The Ultimate Beginners Guide to Anabolic Steroids, SARMs, and Performance Enhancement

Bodybuilding and Steroids: Is the “Juice” for You?

Today, many professional bodybuilders (e.g., Mr. Olympia), athletes, and wrestlers depend on steroids to compete. This is not a secret nor has it been for awhile now.

Steroids are quite effective at enhancing the physique to meet the standards in top level bodybuilding competition and they can dramatically improve an athletes performance to help them meet the demands in today’s athletic arena.

However, the question is whether or not steroids are for you. In this article, we’re going to take a brief look at the world of steroids so you can determine this. Read on…

What Steroids Can and Can’t Do For You

If you’re trying to compete in the upper echelon of bodybuilding and sports, steroids can do a lot for you. They will even be necessary in many, if not most cases. This is unfortunate but reality, so we’re not going to sugarcoat things here.

That being said, steroids are definitely not the ideal solution for everyone because of the risk involved, thus, this article isn’t a recommendation but an informational piece. Absolutely consult your doctor if you’re considering taking steroids.

Caution aside, steroids can help turn your bodybuilding or athletic dreams into reality. They are the reason why some people transform from being slim to super ripped in just a few months or why some athletes seemingly possess superhuman abilities. The better genetics you have, the more capable your body will respond to steroids too.

Apart from genetics, your drive and lifestyle plays a big role in the performance and muscle gains you receive. This is why it’s important to optimize the perfect environment for the growth of your muscles. Following a healthy lifestyle where you can allow yourself to eat properly and get adequate sleep is equally important as your training and cycles.

Never skip your meals and try to lead a stress free life. You may use every type of supplement available on the market and get firsthand information about training and nutrition from websites, books, or magazines, but there are things you will want to do and things you won’t want to do when it comes using steroids.

When you first introduce steroids into your life, be aware of the fact that it will make a huge difference in your overall day-to-day life, even your attitude and mood. Also, remember to keep in mind that steroids will not build your muscles on their own without proper training and diet.

Steroids are a very powerful agent no doubt and they will certainly complement your hard work and dedication but they are not the be-all-end-all for building muscle. Remember, steroids are an enhancer, hence the term, performance enhancing drugs. Hard work in the gym and dialing in your nutrition is still required.

It is unpredictable to say how much you can benefit from steroids because all of our bodies react to them in a different manner, but it is safe to say most of you will see dramatic improvements in your performance and physique, if done right that is.

Ultimately, though, it is only you who can answer this query after months of experimenting with steroids. But again, be cautious and consult a doctor or specialist, and no, we are not talking about a local gym bro.

Bulking Up on Roids: A Closer Look

The one aim that the majority of steroids users have in mind is building a huge freaking body. This will no doubt be attainable one day for many of us, but before that, it is important that you have a solid foundation of muscle and a training and nutrition program designed to match.

The best steroids for building sheer muscle mass always constitute at least one of the more highly androgenic compounds like Testosterone, Dianabol or Anadrol. With them, you can use or mix something that leans more towards the anabolic end of the spectrum.

Deca is one of the most popular steroids to combine with androgen. Lately, Trenbolone Acetate is also becoming increasingly popular to occupy the top of the list. Same is the case with Equipoise and Winstrol. Some of the effective combinations for best results are listed below:

• Test/Deca
• D-bol/Equipoise/Winstrol
• Test/tren/d-bol
• Test/tren/deca

There can be many good combinations apart from these. Choose and mix them wisely from whatever is available and affordable to you. The dosage prescribed varies from person to person. You must always start with your dosage as low as possible. Although it is quite common to increase the intake as you engage in more cycles to get good results.

Yet again, though, if you do decide to use steroids, consulting a doctor or specialist is absolutely recommended to minimize the risk involved. A specialist will help you dial-in your dosing and more. Be safe, the importance of safety can’t be stressed enough.

Notes on Training: Steroids vs Natural

When it comes to training, the advantage of steroids is that they help you make steady progress, even when you train with greater intensity, higher volume, and frequency. Steroids dramatically cut down on recovery time, thus allowing you to hit the gym with greater intensity and frequency.

It is almost illogical and impossible to believe any “drug-free” guy who claims his Jay Cutler status was natural and without drugs. We’re not saying a natural bodybuilder can’t get madly ripped, however, steroids when utilized will almost always take one to a whole new level of raw power, pain, rage, and mind blowing pumps.

As a natural bodybuilder, it may be quite frustrating to work so hard and all you get is occasional dribbles of growth every month, when your buddy on steroids blows up like a balloon in the same time frame.

Overtraining and other issues, however, are more problematic for steroids users because you have plenty of extra hormones to repair muscle tissue damage and synthesize proteins at an accelerated rate. It’s very easy to get carried away in the gym and many do so.

As a natural bodybuilder, you are less likely to overtrain and damage your body in the long run so this is an obvious plus when it comes to training natural. The overall risk level for natural folks is far less on just about every level too. This means no ball shrinking, increased overtraining risk, diminished sperm count, or an increase in heart size. The list of steroid woes is much longer so do your research and grill your specialist or doctor if you decide to transition from a natural to enhanced bodybuilder.

At the end of the day, steroids can turn you into a beast in and out of the gym and if you want to risk your body and overall health, it’s ultimately up to you. A buddy of mine, a powerlifter, introduced roids into his training and he got shredded like you wouldn’t believe, and he started killing the weights even more than before. I once asked him if it was worth it and his reply was simply, “Yes, look at me bro, I’m a beast.”

Notes on Nutrition: Steroids vs Natural

Eating is one of the most important aspects to pay attention to while you are trying to gain muscle, and whether you’re a casual gym goer or a natural or steroid enhanced bodybuilder, proper nutrition is imperative if you want to see results. There is no exception here, nutrition is one of the major keys to rapid success when it comes to muscle building, steroids or not.

