In the world of bodybuilding, the hottest topic in the gym is always protein and protein supplements. It isn’t any wonder, since protein is important for building mass muscle, but there are also three common myths that you are likely to hear about protein and protein supplements as well.

The first myth is that athletes do not actually require extra protein. This myth is absolutely false. A great deal of research has been done in this area, and people who are active simply need more protein. The more active you are the more protein that you need.

Recent research suggests that active people need 1.2 to 1.4 grams of protein for each kilogram of bodyweight. This is 150 more than the Recommended Daily Allowance of protein. Strength trainers need even more protein, and 1.7 to 1.8 grams of protein are recommended for each kilogram of bodyweight for this group of people.

Research has also found that athletes who only take in the recommended daily allowance of protein actually lose muscle, instead of gaining it. This is due to a decrease in whole-body protein synthesis, which is common in athletes. The additional protein recommended for athletes helps the body to keep a good nitrogen balance, which is essential to bodybuilding.

The second myth is that high protein diets are unhealthy, or even dangerous. There has been a lot of hype about kidney problems and osteoporosis associated with high protein diets, but there is no medical data to back it up.

Ever since it was first used for consumption, tobacco has provided humans with the doses that satisfy their craving for nicotine. Nicotine is the addictive substance that is found naturally in tobacco leaves. Nicotine is possibly the most commonly used addictive drug used in the world. This really isn’t a surprise given it’s long history, heavy marketing campaigns, and sometimes relaxing effects. Nicotine, being the addictive drug of tobacco, isn’t necessarily the most harmful chemical found in tobacco. Is nicotine, by itself, harmful?

Yes. Nicotine is a very poisonous yet addicting chemical. It is defined as a poison and has a lethal dosage of around 60mg, depending on the size of the person, with this number applying to a person of around 150 pounds. Arsenic, which is a main ingredient in rat poison, is lethal at around 200mg. This means that nicotine is three times more toxic than arsenic. How is it that we know these facts but continue to sell nicotine products?

The answer is probably that science hasn’t always been as advanced as it is today. We now have the ability to research the effects of certain drugs, whereas around 1500 A.D. we simply remained ignorant. Perhaps by the time technology was available to speak out against nicotine, tobacco was too widespread of a market to simply shut down. So, rather than shut it down, man decided to regulate it and continue to turn profit.

Nicotine is known to have several effects on the body. When a smokers takes a drag off a cigarette, nicotine is taken into their lungs and absorbed into the bloodstream. Nicotine has been shown to increase blood pressure as well as heart rate. For this reason, nicotine is classified as a stimulant because it generally speeds some of the body’s processes.

Getting in shape is great both for the body and for the mind. When you feel great, you look great. Some people do bodybuilding to look better, some to feel healthier – no matter what is your reason, exercising is good for you and can give you the necessary tonus to have a wonderful life. You know what they say: if you have your health, you can do anything!

One of the ways of getting in shape is bodybuilding. This is a program that includes two equally important stages: exercising and nutrition. Exercise means going to the gym and working out, but it also means that at first you have to lose the unnecessary fat in your body and then work the muscles.

Here is where nutrition comes and helps you: first, when you have to lose weight and then to give your muscles tonus. Losing weight with unconventional techniques can lead to great health problems like bulimia or anorexia, so be careful and talk to a professional nutritionist before deciding get slim. To tone up those muscles you need a daily program with different dishes that contain all your body needs – proteins mainly but other energy giving substances.

A natural program for bodybuilding is one that does not use steroids or chemical substances to get you buff. First you need to know by heart the recipe of a protein shake that will be your close friend and give you the energy to work out. This shake contains 9-12 ounces of skin milk, a little seed oil, 2 eggs and some dry fruits. Mix them up and drink the shake especially in the morning to feel more energetic, and after workouts for your muscles.