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Protein is the number one nutrient that can lead to weight gains
and leaner muscle mass. This is a fact every athlete and bodybuilder
lives by. By incorporating more protein in the diet, there is an
increased rate in protein synthesis and muscle growth. But sports
nutrition doesn't just end there. We also need to find out and make sure
that the body is getting the right amount of protein that it needs and
if it is really using up all the protein that we're ingesting in the
body. This is where nitrogen testing comes in. A nitrogen test will
determine if your body is in the right anabolic state.
Why measure nitrogen?
We measure nitrogen balance to determine the state of protein in the body because only protein contains nitrogen. All the other nutrients athletes consume are made up of carbon, hydrogen or oxygen but none of them ever has nitrogen. By finding out how much nitrogen is being excreted and how much of it is being retained, we will then learn what the body is doing with the protein being taken.
How is it measured?
In a 24-hour period, the amount of nitrogen you take in will be compared to the amount of nitrogen your body is excreting. This will be done by collecting urine samples as 90% of nitrogen will be lost through the kidneys. The results will show your body's current nitrogen balance-either negative, positive or equilibrium.
A positive nitrogen balance basically means that your body is in an anabolic state or otherwise known by bodybuilders as the muscle building state. Your nitrogen input is greater than the output. Being in this state means your muscles are primed and fit for growth and will not easily breakdown. You will also get faster muscle recovery. This is what every bodybuilder continues to strive for by taking in the right nutrients.
A negative nitrogen balance, as you might have already guessed, is bad. This means your body is in a catabolic state, the opposite of anabolism. It is breaking down muscle tissues so it can correct certain nutritional deficiencies currently occurring in the body. This could mean that you are not getting enough protein/nitrogen or it could also be caused by over training. Muscle growth happens during recovery and if you're not getting an adequate amount of rest, then your muscles will not have time to grow because they are too busy exercising.
Now an equilibrium balance means the muscles are not primed for growth. Nitrogen input and output are at the same amounts. This does not necessarily mean a deficiency in protein either. In fact, you could be getting more than enough protein, it's just that you are missing all the other nutrients your body needs for energy so it is resorting to the only available energy source it has. Since all the protein you're taking in is being used for energy, your muscle will not have the protein it needs to grow.
How to achieve positive nitrogen balance?
Three things you need to do to achieve the optimal anabolic state: nutrition, training and rest. People with active lifestyles need calories for energy so make sure you get an more than enough calories for burning off during workouts. Of course, you also need plenty of protein. You need to consume at least six meals in a day packed with complete protein sources. Meals should consist of natural food sources like lean pork, beef, chicken breast, beans and the like. Before you train, it is recommended to drink a pre-workout supplement an hour before. A good pre-workout drink should have protein, glucose and carbohydrates. Before going to bed, having a glass of protein shake will aid in muscle growth while you sleep and prevent muscle breakdown at the same time. Choose products like Monster Mass to help you reach a positive nitrogen balance. However, be reminded that protein is not the only important nutrient you need. You should incorporate complex carbohydrates and healthy fats into your diet to get optimal health which can then promote anabolism.
Your exercise routine should also focus on promoting an anabolic state. Keep your routines short but intense. Another thing is proper rest. Your resting periods is when protein synthesis occurs. If you're nitrogen balance is negative, you should just stop training altogether until your nitrogen balance improves.
Why measure nitrogen?
We measure nitrogen balance to determine the state of protein in the body because only protein contains nitrogen. All the other nutrients athletes consume are made up of carbon, hydrogen or oxygen but none of them ever has nitrogen. By finding out how much nitrogen is being excreted and how much of it is being retained, we will then learn what the body is doing with the protein being taken.
How is it measured?
In a 24-hour period, the amount of nitrogen you take in will be compared to the amount of nitrogen your body is excreting. This will be done by collecting urine samples as 90% of nitrogen will be lost through the kidneys. The results will show your body's current nitrogen balance-either negative, positive or equilibrium.
A positive nitrogen balance basically means that your body is in an anabolic state or otherwise known by bodybuilders as the muscle building state. Your nitrogen input is greater than the output. Being in this state means your muscles are primed and fit for growth and will not easily breakdown. You will also get faster muscle recovery. This is what every bodybuilder continues to strive for by taking in the right nutrients.
A negative nitrogen balance, as you might have already guessed, is bad. This means your body is in a catabolic state, the opposite of anabolism. It is breaking down muscle tissues so it can correct certain nutritional deficiencies currently occurring in the body. This could mean that you are not getting enough protein/nitrogen or it could also be caused by over training. Muscle growth happens during recovery and if you're not getting an adequate amount of rest, then your muscles will not have time to grow because they are too busy exercising.
Now an equilibrium balance means the muscles are not primed for growth. Nitrogen input and output are at the same amounts. This does not necessarily mean a deficiency in protein either. In fact, you could be getting more than enough protein, it's just that you are missing all the other nutrients your body needs for energy so it is resorting to the only available energy source it has. Since all the protein you're taking in is being used for energy, your muscle will not have the protein it needs to grow.
How to achieve positive nitrogen balance?
Three things you need to do to achieve the optimal anabolic state: nutrition, training and rest. People with active lifestyles need calories for energy so make sure you get an more than enough calories for burning off during workouts. Of course, you also need plenty of protein. You need to consume at least six meals in a day packed with complete protein sources. Meals should consist of natural food sources like lean pork, beef, chicken breast, beans and the like. Before you train, it is recommended to drink a pre-workout supplement an hour before. A good pre-workout drink should have protein, glucose and carbohydrates. Before going to bed, having a glass of protein shake will aid in muscle growth while you sleep and prevent muscle breakdown at the same time. Choose products like Monster Mass to help you reach a positive nitrogen balance. However, be reminded that protein is not the only important nutrient you need. You should incorporate complex carbohydrates and healthy fats into your diet to get optimal health which can then promote anabolism.
Your exercise routine should also focus on promoting an anabolic state. Keep your routines short but intense. Another thing is proper rest. Your resting periods is when protein synthesis occurs. If you're nitrogen balance is negative, you should just stop training altogether until your nitrogen balance improves.
Be guided when you buy Monster Mass and other supplements that
can affect your overall nitrogen balance. Also read this for more
workout tips and other supplements you can get at NutritionWarehouse.
Article Source:
http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brendon_I_Boid
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