There’s a reason why you see Mr. Olympia level bodybuilders consuming a shitload of food each and every day. The body needs insane amounts of fuel to fuel such insane muscle growth, and food is that primary substance. Supplements are also incorporated into their overall nutrition program to help them fulfill their increased fuel requirements.

There are two significant aspects to keep in mind. They are protein intake and total calories. It is especially true if you are a hard-gainer who wants to build your ectomorphic body. Even for a hard-gainer, making gains in muscle mass can be a great struggle without steroids, with the intake of only “clean” food as your path to growth.

In conclusion, the nutrition requirements are similar for natural and drug enhanced bodybuilders alike. For example, protein is the building block of muscle tissue and as your performance demands and muscle building goals increase, so too will your protein requirements. The same goes for the other macronutrients required to fuel your body and growth.

Getting Ripped While Maintaining Muscle Mass

You may refer to the article “Steroids for Dieting” by Cy Wilson who has given a very vivid view of the whole phenomenon of maintaining muscle mass.

Steroids have a great advantage for bodybuilders who prepare for contests. For example, by incorporating them with your regular diet one can interestingly enough lower their protein requirements. Apart from this, with steroids you can also do quite a bit of cardiovascular training without being concerned with the dangers of losing lean muscle tissue while shedding the body fat.

The requirements and dose of the steroids depends upon how lean you wish to get, except if you are on a mass gaining cycle. If you happen to get down to low, single digit body fat levels, it may be harmful on all the other systems of the body. Having six packs like the Body-for-Life ones can hardly be considered as ripped. It is all about cross-striations on your pecs, triceps, serratus, quads, and traps.

To attain such a desired condition, which is the set standard even at amateur levels of bodybuilding competitions, you need to go for a good and balanced dosage of steroids to maintain your muscle size and fullness.

Here is a list from one steroids user at one of the later weeks in his recent pre-contest cycle:

Weekly totals:

• Testosterone blend 1000mg
• Trenbolone acetate 750mg
• Winstrol 700mg
• Equipoise 400mg
• Clomid 350mg
• GAC Heat Miser*28ml

*a bootleg thermogenic drug combining T-3, clenbuterol and yohimbine in an oral solution.

As it has already been said, the dosage varies from person to person; you may not require as much dosage as him for the same gain. While some of you might need more than this. This is something which only you will be able to determine for yourself, based on your body structure, genetics and other such requirements.

Whether your aim is to get optimal mass gain or to get lean, your steroids intake must be accompanied with some good training and healthy eating habits. If you are not careful about your diet or happen to neglect your cardio, no amount of steroids is going to be effective for your body.

Health, Legal and Financial Issues

To be able to build a physique like that of an elite bodybuilder via the use of steroids, you must pay attention to the issues relating to health, legal, and financial matters.

When it comes to health, it is neither completely safe nor preferable to consume large quantities of androgens. No doubt they are the fastest means of progress for muscle growth, but they can also cause harm other parts of your body. The powerful and strong mass-builders are very toxic for the body. Orals such as Dinabol and Anadrol are also quite a threat at disturbing the function of the liver and can also lead to a rise in blood pressure.

Steroids do not kill you immediately but that does not mean they are not causing any internal damage to your body. While some people may the show the symptoms of health issues with only a minimum intake of steroids, others may be more tolerant and capable of having a large dosage. To keep your body healthy it highly recommended to go for regular checkups to a clinic. You might get a really big and beautiful body by the intake of high doses for a long period of time, but to overlook its side effects on the internal body organs is really foolish.

We are all responsible for our own well-being. So never keep on living on a high dosage of any drugs for a long period of time. Even if you are a low dose user who happens to notice some mysterious aches or pains on your body, or you continuously get a tendency of puking or dizziness, for God’s sake just stop your drugs immediately and consult your doctor.

Legally, it is no less a crime to consume steroids or any other drugs without a valid prescription from the doctor. Apart from the legal rule, it is indeed quite obvious to consult a doctor or a trainer who could study your body aesthetics, and prescribe you with the proper a dosage of any specific drugs. You can reduce your chances of being a victim of any health deterioration if you are up to date with your body’s needs by consulting an expert.

Ordering of products online is the most easy and preferred way to fulfill your requirements. But in some cases you might happen to pay the money but do not get the desired products. To avoid such consequences, it is advisable to get your drugs from a reliable and trustworthy source. In case your products are being shipped from a foreign country, your package will be seized by the concerned custom officials. All your money will be wasted, or in a worst case you could be arrested while going to pick up your drugs from the post office.

There is no solution to such problems and the local sellers who are into this business carry high percentage of bogus steroids and tend to set very high prices for them. Gym dealers also try to set the same unbelievably high prices for their drugs.

If you wish to research peptides online, make sure that the seller ships within your country to avoid the risk of landing in any unfortunate situation. Lastly, keep in mind the fact that getting a good physique from the use of steroids is going to be a costly affair.

On a final note, it doesn’t hurt to have your products tested by a reputable lab that offers such testing to insure you’re getting what you paid for. If you get a prescription from your doctor the risk is not something you will have to worry about, but if not, the extra expense for a lab test is absolutely worth your health and certainly your life.

The Bottom Line

There is no denying that steroids can lead to huge muscular growth but some questions that arise here are, are they safe for the body or even necessary for you?

To say that all steroids are harmful would be an exaggeration. Depending upon their use and dose, steroids can definitely be really dangerous, while in contrast they sometimes can be beneficial depending on the prescribed use case.

But as far as whether or not they are necessary for you, that totally depends on you and your goals. If you simply want to get in great shape and improve your overall health, steroids are absolutely not necessary or recommended, however, if you want to be the next Mr. Olympia, forget about it without them.

At the end of the day, though, it is only advisable to use steroids after consulting with an expert to prevent your body from experiencing any major side effects or even possible death. So regardless of your goals, get some professional guidance before diving in. Be safe, guys!

