TB-500 (Thymosin Beta-4 fragment) is a synthetic peptide often used in the performance and recovery space. I have used TB-500 many times over the last several years and have found it effective for addressing injuries, building strength, and improving training recovery. It works particularly well when combined with BPC-157. Here’s a structured breakdown of its benefits based …
Ecdysterone (20-Hydroxyecdysone) is a naturally occurring phytoecdysteroid found in spinach, quinoa, Rhaponticum carthamoides, and some other plants. It’s marketed as a natural anabolic agent, but the benefits depend on the context. Ecdysterone first came on my radar in the late 90s when it was marketed aggressively by a company called Syntrax Innovations, owned by a controversial and polarizing figure, Derek …
Mark L. Gordon, MD Neuroendocrinology and Integrative Physiology Preface The hypothesis that testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) induces hypertension or heightens thrombotic risk has persisted for decades, often influencing clinical decision-making and public perception. Yet, accumulating evidence from rigorous, peer-reviewed studies—including randomized controlled trials, large cohort analyses, and meta-analyses—has largely debunked this association when TRT is …
Mucuna pruriens, also known as velvet bean, is a tropical legume known for its rich content of L-DOPA, a direct precursor to dopamine. It’s used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine and modern supplementation for a variety of health benefits. I learned about Mucuna back in 2000 after reading the supplement review book that a popular supplement company at …
L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid, meaning the body can usually produce enough of it, but during times of stress (e.g., illness, injury, or intense exercise), supplementation can be beneficial. Here are the main health benefits of glutamine: 🔹 1. Supports Gut Health 🔹 2. Enhances Immune Function 🔹 3. Muscle Recovery and Preservation 🔹 4. Improves Exercise Performance …
One common adrenal issue is low morning cortisol. When you have low morning cortisol, you wake up tired, no matter how long you slept, and have low motivation to take charge of the day. You then continue to drag all day until late in the evening when cortisol finally kicks in. You’re finally energetic! The …
High estrogen levels in men can cause a wide range of physical, emotional, and hormonal imbalances. Here are the key negatives of elevated estrogen in men: 1. Sexual and Reproductive Effects 2. Hormonal Imbalance 3. Emotional and Mental Changes 4. Physical Changes 5. Prostate Health Risks 6. Cardiovascular Risks Common Causes of High Estrogen in Men Managing …
Beet juice powder offers a range of potential health benefits, especially due to its rich concentration of nitrates, antioxidants, and phytonutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its key benefits: 🚀 Performance & Endurance 🧠 Cognitive Support ❤️ Cardiovascular Health 🩸 Detoxification & Liver Support 💪 Muscle Recovery 🍽️ Digestive & Metabolic Health 🔬 Key Nutrients in Beet Juice Powder: ⚠️ Potential Considerations: ✅ Typical Dosage 💡 …
Ginger (Zingiber officinale) is a widely used spice and medicinal root with a long history in traditional medicine. Its health benefits are well-supported by both traditional use and modern research. I have been adding a teaspoon of ginger root powder to my morning protein shake for many years. Here are the key health benefits of …
Cialis (generic name tadalafil) is primarily known for treating erectile dysfunction (ED), but it also offers several other health benefits due to its action as a PDE5 inhibitor—a drug class that enhances blood flow by relaxing blood vessels. Here’s a breakdown of its key health benefits: ✅ 1. Erectile Dysfunction (ED) Treatment ✅ 2. Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) ✅ 3. Pulmonary Arterial …
Glutathione is one of the body’s most powerful antioxidants. It’s produced naturally in the liver and found in every cell. Known as the “master antioxidant,” glutathione plays a critical role in detoxification, immune support, and cellular health. 🔬 Top Science-Backed Benefits of Glutathione: 1. Powerful Antioxidant Defense 2. Detoxification Support 3. Immune System Enhancement 4. Skin Brightening and Anti-Aging 5. Improved Energy …
Dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) is a hormone naturally produced by the adrenal glands. It serves as a precursor to male and female sex hormones, including testosterone and estrogen. Supplementation with DHEA has been studied for various health benefits, particularly as levels decline with age. Here are 10 potential benefits of DHEA, supported by varying degrees of scientific …
Pregnenolone is a steroidal hormone often called the “mother hormone” because it’s the precursor to DHEA, progesterone, cortisol, testosterone, and estrogen. It plays a key role in hormonal balance and cognitive function. Here are the top evidence-based benefits of pregnenolone: 🔹 1. Supports Cognitive Function 🧠 Nicknamed the “memory hormone” in the 1940s due to early promising research. 🔹 2. …
Yes, saffron (Crocus sativus) has shown promising effectiveness for mild to moderate depression in several clinical studies. Key Findings on Saffron and Depression: Typical Dosage: Considerations: Summary: Saffron is a natural, evidence-based alternative for mild to moderate depression, with clinical effectiveness similar to some pharmaceuticals but fewer side effects. However, it’s not a substitute for professional care in severe depression or …
