and this appears to be an area
that has been seriously overlooked.

Sodium and potassium are regulated by aldosterone. Aldosterone is produced
in the adrenal cortex. Steroids have a direct influence on the adrenal cortex
which also produces cortisol and other glucocorticoids. See a connection?

We will have much more on the groundbreaking research into The “Sodium
-Anabolic” Connection in the near future. In the meantime, for a serious
anabolic jolt, simply increase your sodium intake by salting your food a little
more. It doesn't take a ton of salt. Just get in the habit of salting your food at
every meal. Steadily increase the amount you use over a one month period.
You'll be bigger, stronger, and much less susceptible to progress halting
injuries. And guess what? It costs only about 27 cents for a 3 month supply.

**Peaked_18** · 07-30-2006, 08:26 PM

It's not going to give you an increase of 5 lbs. in muscle. The increases will be fairly small.

DJohnson · 07-30-2006, 09:12 PM

Max-OT preaches high sodium intake for this exact reason. I've had great results from keeping my sodium intake at 3300mg/day on my daily diet.

**A.FreeRadical** · 07-30-2006, 11:07 PM

Excellent article. I use sodium in most of my meals. (Eggs and oatmeal are inedible without it.) Through educated supplementation and exercise I keep my blood pressure below 100/60. That is with a fair amount of salt in my diet.

*

**Sixpack** · 07-31-2006, 02:45 AM

Very good read I always wondered if my levels were too low

**powerman2000** · 07-31-2006, 07:23 AM

The more water inside of the muscle tissue, the better.

Sodium helps retain that water.

Check the sodium content inside a bottle of Gatorade.

**Jayhawkk** · 07-31-2006, 07:58 AM

If you eat frozen boneless skinless chicken you're probably getting plenty of sodium

**powerman2000** · 07-31-2006, 08:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhawkk

If you eat frozen boneless skinless chicken you're probably getting plenty of sodium

That may not be all you're getting if you eat them frozen. :lol3:

**Jayhawkk** · 07-31-2006, 10:57 AM

BAH!!! I actually ate enough of those...cooked

that it effected my cholesterol and BP. Back when I only looked at protein, carbs and fat.

**powerman2000** · 07-31-2006, 11:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jayhawkk

BAH!!! I actually ate enough of those...cooked

that it effected my cholesterol and BP. Back when I only looked at protein, carbs and fat.

Speaking of BP, check this out. A long time ago when I tried Anadrol 50 it shot my BP up to 190/110.

I was only in my early twenties when that happened. Needless to say that was my last attempt at ever using Anadrol again.

**Jayhawkk** · 07-31-2006, 11:22 AM

You're one of the few who actually check themselves. I should scrounge up my bloodwork from M1T 3 years ago and what it did to my blood profile as well as cholesterol. It was nasty.

Frank_the_tank · 07-31-2006, 04:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by powerman2000

The more water inside of the muscle tissue, the better.

Sodium helps retain that water.

Check the sodium content inside a bottle of Gatorade.

Gatorade needs to have protein in it.

http://www.t-nation.com/readTopic.do?id=1173228
That was probably the only decent article from T-Nation this week. But it makes a lot of sense. What do you think?

**DJSTARER** · 07-31-2006, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frank_the_tank

Gatorade needs to have protein in it.

Then add some

Hybrid · 07-31-2006, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DJSTARER

Then add some

Just what I've been thinkin about doing.

Has anyone ever tried any powdered gatorade flavor with Watermelon Xtend? Is it any good? If so, what flavor gatorade did you use (I want to use this stuff during lifting and swimming for increased recovery).

miezimau · 08-01-2006, 03:18 PM

too bad I am not allowed to have too much sodium because I already have High Blood pressure and I am on meds for it.

Yes it doens't cause it, but it doesn't help someone with already high bloodpressure.
I actually asked Doc about taking a Thermogenic yestreday, too and she told me no since they raise Bloodpressure, too and that would not be good for me with already High Bloodpressure either.