The Benefits, Risks, and Dangers of Anabolic Steroids

When used responsibly as prescribed by a doctor, Steroids offer many health benefits, but due to stigma around abuse in the fitness community and their many possible side effects, they often get a bad wrap.

Usually, most steroids are administered by a doctor for medical purposes and users only tend to have unpleasant side effects when they are misused. Confusion also often arises because there are two types of steroids – corticosteroids and anabolic-androgenic steroids, the latter which is used for enhancing performance.

Athletes are known to use anabolic-androgenic or anabolics to boost endurance during sports and improve recovery, and many bodybuilders use them to help build insane muscle mass necessary to compete on the pro stage.

These drugs work similar to the testosterone hormone found in men. The drug promotes growth and strength of the muscle. This gives the user secondary characteristics of the male sex, which include increased strength, deepened voice and excessive hair growth on the skin. Also, they can be used by both men and women.

Potential Benefits of Steroids

So while steroids may be associated with various health problems and the stigma surrounding their widespread use and abuse in the athletic and bodybuilding arena, they have some benefits as well; when used responsibly that is. However, steroids are not for everyone. Let’s take a look at the potential benefits for athletes and bodybuilders who use or plan to use anabolics to enhance their performance.

Reduced Recovery Time

Naturally, the body takes time to recover after a workout or strenuous sports. However, if you take steroids, recovery time decreases remarkably. They regulate the production of cortisol in the body, especially when engaging in stressing activities. In short, steroids increase stamina, and the body can endure more when exercising.

Increased Muscle Size

The most common use of anabolic steroids is to increase muscle size. This synthetic testosterone version allows muscle growth because it’s released in the body in huge amounts.  If you want to gain drastic results, combine the drugs with exercises.

Lowers Body Fat Percentage

Steroids can increase metabolism in the body, which means more fat is burned. This reduces the overall amount of fat in the body.  What’s more, according to some experts, steroids oxidize fat through a process known as lipid oxidation. Or in simple words, this refers to the conversion of fatty acids into energy leading to reduced fat in the body.

They Help Treat Some Medical Conditions

Steroids were initially meant to treat patients muscle atrophy caused by illness. Also, they were used in patients suffering from low testosterone to help boost their libido or facilitate development during puberty if the body failed to do so.

Boosts the Production of Red Blood cells

Steroids accelerate red blood cells production in the body.  The cells help to supply oxygen throughout the body. When steroids do this, all body organs get the ability to work out consistently for more extended periods. The effect is what makes them handy for athletes or anyone looking for increased strength. But, this is not legal, and anyone caught doping is likely to be banned from participating in sports competition.

Potential Risks and Dangers of Steroid Use

There are many potential side effects from steroid use and steroid abuse only compounds this. Therefore, it is important to proceed with caution and always speak to a medical professional if you decide they might be for you.

Here are some of the most common health problems associated with steroid use and or abuse:

• kidney problems or failure
• liver damage and tumors
• enlarged heart, high blood pressure, and changes in blood cholesterol, all of which increase the risk of stroke and heart attack, even in young people
• increased risk of blood clots

Potential gender- and age-specific effects:

• Men:
  • shrinking testicles
  • decreased sperm count
  • baldness
  • development of breasts
  • increased risk for prostate cancer
• Women:
  • growth of facial hair or excess body hair
  • decreased breast size
  • male-pattern baldness
  • changes in or stop in the menstrual cycle
  • enlarged clitoris
  • deepened voice

The Bottom Line

The ability of anabolic steroids to increase performance enables you to attain new limits. You can push your body beyond what your natural energy allows and that means attaining your fitness goals more quickly.

What’s more, with increased metabolism, it means your appetite also increases. The body converts compounds such as fat and sugar into energy, and that makes you hungry.

However, the benefits of steroids do not mean you should overlook the potential side effects and dangers. Some of the cons of steroids are far much worse than the benefits.

In conclusion, it is best to proceed with caution. We do not personally recommend steroid use but we also don’t judge those who do. Ideally, steroids should only be used under the direct supervision of a medical doctor.

Can Steroid Abuse Lead to Alcohol and Drug Abuse?

Steroids are popular among those who want to improve their physique. The effects can include weight loss and big muscles gains that can completely change a person’s body shape. These changes can lead to positive attention, which makes the person’s confidence soar.

Steroid Use, Abuse and Addiction

What many people who use steroids do not realize is that they could be starting on the path of addiction. While at first, they may research and understand the risks of using steroids, it doesn’t take too long for them to lose control of their use.

The effects of steroids motivate users to continue taking it. They don’t want to lose the body they’ve been able to develop. The fear is what keeps them tied to the drug.

The first sign of addiction comes when users start to realize the dose they’ve been taking doesn’t have the same effects anymore. They have to take more because their body has developed a tolerance. The longer they use steroids, the more they have to take to gain the same effects.

As the dose rises, the more preoccupied users become in taking it. They worry about how they will pay for more of it, and that can lead to risky behaviors. This is another sign of addiction.

Many times, as people grow tired of the chase of working out and using steroids, they want to stop taking them. The problem that presents at this point is the withdrawal symptoms. While steroids are not technically addictive, it is still considered a drug, and it does produce withdrawal symptoms.

The following are the most common steroid withdrawal symptoms:

• Diarrhea
• Vomiting
• Nausea
• Abdominal pain
• Weakness
• Fatigue
• Low blood sugar
• Dizziness
• Appetite loss

More serious withdrawal symptoms include join pain, muscle aches, and mental changes.

Many people will try to avoid the withdrawal symptoms by continuing their use of steroids. They may try to titrate themselves off it, but are quickly confronted by withdrawal symptoms, and feel compelled to go back up in dose.

If this sounds a lot like addiction, that’s because it is just like addiction.