In the world of herbal medicine, few plants have earned the nickname “heal-all” with as much credibility as Prunella vulgaris. This humble herb, commonly known as self-heal, has been used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, European folk remedies, and Native American herbal practices. Despite its widespread historical use, Prunella vulgaris remains under the radar for many …
Vitamin D is essential for overall health, and its benefits go far beyond just bone strength. Here’s a breakdown of the key benefits of Vitamin D, especially when your levels are optimized: 🦴 1. Bone and Teeth Health 🛡️ 2. Immune System Support ❤️ 3. Cardiovascular Health 🧠 4. Mood and Mental Health 🧬 5. Hormonal and Metabolic Support 💪 6. Muscle …
Arginine and citrulline are both amino acids involved in the nitric oxide (NO) pathway, which promotes vasodilation(widening of blood vessels), improving blood flow, exercise performance, and cardiovascular health. However, they differ in how effectively they work for these purposes. ✅ Key Differences: Feature L-Arginine L-Citrulline Role Direct precursor to nitric oxide Converts to arginine in kidneys, then to NO Bioavailability Poor (broken …
Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) are the nine amino acids your body cannot produce on its own and must obtain from food or supplements. They include: 🔑 Core Benefits of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs): 💪 1. Muscle Growth and Repair 🏋️ 2. Improved Exercise Performance & Recovery 🍽️ 3. Appetite Control & Metabolism 🧠 4. Mood and Cognitive Function 🛡️ 5. Immune and Hormonal Support …
Creatine Monohydrate is one of the most extensively researched and widely used supplements, especially among athletes, bodybuilders, and people engaged in resistance training. Its benefits are well-documented in both scientific literature and practical use. ✅ Key Benefits of Creatine Monohydrate: 1. Increased Muscle Strength and Power 2. Improved Muscle Mass 3. Enhanced Exercise Performance 4. Faster …
Trimethylglycine (TMG), also known as betaine anhydrous, is a naturally occurring compound found in foods like beets, spinach, and whole grains. It’s often used as a supplement for various health and performance benefits. Here are the key benefits of TMG: 🔬 1. Supports Methylation TMG is a methyl donor, meaning it helps your body carry out methylation — a …
Dr. Mark Gordon BPC-157, or Body Protection Compound-157, is a synthetic peptide derived from a naturally occurring cytoprotective protein found in gastric juice, known as Body Protection Compound (BPC). Composed of 15 amino acids, BPC-157 was first identified and developed in the early 1990s by Croatian researchers exploring its potential for tissue regeneration and accelerated …
Two of the most underrated supplements that everyone should be using are the amino acid glutamine and most definitely systemic enzymes. While glutamine is definitely overrated for muscle building, training recovery, and increasing growth hormone, it is amazingly underrated for improving gut health and supporting your immune system. Gut health is paramount to overall health! If …
My #1 favorite supplement for senior dogs is cetyl myristoleate. Cetyl-M is a fatty acid with anti-inflammatory properties. It used to be theorized that Cetyl-M helps lubricate joints and improves flexibility. However, accruing to Ramneek S Bhogal, DC DABCI, “Improved inflammatory response with CMO is what ultimately leads to improved range of motion in the …
I am thinking about trying TRT but don’t want to permanently shutdown my own production and be reliant on it for life. Can I take it with ASTB? TRT does not have to start as a lifelong commitment. You’re not getting married to TRT and even if you were, with every marriage divorce is always …
Many self-proclaimed nutrition experts and influencers who think that having abs gives them credibility claim that seed oils such as canola, safflower, and sunflower oils are all toxic and should be avoided like the second coming of the plague. They claim that these oils increase inflammation (I doubt most who use the word inflammation even …
The number one drug that I have used for nootropic benefits is by far Modafinil. Modafinil was created to treat narcolepsy. Speaking of narcolepsy I think my brother Roger has this condition as he often falls asleep in the middle of the day if he is around a conversation he finds boring but I digress. …
As important as ideal testosterone levels are for overall health, drive, strength, and vitality it is one of many hormones that should be dialed in to supercharge your health. Here are four more crucial hormones you should prioritize optimizing for the best result possible. Pregnenolone is a master control hormone manufactured by the adrenal gland …
Written by Dr. Jessica DPN, RN, CEN, Dr. Jessica DPN, RN, CEN is a registered nurse and educator with 20 years of experience in critical care emergency nursing, specializing in patient care, education, and evidence-based practice. She holds multiple certifications and serves as a Patient Safety Coordinator. Human trafficking is not only a severe violation of …