07-30-2006, 07:39 PM	#1
Fitnfirm Spanky Doodle ! Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Muscle Land Posts: 1,821 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 47	The “Sodium - Anabolic”Connection! by LifeForce Hospitals http://www.chemo.net/sodium-.htm The “Sodium - Anabolic”Connection! One of the most powerful anabolic stimuli may be sitting right on your dinner table. Bodybuilders are constantly fed conflicting information regarding nutritional intake. This information, dished out mainly by the magazines, is primarily manipulated to sell you supplements. Yes, the magazines do have a vested interest in supplements. More space is devoted to marketing their supplements, either through articles or ads (in many cases these are one in the same), than is devoted to non-promotional productive training and nutritional information. Sad but true. Unfortunately you have to learn to see through the monetarily motivated bullshit. The Sodium Dilemma As a whole, bodybuilders who think they are serious about their diet, generally cut out all extra sodium intake. Most are under the false notion that sodium will make them fat, cause them to retain extra water (as if this were a bad thing), cause high blood pressure or is just overall an unhealthy mineral. None of which is true. First off, sodium does not cause hypertension. This is a disease sodium can aggravate but not manifest. Secondly, sodium will not make you fat in any way, shape, or form. Thirdly, sodium is an essential nutrient your body can’t live without. Many functions in the body are "sodium-dependant". They require the presence of sodium. Many amino acids are transported by sodium carriers. Just recently the results of a major 10 year study were released vindicating sodium as the unhealthy mineral. In fact this study revealed that individuals with higher sodium intake had a lower mortality rate. That's right. Those that consumed a diet low in sodium actually died at an earlier age than those with higher sodium intakes. That pretty much throws a serious monkey wrench into the generally accepted thinking on sodium now doesn't it? With these fallacies out of the way let's see how we can manipulate our sodium intake to help increase muscular size and strength. Sodium and Muscle Growth Sodium is the primary positively charged ion in extra-cellular fluid. Sodium regulates blood volume, acid-base balance, muscle and nerve function and ATP-hydrolyzing activity in skeletal muscle. Potassium is the primary positively charged ion in intracellular fluid. Potassium regulates intra-muscular fluid levels, muscle and nerve function and ATP-hydrolyzing activity in skeletal muscle. As you can see, sodium and potassium perform very similar functions with the major difference being in the intra and extra-cellular fluid regulation. Most everyone is aware that sodium has an effect on subcutaneous (under the skin) fluid retention. Potassium has its effect on fluid inside the muscle cell. What most don’t realize is that these two minerals are constantly striving for equilibrium. When one gets out of line with the other your system will strive to adjust to the underlying situation. When you cut your sodium intake, your body will quickly compensate by holding more sodium in and releasing potassium out thereby decreasing fluid inside the muscle cell. When you increase your sodium intake your body will compensate by holding more potassium in (increasing intra-muscular fluid) and increasing the excretion of sodium. Sodium, potassium and the balance between the two can have a prominent impact on muscle size and anabolism (increased cellular fluid inside the muscle cell promotes an anabolic response in muscle tissue) as well as strength through increase joint leverage. Also, elevated sodium and potassium levels will tend to prevent soft tissue injuries so common in heavy training. Sodium's Influence Increases muscle size through an increase in muscle cell fluid volume. Increasing cellular fluid increases protein turnover and overload stimulated lean tissue accrual. Increased intra and extra-cellular fluid increases joint leverage positively impacting strength for greater muscle overload. Increased intra and extra-cellular fluid decreases muscle strains and helps protect soft and connective tissue from injury. Many critical amino acids are "sodium-dependant". This means they actually have to attach to a sodium molecule to enter the muscle cell. Getting Enough You can get enough potassium from a good multi-mineral supplement. Bananas are also an excellent source and are highly recommended. Each bite has about 100 milligrams of potassium. Sodium is another story. The typical athlete that eats a disciplined diet low in fat is probably not benefiting from proper sodium intake as he should. Forget the myth of avoiding table salt. Don’t be afraid to use salt liberally. This is important. I know, over the years the media has pounded the “avoid salt” routine down your throat but you must understand, not only this is geared towards the “average person” - if you train and eat like a bodybuilder, you are not an average person - it's opposite of what recent science has shown to be healthy. Remember, the low/no sodium approach will limit the rate at which you can put on muscle from both a fluid balance standpoint and through hormonal suppression effects. One of the key effects of steroids, especially the high androgenic ones, is their ability to promote the retention of sodium. This sodium retention is believed to be a major contributor to the muscle growth experienced while on steroids. This is a relatively new area of research. The medical community can’t seem to agree on just how and why steroids work and this appears to be an area that has been seriously overlooked. Sodium and potassium are regulated by aldosterone. Aldosterone is produced in the adrenal cortex. Steroids have a direct influence on the adrenal cortex which also produces cortisol and other glucocorticoids. See a connection? We will have much more on the groundbreaking research into The “Sodium -Anabolic” Connection in the near future. In the meantime, for a serious anabolic jolt, simply increase your sodium intake by salting your food a little more. It doesn't take a ton of salt. Just get in the habit of salting your food at every meal. Steadily increase the amount you use over a one month period. You'll be bigger, stronger, and much less susceptible to progress halting injuries. And guess what? It costs only about 27 cents for a 3 month supply.