From One Addiction to Another Addiction

According to the National Institute of Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Even though anabolic steroids do not cause the same high as other drugs, they can lead to a substance use disorder. A substance use disorder occurs when a person continues to misuse steroids, even though there are serious consequences for doing so. The most severe form of a substance use disorder is addiction. People might continue to misuse steroids despite physical problems, high costs to buy the drugs, and negative effects on their relationships. These behaviors reflect steroids’ addictive potential.”

NIDA also reports that research finds that some steroid users turn to other drugs, such as opioids to help reduce the sleep problems and irritability that steroids can cause.

Does this mean that steroid abusers are more likely to abuse other drugs and possibly alcohol? It is possible.

In a 2011 review of 18 studies published in the journal Drug and Alcohol Dependence, there was a high correlation between steroid use and alcohol or illicit drug use. However, there were some studies that reported mixed results.

The authors of the review provided the following explanations for the association between steroid abuse and alcohol and/or illicit drug abuse:

• People who are more likely to experiment with steroids are more likely to experiment with other drugs.
• Those who use steroids to improve their appearance may take other drugs to improve other parts of themselves, such as their emotional or mental health.
• Since people who take steroids often engage in vigorous workouts, they may take illicit drugs, such as opioids, to treat pain.

The situation becomes worse when steroid abusers become opioid abusers. NIDA reports that 130 people die every day from opioid overdose. As some steroid abusers take more opioids to cope with the soreness and pain of their workouts, they end up battling the effects of not only steroids but opioids too. They must continue increasing their dose of opioids to treat the pain, and they can’t stop because they will have to deal with the withdrawals.

Addiction can also take on a different form when opioids are not as easy to get from doctors. With the opioid crisis gaining worldwide attention, many medical professionals have stopped prescribing them. Research has shown that many people have turned to heroin as a replacement drug.

Now, what about alcohol?

Alcohol can be used in the same way as opioids, as it can numb the pain of hard workouts. While some steroid users drink alcohol regularly socially and alone to deal with emotional and mental anguish, it’s not abused as much as illicit drugs since it can impair performance more than pain relievers. The first goal of steroid users is to perform at their optimal level, and alcohol may get in the way of that too soon to be a threat.

Treatment for Steroid Addiction

If steroid addiction is treated as soon as it is realized, it can save the person from getting caught in another type of addiction. Steroid addiction is treated like other drug addictions because dependency and withdrawals must be dealt with to fully recover from it.

Steroid addiction must be treated with detox and behavioral therapy. The body must withdraw from the steroids before anything else can be done to recover from the addiction. During withdrawals, medication may be used to reduce the discomfort felt during the process. Once someone has recovered from the withdrawals, the person must work on their emotional and mental dependency on the drug.

Behavioral therapy can help the person do this by exploring the reasons they decided to use steroids and how the beliefs they held were not healthy. These thoughts are then replaced with healthier ones, so the person can continue on with life knowing they do not need steroids in it.

The Dangers of Mixing Steroids and Alcohol

The consumption of alcoholic substances alongside steroids, whether Masteron, Prednisone or other, is a highly debated topic in both the world of bodybuilding and the medical community.

There are many reports that show consuming alcohol when using steroids may lead to gastrointestinal problems like ulcers, bleeding, or other health conditions. Unfortunately, this can be a problem, notably with those who consume excessive amounts of alcohol alongside higher doses of steroids.

If you’re a bodybuilder currently using or you’ve been prescribed steroids by your doctor for health reasons, it’s very important to watch your alcohol intake, especially if you’re a regular drinker.

Let’s take a brief look at some of the risks of consuming alcohol with steroids.

Some Precautions and Thoughts on the Consumption of Steroids and Alcohol

Medical professionals prescribe Corticosteroids like Prednisone for many reasons. Prednisone is recognized as a strong anti-inflammatory medication. Other steroids are also commonly prescribed for different conditions and many pro bodybuilders obviously use various steroids to improve muscle growth.

While a drug like Prednisone can help with inflammation, for example, taking it or other steroids along with alcohol can be dangerous for you and overdoses of such steroids will certainly negatively impact your health. Alcohol alone is already fairly poisoning in doses above what health professionals would normally consider normal drinking habits, and mixing with steroids can be dangerous.

If you’re excessively consuming both, it is highly recommended that you tone down your use of alcohol and steroids as soon as possible, otherwise, you may trigger a big problem with your health, especially in time.

And while steroids are also commonly prescribed for various other issues like endocrine disorders, for example, consuming alcohol alongside at the minimum can negatively impact the effectiveness of treatment and at the worst may hurt your health.

People also generally shouldn’t consume steroids when they are suffering from ailments like diabetes, thyroid disorders, myasthenia gravis, osteoporosis, stomach ulcers, tuberculosis, congestive heart failure, diverticulitis, or high blood pressure, and this is especially true if they are a regular consumer of alcoholic products.

A Note on Side Effects When Consuming Alcohol and Steroids

One must be careful when it comes to the side effects of using steroids, especially when consuming alcohol. Drinking alongside steroid use increases risk and a user might experience side effects including coughing up blood, pancreatitis, rapid weight gain, swelling, seeing halos, eye pain, high blood pressure, or low potassium.

Users also might experience less serious symptoms like mood swings, insomnia, slower healing, acne, and alteration of the location of body fat or shape, dizziness and more. The side effects can be increased with the use of alcohol and you can also face some stomach related issues.

If you or someone you know is using alcohol and steroids together, especially if you are experiencing any alarming side effects, it is highly advisable to consult with a qualified medical professional to evaluate your current health and to receive proper guidance. A doctor will assess your current condition and provide professional recommendations.

Options for Treatment and When to Seek Help

This brings us to options for treatment and when to seek a professional. Dependency on alcohol and steroids can be dangerous and it is highly advisable that you initiate treatment to prevent potential health issues.

