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Steroids and Blood (Part 1)

Heavy training will always produce extraordinary results for bodybuilders regardless of whether he is taking Anabolic Steroids or not. We are going to take a closer look at a really vital organ...the liver, although we do in fact rely on all of our bodies organs for detoxification, various energy conversion processes, as well as muscle growth and repair.

The secretions aid fat digestion producing high density lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) and destroying the undesirable low density lipoprotein Cholesterol (LDL-C). Did you know that even when we are resting, that our liver receives about 30% of our blood supply? You have a good look at the meat counter the next time you go to the supermarket.

Liver function tests do in fact detect enzyme levels (biological catalyst, for more info, do a biochemistry course). A bodybuilder's intense workouts will break down massive quantities of skeletal muscle cells (thats if you have been training properly).

This and intramuscular injections can distort test results. So what did I need to tell my Doctor so we know what to worry about and what he can sigh about people wanting to have bulging muscles? The tests involve a range of enzyme markers; let's look at the ones pertinent to weight lifters.

All of the following are parameters measured in a full blood haematology profile, I include it here for completeness sake, but in reality only a few of the indices are of interest to us as weight trainers.

Haemoglobin: The measure of the amount of the major blood protein of red blood cells, a low count may indicate anaemia. Poor diet and B12 and folic acid deficiency may account for this (so go eat some liver and spinach, wholesome foods)

Red cells: Now this is a strange one as it counts the number of red cells in a given quantity of blood. These blood cells are actually produced by our bone marrow and only survive for about 3 weeks, but alcohol is a player here and can cause macrocytosis. This means the cells become bigger which can cause serious problems when trying to pass through tiny capillaries.

HCT ratio PCV (haematocrit ratio, packed cell volume / MCH (average corpuscular haemoglobin / MCHC (average corpuscular haemoglobin concentrations) are all different examples of red cell indices which describe exactly what red blood cells contain and their shape.

ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) gives us an overall picture of a patient's health. If you are suffering any type of infection then you are likely to get a high rate due to possible medications that can affect the immune system. A high test rate can also be caused by certain inflammatory conditions.

An adequate proportion of platelets is vital for the blood system and it's ability to clot. A low count in platelets will lead to bad bruising and excessive bleeding from a wound. This can also be caused through the use of aspirin while in an ECA stack.

White cell count can indicate viral or bacterial infection as this test result would rise with an infection as white cells increase and produce antibodies to combat infection (this is also a good reason to have good muscle mass - where did you think the protein to synthesis antibodies came from?)

The above tests are not normally looked at in the GP's consulting room, unless specific problems have been encountered. The following test parameters are the ones that are usual to weight trainers but sound alarm bells to any consulting Doctor interpreting the results, not used to having a 200lb plus muscle monster in front of him. (Don't miss part 2).

Article Source: http://www.inpop.net

Author: Mick Hart... a Top Class Steroid & Bodybuilding expert Safe Methods of nutrition and steroids

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