07-30-2006, 09:12 PM	#3
DJohnson IMPC Contestant Join Date: Sep 2005 Location: Alberta, Canada Posts: 1,088 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 50	Max-OT preaches high sodium intake for this exact reason. I've had great results from keeping my sodium intake at 3300mg/day on my daily diet. __________________ Age: 21 Height: 5'10.5" Mar, 2001: 135lbs @ ~14% Nov, 2004: 245lbs @ ~40% Feb, 2006: 188lbs @ 20.1% - Hydrostatic Tested Dec, 2006: 168lbs @ 5.5% - 7 Point Caliper Tested BULKING FOR A LONG TIME NOW Long Term Goal: Over 200lbs @ 8%

07-30-2006, 11:07 PM	#4
A.FreeRadical the Epicurean Bodybuilder Join Date: Aug 2005 Posts: 2,245 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 58	Excellent article. I use sodium in most of my meals. (Eggs and oatmeal are inedible without it.) Through educated supplementation and exercise I keep my blood pressure below 100/60. That is with a fair amount of salt in my diet. * __________________ "Is it going to be the red pill or the blue pill, Neo? The red pill will answer the question 'What is the Matrix?' Choose carefully. Remember, all I'm offering is the truth. Nothing more." Ron Paul for President, 2008 A.FreeRadical ...the Epicurean bodybuilder Height: 5'9", Age: 62, My last high on 2/1/2006 was 196 lbs. My last low on 8/08/2006 was 167.5 lbs. Cutting until I am lean Starting weight: 190 lbs. bodyfat: 19.7% November 27th: 183 lbs. bodyfat: 18.3% bodyfat Goal Weight: 176 lbs with no more than 10% bodyfat My recipe collection

07-31-2006, 02:45 AM	#5
Sixpack Optimum Sponsored athlete Join Date: May 2005 Location: Arizona Posts: 867 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 15	Very good read I always wondered if my levels were too low __________________ ["Tough Times Don't Last But Tough People Do" My Pops RIP http://www.optimumnutrition.com/ "Fueling your desire for success" www.rippedacadamy.com Mod-massmonsterz.com ISSA certified

07-31-2006, 07:23 AM	#6
powerman2000 The Old Moderator Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,247 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 203	The more water inside of the muscle tissue, the better. Sodium helps retain that water. Check the sodium content inside a bottle of Gatorade. __________________ Don't forget to periodize Best BP 507 lbs competitive Best Squat 705 lbs competitive Best DL 650 lbs competitive Guns don't kill people, men who come home early do. My workout log http://www.ironmass.com/forums/showthread.php?t=6247

07-30-2006, 08:26 PM	#2
Peaked_18 a la commode Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 4,247 Recipes: 2 Rep Power: 96	It's not going to give you an increase of 5 lbs. in muscle. The increases will be fairly small.

07-31-2006, 07:58 AM	#7
Jayhawkk Nutraplanet Rep Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,106 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 44	If you eat frozen boneless skinless chicken you're probably getting plenty of sodium __________________ Nutraplanet.com for all your supplement needs! ------------------------------ Hangin's too good for 'em! BURNIN'S too good for 'em! They should be ripped into itsy-bitsy little pieces and BURIED ALIVE!

07-31-2006, 10:57 AM	#9
Jayhawkk Nutraplanet Rep Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,106 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 44	BAH!!! I actually ate enough of those...cooked that it effected my cholesterol and BP. Back when I only looked at protein, carbs and fat. __________________ Nutraplanet.com for all your supplement needs! ------------------------------ Hangin's too good for 'em! BURNIN'S too good for 'em! They should be ripped into itsy-bitsy little pieces and BURIED ALIVE!

07-31-2006, 11:22 AM	#11
Jayhawkk Nutraplanet Rep Join Date: Jun 2006 Posts: 1,106 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 44	You're one of the few who actually check themselves. I should scrounge up my bloodwork from M1T 3 years ago and what it did to my blood profile as well as cholesterol. It was nasty. __________________ Nutraplanet.com for all your supplement needs! ------------------------------ Hangin's too good for 'em! BURNIN'S too good for 'em! They should be ripped into itsy-bitsy little pieces and BURIED ALIVE!

08-01-2006, 03:18 PM	#15
miezimau IMPC Contestant Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: at home Posts: 473 Recipes: 0 Rep Power: 10	too bad I am not allowed to have too much sodium because I already have High Blood pressure and I am on meds for it. Yes it doens't cause it, but it doesn't help someone with already high bloodpressure. I actually asked Doc about taking a Thermogenic yestreday, too and she told me no since they raise Bloodpressure, too and that would not be good for me with already High Bloodpressure either. __________________ Opportunity Some People dream of Success..While others wake up and work hard at it.

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