Hospitals, private doctors, and clinics are all great places to seek treatment. Don’t hesitate to seek help, especially if you are both a heavy drinker and steroid user experiencing questionable side effects or any alarming complications.

The use of steroids already carry a number of risks, especially when used without the proper guidance of a professional. And when you also consume alcohol, the risks only increase, sometimes substantially depending on how much you drink.

If you feel you just may have an addiction problem, your next step should be the elimination of alcohol from the body and this will require that you go through the proper detoxification process, preferably under the supervision of a medical professional.

Ultimately, if you do in fact feel you have a problem with substance abuse, please don’t hesitate to seek a psychotherapist or addiction specialist right away. It may just save your life and the sooner you get started on the road to sobriety, the better.

The Bottom Line

Steroids and alcohol (moderate usage) when used responsibly and under the guidance of a medical professional, can usually be taken together without complications. In fact, many steroids are already mixed with alcohol to make them work effectively.

That being said, it generally isn’t recommended that you mix the two. Alcohol and steroids don’t always place nice when consumed together and depending on how much you are consuming, health complications can manifest.

Take note… If you’re a heavy drinker and have a history of substance or alcohol abuse, adding steroids to the mix only further increases your risk for serious health complications. For you, the chances of you abusing steroids on top of alcohol also increase substantially and large quantities of both is certainly a recipe for disaster.

Be sure to seek the help of a medical professional if substance abuse is a problem for you, whether it’s alcohol, steroids or both, and if you are experiencing any side effects or complications from your drug and/or alcohol use, please see your doctor right away.

Anabolic Androgenic Steroids Abuse Can Cause Coronary Artery Disease

Between November 3 and 5 the annual Brazilian Society of Cardiology took place in Sao Paulo with the purpose of discussing cardiology, new findings and programs that appeared in the past year. During the 2017 edition a connection between early coronary artery disease and anabolic androgenic steroids was found.

The report was presented by lead author Francis Ribeiro de Souzo, a PhD student at the University of Sao Paulo’s Heart Institute, Medical School. He explained the impact of anabolic androgenic steroid abuse on the hearts of patients participating in the study group. He declared that these enhancements are a huge problem among young people, leading to various adverse events like heart attack and sudden cardiac death, especially in athletes. In the country of Brazil it is estimated that close to 1 million people utilized such steroids a minimum of one time, making this the seventh most common of the drugs used in the country.

The Study

The report did not just examine steroids for sale and whether or not they are connected with the offset of early coronary artery disease. It also tested reduced HDL (high-density lipoprotein) function to see if it can be a mechanism that leads to the development of coronary artery disease for people that abuse the steroids.

The results of the study included 51 men aged between 23 and 43. Out of them, 21 of those consistently took steroids while going through weight lifting routines, 20 did the routines without the steroids and the rest lived a sedentary lifestyle without any exercise or drug use. Computed tomography coronary angiography was present for all participants. This is a specific imaging method that visualizes arteries in order to assess atherosclerosis presence.

Urine tests were performed in order to confirm the use of the steroids and blood samples were utilized to measure current lipid levels. This includes HDL. Researchers utilized cell cultures for the purpose of measuring individual participant body HDL ability to perform normal function (removing cholesterol found in white blood cells).

Data gathered concluded that 24% of the steroid users had coronary arteries affected by atherosclerosis. The sedentary participants and non-users had none. The steroid users that were affected by atherosclerosis also had a significantly reduced HDL function and level inside the body.

Ribeiro de Souza stated that the study is suggesting that the use of anabolic androgenic steroids is associated with coronary artery disease development in young people that are apparently healthy. He went on to say that steroids can have an impact on HDL ability so cholesterol is not removed from macrophages. This is promoting the development of atherosclerosis. The study was an observational one but the results have to be taken into account for the creation of a larger scale study in the future. Steroids were concluded to maybe cause atherosclerosis. Confirming the results is only possible with longer follow-ups in longer studies.

De Souza’s conclusion was that coronary atherosclerosis appeared in young users that used anabolic androgenic steroid use and when combined with low HDL levels and function, cardiovascular event risk is drastically increased. A greater awareness, he declared, is needed in order to analyze the drugs and the potential risks associated with them.

Study Impact

Most people in cardiology and participants at the congress found study findings to be fascinating. Scientific chair, DR. Raul Santos, said that the study does have a small sample size but is really well done so it calls attention to the possibility of the presence of a real health problem in the country and around the world. This is because it shows lipid disturbances that are induced by steroid use and links steroids with atherosclerosis presence, which is one thing that should not be the case for young people.

Fausto Pinto also made a statement, saying that the results of the study highlight the importance of this issue, deserving a further experimentation, preferably through large scale studies.

Conclusions

The results of this small scale study are really important for all young athletes, not just those that live in Brazil. For a long time it has been said that steroid use had the potential of leading towards the development of coronary diseases but there was no study that took into account effects on younger individuals. We take for granted the fact that steroid use is only going to affect those that are older but this may not be the case.

Before taking steroids in order to make gym gains it is really important to think about overall health impact. Are the risks worth it? Working with a personal trainer that recommends anabolic steroid use is a very bad idea so it is something that should be avoided, at least for now. Until new data is available through a larger study it is vital that no anabolic androgenic steroids are used.

Why Do Men Take Anavar? (Know the Risks)

Many men all over the world are taking steroids now, to look more attractive to women; and to be perceived as more dominant among their peers. One of the most coveted anabolic steroids is Anavar, which we’ll be discussing in this article. Over 1,500 people in America type “buy anavar” into Google every month, with people looking to purchase this steroid or legal Anavar alternatives from websites like buyanavar.today.

But do they know what they’re getting themselves into?

In this article you’ll find out why people take Anavar (the positive effects); and the possible side effects users experience when taking this compound.

