Cortisol
I have not been doing good at all lately. My low calorie diet was too stressful for my immune system. Add in the fact that I’ve been using N.O. pre-workout supps on a fairly regular basis and training 5-6 days a week without getting results, which left my poor adrenals totally exhausted. I could hardly get out of bed for a few days and my brain is very "cloudy." I’ve also been depressed and have a hard time doing hobbies I usually enjoy.
I took some Adrenal Extract thinking it would help boost my adrenal and hormone levels. Well it did somewhat, at least I can get out of bed now. But the adrenals also produce cortisol, a hormone us bodybuilders are not too fond of. Cortisol causes abdominal fat (which explains why I gained weight recently without changing my training or diet), and lowers testosterone (why I can’t gain any muscle) and gives us food cravings (why I’ve been eating so much PB & J) along with other undesirable side effects. So by taking adrenal extract, I am also boosting my cortisol levels. No bueno.
I need to boost hormone levels, but also lower cortisol. One way is DHEA, which gets turned into the sex hormones, and suppresses cortisol in the process. But I don’t want any excess estrogen, so I am going to try some 7-Keto DHEA which does not turn into sex hormones but does promote weight loss, reduces cravings and suppresses cortisol.
Phosphatidylserine also suppresses cortisol by enhancing the associated neurotransmitters (in other words, telling our bodies we have enough cortisol and to stop producing it.) It also helps with the brain fog.
Now I am eagerly awaiting my new supps to arrive while trying to stay away from the chocolate as much as possible. Sometimes I wonder if I will ever be able to enter a figure competition, it’s been a goal of mine for over 10 years. I just can’t get my body chemistry figured out. Maybe I was never meant to step on the stage.
May 25, 2009 at 7:11 pm
I am so sorry you are not feeling well. Don’t forget the things I mentioned. Soy can exhaserbate those symptoms in me. I had to find work-arounds to get my protein. Especially the exhaustion and brain fog while working out intensely. The other things I mentioned may cause a contributing domino effect. Whatever it may be, I hope you are feeling better soon, because I look forward to hearing about your future competitions!
May 25, 2009 at 8:09 pm
OMG that was really sad to read. Are you happy in your quest? It seems a lot to go through,Im just saying… Well anyway just in case you do not get to step on the stage I’ll say 2 u that u do look absolutely amazing just in case a judge is not able 2 tell it 2 u… Be Blessed.
May 26, 2009 at 11:02 am
The body acts in mysterious ways, sometimes. Sounds like it’s been running riddles round you for a while now. I’m sorry to hear how tough it’s been.
It’s important to work with our bodies, to find a way of unifying them with our minds if we are ever to reach our goals. I’m confident that your figure competition goal is possible - more than possible, judging by your pictures! It will just take time for the body to find its balance.
I know you’re doing all you can to triumph over this. You have my support and full confidence.
May 27, 2009 at 7:37 pm
You’re in my prayers Pinky. You’ll get it right, have faith!
You still look great just like you are!