Do all roads lead to TRT? If you want to feel your best as you age instead of a shell of yourself then eventually, all roads will likely lead to testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) and that is a good thing as every man should be elated that effective options for TRT are available once natural methods …
There are numerous clips on YouTube promulgated by self-proclaimed experts conveying the importance of androgen receptors. These self-professed experts state or reiterate that without adequate androgen receptor activity, the amount of testosterone you produce is worthless as it will not be utilized. Of course, like many things you see on YouTube, this is at best an oversimplification and more precisely …
I am glad the 3×5-10 program is working well for you and you can stay on the program indefinitely but at the very least stick with it for twelve weeks. Far too many believe that you need to change programs often such as every six weeks to keep your body guessing and to sustain progress, but in …
My total testosterone is 750 ng/dl and my free testosterone is 22 pg/ml on a reference range of 8-25 pg/ml. Even though my numbers are considered optimal my sex drive and motivation are still low. I definitely don’t feel like I have high testosterone levels! Please advise Being in the reference range even the high …
I sure can as it just so happens that what I am doing right now covers all the bases you want addressed. I do two full-body strength training sessions per week with a focus on compound moves and two interval training sessions per week on an elliptical machine. I also get in at least 10,000 …
Most fat-burning supplements on the market are stimulant-based, thus they work by increasing the neurotransmitter/hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are catecholamines, secreted by the adrenals, which trigger the “fight or flight” response (also known as an adrenaline rush) providing an energy and strength boost by way of the central nervous system for 2-15 minutes. …
I have reviewed his information and watched several of his interviews. Gary Brecka is a human biologist and biohacker (for the record I hate the term biohacker) and is most famous for turning UFC President Dana White’s health around. Dana has had excellent results with his advice and is an avid advocate of his system. …
My estradiol level is 69 pg/ml and I am finding it difficult to lose body fat. Is this connected to the high estradiol levels? It’s definitely a factor for why you’re having a hard time losing body fat as the ideal range for estradiol is around 20-30 pg/ml for most. Of course, it really depends …
I heard on a recent episode of the LLA show that you offer hormone test results consults. Can you tell me more? Thanks for the interest and yes I do. It is not promoted on my website at this time but I often take on clients who ask me if I am available to review …
My favorite hormone optimization expert Dr. Mark Gordon returns to deliver another episode stacked with incredible information. In this episode we discuss
While many still propagate the myth of workouts that increase testosterone and growth hormone, the reality is whatever increase you derive in anabolic hormones from training is short-lived. An increase in testosterone for example for thirty minutes to an hour after training is not long enough to have a profound impact on low testosterone levels. …
One of the primary reservations many men have to initiate a testosterone replacement therapy protocol is fear of having to be on TRT (testosterone replacement therapy) for the rest of their lives. I have heard doctors who are completely clueless about hormone optimization reinforce these fears by stating that starting TRT is a big decision …
Most fat-burning supplements on the market are stimulant-based, thus they work by increasing the neurotransmitter/hormones epinephrine and norepinephrine. Norepinephrine and epinephrine are catecholamines, secreted by the adrenals, which trigger the “fight or flight” response (also known as an adrenaline rush) providing an energy and strength boost by way of the central nervous system for 2-15 minutes. …
First, you’re being presumptuous in assuming the vast majority of supplement companies care about designing effective products. The reality is the preponderance of supplement companies care foremost about maximum profit and tend to put 90% of funds into marketing and only 10% if even that into product development. Whether a product works or not is …
The first herb I ever tried that resulted in a large increase in testosterone was the cornerstone ingredient in ASTB the one and only Bulbine Natalensis. I learned about Bulbine from my friend Anthony Roberts (Not to be confused with Anthony Robbins!). Anthony has written books about anabolics and is very well-researched in ergogenic aids …
Last time I covered recommended tests to acquire before engaging in any testosterone-boosting protocol. As important as testosterone is, it is one of many hormones that need to be addressed for comprehensive hormone optimization. Here are the other important hormones to test. Pregnenolone is a master control hormone manufactured by the adrenal gland and …
The hormone optimization world is similar to any other world. There are many dissenting opinions, and always some who purposely take contrarian views to whatever the current narrative is. When I first got interested in hormone optimization around 2005, I remember going to an anti-aging doctor in Santa Monica, CA, who specifically stated the goal …