Note: This article in no way encourages the illegal use of Anavar (without a prescription). Instead, it serves as a warning to those thinking about taking steroids.

Why Men Take Anavar

Men and women are particularly fond of Anavar (over other steroids) because it’s not as toxic. Thus side effects are usually more manageable compared to other compounds. This makes it especially appealing to newbies who are more anxious about side effects.ruining their health.

It’s also appealing to some because it can be taken in oral form, as not all men want to inject themselves with a needle on a regular basis.

Then there’s the benefits that Anavar brings in terms of affecting body composition. Anavar will shred fat, add muscle and increase strength levels significantly.

But are these gains worth it in the long run? We don’t believe so. Here’s why…

Anavar Side Effects

Anavar’s often talked about as a ‘safe’ or ‘mild’ steroid – but this isn’t strictly true. Although its toxicity may be less than other androgens and potentially even SARMS in some cases – it’s still a dangerous compound (according to the FDA); and shouldn’t be used by the public.

Here are the possible side effects of Anavar:

• Testosterone suppression
• Cholesterol imbalance
• Hair loss
• Damage to the liver

Although some steroid side effects such as gyno and water retention can be avoided when taking Anavar, some side effects cannot be avoided.

One adverse effect of taking Anavar is it will sap your testosterone levels. This may not come straight away, but towards the end of your cycle; as your testes will recognize the body has too much testosterone and thus will put a halt on all production. As a result, it can take several weeks and months in order for your natural T levels to recover.

HDL levels will decrease, whilst LDL levels increase on Anavar. This can clog up a user’s arteries, making it more difficult for blood to flow to and from your heart. This has the potential to cause hypertension and cardiac problems. If heart disease is something you’re genetically susceptible to, you may want to avoid taking steroids.

Hair loss is a common side effect when taking steroids. Whether it’s some thinning of the hair or receding of your hair line; the amount of loss will depend on the types of steroids used and your genetics. Anavar is a DHT steroid and thus it can cause damage to the hair follicles on a man’s scalp.

Although Anavar’s not the most toxic AAS in the world, it’s still harsh to the liver and thus isn’t safe to use. Some will say the liver will restore to normal function after a cycle, but it’s still damaging to your health and there’s still a risk that it may fail. Taking liver support supplements throughout your cycle is no guarantee that the organ will be protected from dangerous substances like Anavar.

Is Anavar Safe?

Contrary to what some bodybuilders may tell you – Anavar is not safe to use.

Doctors may prescribe it to patients but this is only in emergencies where it would be dangerous NOT to take it. Also many gym-goers are taking Anavar without knowing what they’re doing (in terms of dosing and PCT protocol). When a doctor gives out Anavar he will give you a strict dosing protocol to follow, to minimize the risks of side effects occurring. Listening to your brah down the gym doesn’t equate to the same expert advice.

The Bottom Line

Our advice is to stay drug-free and make slower and more sustainable gains – that won’t damage your health. However, this article isn’t to put people off from using FDA approved supplements which can help maximize their gains in the gym. Protein powders, creatine, amino acids, test boosters and steroid alternatives are all safer than taking AAS…and your body will appreciate this in the long run.

Anavar vs Winstrol: Uses, Risks, Pros and Cons

Summer is knocking at the door, and with it, many will be desiring that tone or buff beach-ready body. However, for some, hesitance is dominant as the work to achieve this goal and thought of going shirtless or wearing a bikini at the beach is a daunting one. For others, it’s high time to whip their butts into shape.

While many will simply focus on nutrition and exercise to achieve (hopefully!) their summer bodies in time, fitness fanatics and bodybuilders will be applying themselves vigorously in diet and physical exercise, and many will be taking it up a big notch by using performance enhancing drugs.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at two popular performance enhancers: Anavar and Winstrol. However, before we do, a disclaimer is in line…

Disclaimer

The main motive of this article is to create awareness, educate and inform the reader about steroids. It does not intend to encourage the use of steroids. Steroids can be harmful and even fatal if taken without proper knowledge, but it cannot be neglected that they have certain benefits too. That said, they should always be taken under guidance of a professional .

Why Do Bodybuilders Use Anavar or Winstrol?

Generally, bodybuilders have to go through two stages – bulking and cutting. Many bodybuilders generally prefer bulking over cutting because building body mass is easier. They go for a high calorie diet to attain the desired mass which can be quite easy. But cutting is usually a more difficult process in comparison, especially for those wanting a muscular but slim and lean body.

According to some people, building muscle while burning excess fat seems to be impossible. But you can achieve this by following the right diet and training. The only thing is, you must have the right knowledge of what and when to eat to achieve quality results. This is where Anavar or Winstrol come into play.

The cutting process can be easier with two of the most popular steroids: Anavar and Winstrol. That is why bodybuilders use them. These two steroids are very popular among the people who opt for summer cut. But, which one is better? Let’s take a closer look at the pros and cons of each.

For the Cutting Phase, Which Steroid is Better: Anavar or Winstrol?

Whenever there is a discussion over cutting with steroids, the two steroids that often come up most are Anavar and Winstrol. These two are the most popular performance enhancers used for cutting by far. Many bodybuilders use these to help achieve that shredded look. However, which is better? We’ll get to that in a bit.

Before we proceed, here are a few notes on cutting. First off, cutting is not purely related to just fat loss. In the off-season, bodybuilders will bulk by consuming a high calorie diet and lifting heavy weights in order to build a quality body mass. This additional mass gained, however, not only helps them put on muscle but it also adds a bit of fat to their frame.

When these bodybuilders start the next phase-cutting, they will change their diet from high calorie to low calorie. This causes a lower production of energy than required. The extra energy is produced by burning the fats stored in the body.

However, if the energy requirement is still low, that energy is taken from the muscle stores apart from the fat stores. This creates a loss in muscle mass as well as strength during a cut which affects the physique badly.

