Creatine, DHT & Hair Loss

2012-04-03T10:56:00.001+10:00

An earlier post of mine covered what I beleive to be a great pre-work out mix.
I would however like to point out that it turns out its not completely ideal for those of us who are suspetable to male pattern hair loss.

The typical male pattern hair loss has been found (or at least with myself) to be caused by too much DHT (Dihydrotestosterone) to put it simply. (Although its really down to genetics that some guys just have certain hair follicles that are more susceptible to DHT causing those hair follicles to shrink over time). (Although again there is recent research suggesting that a protein called Prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) also has an impact on hair loss).

So in summary if you "suffer" from typical male pattern hair loss (i.e. have hair follicles which are genetically predisposed to DHT) then I would advise not using Creatine. Although in saying that you might not care about hair loss! A lot of people don't.

Regardless of the reasoning and science I found that by increasing my intake of Creatine my hair loss (which I had previously been able to stop with DHT blocking compounds) started to increase again.
I wasn't sure of this until I stopped using the product.

Make/mix your own Pre-Workout Powder/Drink

2011-12-07T12:41:00.001+11:00

I have tried numerous pre work out supplements (e.g. No Xplode, Jack3d etc) and after time you notice two large factors, cost and the products becoming less effective over time.

I set out to bring my costs down by making my own personalised pre-workout supplement/drink.

To start with I researched all the ingredients in my favourite pre-workout supplements to date. I then purchased each of the ingredients one by one.

I then test various combinations of ingredients and amounts. This all took a fair few months to find the right mix.
If you choose to go this way it might be wise to pick up some scales (make sure they are at least correct to the 3rd decimal place, it will really help).

Ok so here's the mix that I found works best for me. Give it a go, maybe change the amounts of each to suit yourself.

Beta-Alanine: 3000mg
Arginine: 2500mg
1,3 Dimethylamylamine: 20mg
Caffeine: 170mg
Taurine: 500mg
Creatine: 3000mg
Vitamin C: 250mg
Glucose: 20 grams

Beta-Alanine
Mainly for muscle endurance (I also definitely get an additional "pump" from it).
Arginine
Boosts the amount of Nitric Oxide in your body. It basically boosts the blood flow to your muscles Therefore allowing more everything, like glucose, minerals, oxygen etc, to get to get to where you need it. Adds to that additional "pump." If your lucky it will also give you an additional adrenaline pump. But I only notice this 1 out of 5 times, I don't know if it's something I do differently. (They also put this stuff in HGH precursors).
1,3 Dimethylamylamine
Improved concentration, buzz feeling, increased heart rate (fat burning)
Be careful with this one. If you receive drug tests for any reason (such as sports or pre-employment) it will show up. There are ways around it but I wouldn't take the risk if I was getting tested frequently.
(I don't think its the actual substance 1,3 Di, more that it can show up as an amphetamine see the World Anti Doping Prohibited list here)
Caffeine
Works great with 1,3 Di. Highly improved concentration.
(I like caffeine and take it quite frequently you might want to consider a lower does to test your tolerance)
Taurine
Taurine supports neurological development and helps regulate the level of minerals, salts and water in the blood. Its also a well known ingredient of the infamous "Red Bull" energy drink.
Personally I feel it helps give a better concentration effect when taking caffeine and 1,3 Di. As its usually used to help you sleep. When taken with stimulants like caffeine and 1,3 Di I feel it lessens any jittery feeling while still maintaining the best stimulant effect.
Creatine
Increases energy, muscle size and strength. Although in my opinion its just water retention. Still helpful though. Just bit annoying if you go out for a drink later.
Glucose
Its not rocket science. Your muscles need glucose for energy and repairing. Don't be taken in by all the dextrose and waxy maize bull shit (oh and glucose is the same thing as dextrose). I've taken it all and a simple carb is a simple carb.
The hard part is getting the right amount. Personally I only have a small amount in my pre-workout drink.

Firstly please be careful with the amount of each ingredient! Keep them low and build up from there.
Vitamin C isn't necessary, its a personal thing that I feel helps with cell regeneration and vitamin C is really cheap.
Similarly I also take a multi-vitamin (Swisse Men's Ultivite) but I don't really feel any difference. Again maybe another peace of mind thing. Plus helps with those B vitamins.
I will probably look at increasing the 1,3 Di and Taurine but this is the best test so far after about 100 odd attempts.

Getting your own ingredients really does help not only save cost but also get EXACTLY what you want out of your work out.

PLEASE NOTE:
I stock a few of the above products that I can give people a good discount on so please check out my store for the best price.
I can't offer a better discount on the other products so I don't stock them, I'm not out to rip anyone off.
Also please note that I am based in Australia so the postage will mainly be more suited to people inside Australia.

My disclaimer:
I accept no responsibility for people who take too much of each product to start with. Or even generally, everyone reacts differently and there's no way of me knowing the consequences to each and every person.
I can't also predict or tell if anyone has allergic reactions to any of these products/ingredients.
Be careful and use your head.

Also please read my recent post regarding the effects of Creatine and hair loss.

Muscle Building Tips & Advice

Creatine, DHT & Hair Loss

Make/mix your own Pre-Workout Powder/Drink