Fish oil lowers inflammation by suppressing the immune system. This can be useful if you have an overactive immune response. However, if you don’t then suppressing the immune system is as negative as it sounds. Restorezyme lowers cortisol levels, more specifically it lowers the need for a cortisol response to inflammation which will in turn …
Recovery is everything. Without adequate recovery not only will your training performance suffer greatly, you will place yourself in a rapidly aging state and increase the likelihood of health issues. Your hormonal profile for sure will be negatively affected which is why sex drive and function are obliterated when stress levels remain too high for …
I developed a fascination with supplements soon after I began weight training when I was 17. The notion that you could take something and accelerate strength and muscle gains was captivating. I was obsessed with getting bigger and stronger and wanted to believe there were effective natural things I could take to acquire results faster. …
Growing up in the 90s, the first supplement that we all had high hopes for improving the natural production of testosterone was the Bulgarian herb Tribulus Terrestris. Of course, it was marketed in a hyperbolic manner like everything else at the time in the 1990s a practice that continues to this day. One company said …
Testosterone is a principal hormone that enables men to be at their best. While the common narrative is testosterone causes men to be aggressive, quick-tempered, and violent, the reality is men with optimal testosterone levels are more likely to be assertive, calm, and have protective instincts. When your testosterone levels are ideal, you feel strong …
Which supplements do you recommend to improve sleep quality? My favorite supplement stack to improve sleep quality is the trifecta of Taurine, Inositol, and Magnesium. All three help with inducing relaxation, reducing, anxiety, and putting you into a deep sleep state. I could write a book on the wild dreams this stack provokes! I take …
Similar to many training enthusiasts I have wasted a great deal of cash on BCAA supplements to no avail. I never saw an increase in performance, building muscle, or improved blood work. Even with very large amounts such as 20 grams plus per day. They may be useful for competitive bodybuilders during the dieting phase …
I had a great time talking with Dan Austin author of “The Way Of The Vegan Meathead” Dan is a high-level competitive powerlifter who has thrived on a vegan diet for over a decade. Now in his 40s, he continues to get stronger and his best lifts remain ahead of him. Check out Dan’s website …
It is always a pleasure to chat with my friend and one of the best strength coaches in the game! Every time I talk to Christian I pick up useful tips to improve my training and performance and I know you will as well. In addition, this episode will always be special as it marks …
Watch this episode and it will become abundantly clear why Christian is one of the best strength coaches in the business and in my opinion the best! Here are some highlights from the super informative discussion: Why overtraining is really adrenaline resistance and how to avoid it Christian’s current training regimen and why he is …
Check out the latest episode of the ASC show with elite strength coach Joel Seedman! Here are some of the talking points from the episode: Joel on the importance of variety when it comes to training but not variety for the sake of variety Mike on the benefits of deposit training and why you should …
I have known Ori since 2002 and he has and continues to have a huge influence on how I look at nutrition and training. He is the author of the influential Warrior Diet and in my opinion, is the Godfather of the modern-day intermittent fasting world. Here are some of the talking points from the …
Retired Special Forces Green Beret Andrew Marr has been on the LLA show many times and it was a pleasure to have him on ASC this week. Here are some of the discussion points Andrew on being at his lowest point in which he had zero sex drive and was very suicidal. Using TRT to …
The Discovery channel’s Shark Week host Paul de Gelder is a very interesting guy with some crazy life experiences, to say the least. Here are some of the discussion points The benefits of peptides for fat loss, workout recovery, growth hormone, and injuries Which peptides Mike is using and what benefits he has experienced How …
Leading hormone optimization expert Dr. Mark Gordon returns to discuss the following Why everyone should be taking zinc ionophores to protect against viruses The best zinc ionophores on the market The benefits of DHEA for the immune system The benefits of Vitamin D for protection against COVID The benefits of testosterone cream for women and …
Tobi Alder is a very strong young man! He has deadlifted over 750lbs for reps with jeans on which says it all. In addition, he is a highly intelligent strength coach and is the master of designing effective powerlifting and strength training regimens. Here are some of the discussion points from the conversation. How Tobi …
What a pleasure to talk to my friend Sumana Dutta Burman. Sumana is a fitness professional based in India and got into the industry fourteen years ago when there was barely a fitness industry at all in India. Here are some of the things we discussed How Sumana got into fitness and the challenges she …