This is the main reason why athletes and bodybuilders opt for Anavar and Winstrol. But do they really help in fat loss while preserving the muscle mass? Let’s now take a look at the pros and cons of each.

Anavar vs Winstrol: The Pros and Cons of Each

Both Anavar and Winstrol have their share of pros and cons, and if you’re looking to enhance your cut, it is important to be in the know.

Anavar

Anavar is actually quite famous among female athletes and bodybuilders and so it is often known as a girl steroid. Its androgenic rate is 24 which makes it fairly safe to use. It is weaker than testosterone. Plus, it provides a number of benefits without too many side-effects. That said, it is also used by many men for cutting.

Anavar Pros:

#1. Doesn’t aromatize

Anavar doesn’t aromatize because it is a weaker steroid. Aromatization refers to the process of converting testosterone into estrogen in the body. Estrogen is a hormone which works essentially opposite to testosterone. It is responsible for weight gain, water-retention, bloating , suppressed metabolism and can have catabolic effects. It is also responsible for the growth of breast tissues in males. Since Anavar has no such issues it can be safely used by men in that regard.

#2. Fat loss

Anavar helps to burn excess fat while preserving tissue mass by promoting fast metabolism. It helps in adding up on the muscle mass which in turn requires energy for its maintenance. This energy intake is obtained by burning fat.

#3. Increases strength

Unlike other cutting steroids, Anavar has been proven to increase strength in both men and women. But, how? This is possible because Anavar helps the muscles to hold onto nitrogen. This nitrogen will be used up by the cells to get energy while building muscle tissue. More nitrogen means more energy, and the more energy the cells have, the harder they will contract and more power will be generated.

Anavar Cons:

#1. Not so powerful

As compared to other steroids, it is fairly less powerful. It is good for the beginners or those who are looking for slight toned muscles but not necessarily good enough for die hard bodybuilders.

#2. Harmful side-effects

Though it doesn’t aromatize, it still has been found that Anavar suppresses the natural production of testosterone in men, resulting in some weight gain and muscle loss. It also increases blood pressure which can result in hypertension.

#3. Affects Cholesterol level

Anavar tends to reduce healthy HDL cholesterol and increase harmful LDL cholesterol. This results in highly prone to heart attacks, blocked arteries, strokes and even more.

Winstrol

This is an anabolic steroid with great potential, and it is very popular among male bodybuilders. Like Anavar, it is also fairly safe to use compared to many other performance enhancers.

Winstrol Pros:

#1. Increases muscle mass

Winstrol helps to preserve pre-existing muscle mass as well as helps to build new muscles. It maintains nitrogen balance in the body thus helping the cells to hold up more nitrogen. Nitrogen plays a crucial role in building and repairing muscle tissues.

#2. Fat loss

Winstrol promotes healthy fat loss. It helps to increase the body temperature which in turn aids in fast metabolism. The faster the metabolism, the more fats will be burnt, resulting in production of energy.

#3. Enhanced athletic performance

Winstrol helps to speed up the metabolism which promotes faster burning of fats and thus provides much energy.

Winstrol Cons:

#1. Liver toxicity

Winstrol can be toxic to the liver as it is taken orally. It stimulates the liver cell to produce certain enzymes that can be harmful for the liver.

#2. Increases bad cholesterol

Winstrol has been found to increase harmful LDL cholesterol which is responsible for the blockage of arteries. Many complications could arise like heart attack, stroke and even hypertension.

The Bottom Line: Anavar or Winstrol?

While this was only a brief look at Anavar vs Winstrol, you’re in a much better position now if you’re considering using either to help with your cut. That said, both Anavar and Winstrol have their share of pros, cons and dangers, so always be sure to use them under the guidance of a professional. At the end of the day, though, it is ultimately up to you which one you prefer and whether or not steroids are even for you in the first place. Good luck and be safe, guys!

Bio Hacking Your Body With SARMs

It has always been kind of taboo to speak of performance-enhancing drugs, aka Steroids. However, the last ten years have given rise to an exciting new class called SARMS, and everyone went crazy.

SARMs, or selective androgen modulators, quite simply provide the benefits of steroids without the dangerous and annoying mental and physical reactions common with steroid use.

Despite not being approved for human medication by the FDA, the limited research has shown very promising results, enough so that websites like SelectSARMS offer a slew of products for those curious enough to dabble.

However, limited research gave them all the more reason to be exploited. According to a study published in JAMA, out of 44 products that were purchased online and analyzed, only about half contained an actual SARM, while 10 percent contained none at all. Roughly 40 percent had other hormones and unapproved drugs. Several contained a drug that was abandoned by GlaxoSmithKline a decade ago after it was found to cause cancer in animals.

For this reason, it’s important to proceed with caution and only shop at trusted websites.

So What Are SARMs And How Do They Work?

Scientists developed SARMs as an alternative to anabolic steroids for people who suffer from age and disease-related muscle loss. They act on your hormones in a very targeted way, such as building muscle and burning fat at a level comparable to steroids, but without the ball-shrinking, heart & liver-destroying, unsightly body hair-growing, gynecomastia (man-boobs), and low sex-drive effects. Whatever your reasons for getting SARMs, make sure you get them from a trusted source. If you’re living in Canada, learn more about why Sarm Center are the best Sarms in Canada.

Are SARMs Safe?

Nonsteroidal SARMs have only been around for a couple of decades and, unfortunately, are lacking in human research. This imposes a certain deal of risk around their usage, especially with possibilities of slightly suppressing testosterone levels or being cancerous (as reported in mice).

However, the evidence so far says that SARMs have few side effects when used responsibly and within the recommended ranges. Some users have reported minor suppression of their testosterone levels, which can be fixed easily with a proper post-cycle-therapy (PCT). Other users report very minor side effects such a slight increase in cholesterol and maybe some eye pain, but that’s about it.