Lil is one badass lady and she can deadlift 3.5 times her bodyweight! If you want to be strong, you need to pay attention to her and if you aspire to compete in powerlifting, contact her about her personalized program design services. Here are some of the talking points from the conversation. The importance of …
While this was a tough conversation to have at times it is also a very important one that has been in the shadows for too long. Fitness expert Giuliana Colosimo embodies the true meaning of strength. You will be inspired by her story of survival and forgiveness and taking horrible experiences and using them to …
Renaissance man and fitness expert Alexander Cortes is the guest and here are some of the topics we got into: Owning your day and living life on your terms What freedom means to Alexander and how he achieved it Ancient philosophies on mental health, physical health, and overall wellness Why Alexander moved to Thailand What …
Dr. Nick Delgado is one of the best hormone optimization experts around and a wealth of knowledge on nutrition, training, and performance. He has been plant-based for over forty years and embodies all of the information he professes with his incredible levels of fitness, health, and energy. Here are some of the things we discussed: …
Excellent conversation with elite strength coach Vince McConnell. Here are some of the talking points from the episode. Why trying to live a balanced life all the time will lead to abject failure Why you need to embrace being in an imbalanced state to acquire high-level success Why external motivation is fleeting and why internal …
UFC veteran and current PFL fighter Tom and I had a fantastic conversation on strength training, MMA, using social media, and kettlebell training. What inspired Tom to want to train to be an MMA fighter The ups and downs of UFC career and why he ultimately moved on Where Tom is fighting now and what …
Fun and inspiring conversation with long time friend and elite strength coach Andrew Durniat. Here are some of the highlights from the discussion Why your personal example is your best marketing tool as a trainer Why training others is an art just as much as it is a science People are always watching what you’re …
Dr. Mark Gordon is, in my opinion, the Michael Jordan of hormone optimization doctors. He is extremely generous with his time and has donated over thee million dollars of billable hours to help soldiers with PTSD. Just shows you the kind of individual he is! A Doctor who actually cares and is dedicated to improving …
Such a pleasure to have a great conversation with the very talented Mike Catherwood. Here are some of the highlights from the conversation. Mike C on having body dysmorphia and how he treats it Mike C on the effects of being sexually abused as a young man Mike C on how he addressed being an …
Everyone who matters considers Mark to be one of the best strength coaches in the game and in my opinion he is the best! I had the pleasure of training under his tutelage for several months back in 2010 and it was a transformative experience. He is most well known for being a strongman competitor …
My guest in episode 7 is my close friend Sincere Hogan. Here are some of the topics we got into: The real meaning of Black Tuesday and why it goes way beyond just posting black squares on social media. An important step the African American community needs to take for communities to thrive. Why defunding …
The high-level UK based personal trainer Alan Levi is my guest and we had a great conversation and discussed the following The immense influence Charles Poliquin had on both Alan and Mike Why Alan prioritized stress management and building a strong immune system during the pandemic How Alan battled Lyme disease successfully The importance of …
My guest in this episode is stand out personal trainer and bassist for the hardcore band H2O Adam Blake. Here are some of the highlights from the conversation How concerts may exist moving forward post-pandemic Why hardcore shows might be some of the first shows to come back Why mainstream fitness media does a real …
This is a new series I will be doing in addition to the Life Life Aggressively podcast that I do with Sincere Hogan. For more info on the LLA show go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast… My guest on this episode is my long time friend Steve Cotter. Steve is a world-renown kettlebell instructor and fitness expert and …
This is a new series I will be doing in addition to the Life Life Aggressively podcast that I do with Sincere Hogan. For more info on the LLA show go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast… My guest on this episode is my good friend Tim Larkin. Tim is a self-defense expert and author of the NY Times …
This is a new series I will be doing in addition to the Life Life Aggressively podcast that I do with Sincere Hogan. For more info on the LLA show go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast… In this episode, Scott and I discuss the following: The benefits of the classic Super Squats program and how it has been …
Aggressive Strength Conversations is a new series I will be doing in addition to the Life Life Aggressively podcast that I do with Sincere Hogan. For more info on the LLA show go to https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast… In this episode Ory and I discuss the following: What life is like in Panama during the pandemic Staying healthy …
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