So while SARMs may not yet have been approved by the FDA, they may be on their way.

Best-Studied SARMs:

MK-2866

MK-2866  (also called ostarine) is one of the best-studied SARMs. Ostarine shows no meaningful side effects and is very effective at building muscle and burning fat. Anecdotally, however, people report short-term testosterone suppression when they take high doses of ostarine for 8-12 weeks.

LGD-4033

LGD-4033, also called Ligandrol or Anabolicum, is one of the better studied SARMs. It does not appear to stimulate fat loss, just more muscular. LGD-4033 will probably suppress your natural testosterone production a bit while you’re on it, although the effects seem to be short-lived.

GW501516

GW501516 (or Cardarine) is still under clinical trial on rodents, and it’s showing great promise as an exercise mimetic. It could be a powerful way to improve performance and shed fat while maintaining muscle. However, shortly after it was classified as a performance-enhancing drug, reports started coming out saying that GW501516 caused cancer in lab rats.

S4

S4 (andarine) seems to work best if you use it alongside other SARMs. It pairs well with MK-2866 and LGD-4033. Both suppress testosterone at higher doses, a side effect S4 can counter. The big side effect with S4, though, is visual abnormality.

Final Thoughts

SARMs fall firmly into the realm of experimental biohacking, which is all about self-experimentation, and this often carries a bit of risk with it – always the case if you’re trying the cutting-edge of things. They are on the World Anti-Doping Agency’s list of banned substances for athletic competition, so if you’re a competitive athlete, you definitely shouldn’t take them. You should also not use SARMs if you’re under 18. Otherwise, remember to use them responsibly, proceed at your own risk, and always consult your doctor first.

The “Secret” to Build Muscle Mass Fast?

It is generally acknowledged that bodybuilding or keeping fit is a long and tiring journey, and while this is certainly true, there is a “secret” to build muscle mass fast that both professional and amateur bodybuilders tend to keep under wraps.

The Secret to Build Muscle Fast?

Well the answer is not really a secret at all in fact, and that answer is steroids. The use of steroids is no stranger to hardcore gym enthusiasts and bodybuilders.

Many use steroids to enhance their bodybuilding effectiveness, especially those competing on the upper levels of the bodybuilding circuit such as Mr. Olympia, et cetera. There is a reason why “natural” bodybuilding organizations also exist.

To the average person though, a common misconception is that steroids are a magic pill that will turn you into Arnold Schwarzenegger or Jay Cutler overnight. This is far from the truth for you will still have to hit the weights like a mad hatter and consume a hardcore diet that will make most people gasp in amazement.

Steroids primarily aid with muscle recovery which happens to be one of the most important pieces of the puzzle when it comes to fast muscle gain. So no, they aren’t a magic pill that will get you ripped out of your mind with no additional effort involved or risk, but they will make a big difference when it comes to muscle gain, there’s no denying that.

Do we recommend steroids? No, but we are believers that a grown man or woman has the right to use them if it is their desire to do so. However, if you ever decide to go down this path, proceed with caution and be sure to consult with your doctor first. Steroid use comes with plenty of risk and most definitely isn’t the ideal muscle building solution for the average Joe or Jane fitness enthusiast or bodybuilder.

Buy Steroids Online Review

The above disclaimer aside, purchasing steroids is often a major concern to bodybuilders, no matter if they are amateurs or professionals. It is generally agreed that one has to be extra cautious when consuming substances, so, it would be the best to buy steroids online from a reputable and reliable source.

According to many in the bodybuilding community, Buy Steroids Online is once such reputable vendor. They have been selling steroids to millions of customers for the past 35 years, and for each and every product, they claim to conduct multiple tests in order to ensure their product is safe to use. With years of experience, they are also able to provide advice to their customers concerning the choice of products and their dosages in order for them to achieve the best results. It looks like they earned an international reputation through consistent effort to provide customers with a tailor-made and professional service.

Shipping Overview:

When making online purchases, shipping is a big issue for many. Orders could get lost or your products can get lost during shipping. Apparently though over 5,000 products are delivered safely from them to their customers all over the world each and every month. Their secret to reliable delivery is that they track each order with a strong attention to detail to ensure each customer gets exactly what they have paid for.

Payments Overview:

Their online payment system is proven to be secure by their customers, and they claim to have an exemplary track record. Customers have several payment methods to choose from, including bank transfer from different countries, credit card payment or even bitcoin. If you are going to place large orders or regular orders, they even assign a sales person dedicated for you. This means better and customized client services.

Products Overview:

On their website, they offer a wide series of steroids, including injectable steroids, oral steroids, peptide hormones, post cycle treatment, steroids accessories and steroids cycle. The wide range of steroid and steroid related products allow their customers to get everything done with a few clicks. You do not have to worry about going around to find different products from different sources. They also provide customers with a variety of steroids brands to choose from, including Anavar, Deca, Dianabol, Human Growth Hormone, Sustanon, Testosterone, Tren and Winstrol.

The Bottom Line

While we do not recommend using steroids, we do not pass judgement on those who do so. A grown adult that wants to use steroids will use steroids, period, and that choice should be their choice.

Steroid usage is also no doubt a large part professional bodybuilding, sports, and Strongman and that isn’t going to change anytime soon, so it is what it is.

But as far as building muscle mass fast, there is no real “secret” solution, unfortunately. Steroids will certainly take your muscle gains to the next level but hard work in the gym and a rigid diet is still going to be necessary.

In our personal opinion, the long-term risks of anabolic steroids or even SARMs use isn’t worth it, especially for the average person. If you want to get fit, get fit with a healthy diet and regular exercise!

On the other hand, if you have lofty goals to compete in the upper levels of bodybuilding, Strongman or other professional circuit, good luck remaining competitive without enhancement. Unfortunately, that’s just the truth.

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