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Night-time supplement – anabolism and regeneration.
This supplement works synergistically on the production of growth hormone (somatotropin; GH) due to the three flagship active ingredients present in it, namely GABA (gamma-aminobutyric acid), arginine pyroglutamate and lysine hydrochloride. Its main advantage is the effective action on the so-called GABAergic receptors. Gamma-aminobutyric acid is one of the most important neurotransmitters of the human nervous system - we also call it an inhibitory amino acid, thanks to its ability to stop the generation of excessive amounts of action potentials in cells.
How does this happen?
GABA receptors, located inside the neuronal cell membrane, create a chlorine ion channel through which ions of this element flow – the increase in the potential difference on both sides of the neuronal membrane is intensified. The preparation taken at night is particularly useful to calm the nervous system, quiet it from excessive impulses and reduce the number of unnecessary action potentials during sleep (in other words, the transfer of information within the nervous system). This will give us the opportunity to relax the muscles and reduce excitability, which in turn leads to sleep that has the character of a deepened regenerative effect (both in the physical and mental sphere).
Arginine pyroglutamate is a salt of pyroglutamic acid and the amino acid arginine - it is a component of a supplement that enhances regeneration and increases the secretion of somatotropin in a synergistic mode. It strongly supports the active ingredient, GABA, on two levels, which gives us an intensified effect of secretion and deep regeneration at the tissue level. How does this happen? As I mentioned, the body is a mechanism that consists of many processes - also those that contrast with each other, with opposite effects.
Both systems are necessary for proper functioning - the mastery here is the ability to appropriately influence and stimulate some processes so that they do not interfere with others, i.e. allow the achievement of the intended goal. The amino acid arginine works on this principle. Soimatostatin has an inhibiting effect on the secretion of excessive amounts of somatotropin, i.e. growth hormone, which we need at a given time - it is our designated goal. Arginine, on the other hand, limits the activity of the element blocking GH, i.e. allows for the free secretion (within certain limits) of this hormone. On the other hand, the second component of the salt, i.e. pyroglutamic acid, takes a different path. It affects, to some extent, the increased secretion of GH by intensifying the processes that release GABA. The salt of both components has very similar advantages to both compounds separately. Thanks to these properties, it affects the improvement of achievements and deeper muscle regeneration - therefore, the increase in efficiency can be improved thanks to better blood supply to muscle tissue.
The lysine compound acts here as a versatile supplement. Lysine itself is one of the amino acids that stimulate the secretion of somatotropin. It also affects mental comfort and focus, as it has an indirect effect on lowering cortisol levels. Lysine (hydroxy-lysine) is also used in the face of injury or as a preventive measure.
Supplements to protect joints
The most popular ingredients that protect joints (also found in the Arhreo Free product) are:
- glucosamine sulfate,
- chondroitin sulfate.
Generally, supplements that contain these elements have two protective functions for the joints. In smaller doses, we recommend using them prophylactically (as indicated on the packaging) - any type of physical training exposes the joints to smaller or greater damage. Which of course does not mean that they have to happen - that is why, preventively, i.e. prophylactically, we protect those parts of the musculoskeletal system that are responsible for movement in different directions (as bone connections). Higher doses should be used when something is already happening - joint pain, inflammation, etc.
Of course, preventive intake and proper warm-up are designed to protect us from this, but too much load during training can cause damage. It usually starts with micro-damage, which we don't notice until it grows or converges to the point where the problem becomes bigger.
All three components work actively supporting joint regeneration, mutually reinforcing their effects (synergism) and "healing" from different angles. Glucosamine is an inseparable partner of chondroitin in these types of supplement compositions. It is part of collagen. What does it matter? Well, collagen is an optimizer of the function of joint cartilage necessary for proper movement. The same applies to connective tissue. A particularly important aspect is the use of such supplementation in the case of extreme physical exertion, when we are not getting older. The older we are, the less natural glucosamine in our body - we cannot afford this, if only because of its participation in the production of collagen, which leads to bone decalcification.
In addition, it facilitates communication on the tissue-bone plane and interosseous communication. Chondroitin, on the other hand, strengthens the connective tissue and regenerates it. The properties that distinguish it from other ingredients include the ability to bind water - this has a positive effect on joint motor skills and shock-absorbing functions. Thanks to this procedure, the joints are able to take on a greater load, with a lower risk of micro-damage.
The processes of renewal and regeneration, both of connective tissue and joint cartilage or the entire joint apparatus, could not take place without the participation and presence of large doses of ascorbic acid (vitamin C). This vitamin creates a specific environment for regeneration processes - large amounts of it are excreted from the body, although it can also be taken in large amounts. Additionally, it allows for the preservation of larger amounts of collagen so that it can be used in the mechanism of tissue renewal, while the other two elements (chondroitin and glucosamine) strive to increase its production. It shows closer connections with glucosamine than with the chondroitin compound, as it effectively supports its transport and absorption.
The entire composition of the supplement is selected in such a way as to best influence the improvement of the functioning of joints, cartilage and tendons, which in fact belong strictly to the musculoskeletal system (almost directly to the skeletal system). Preparations of this type are of course extremely important not only in the case of inflammation, pain or joint strain - above all, they should be used prophylactically. You can try adding additional amounts of vitamin C to the supplement, due to the excretion of large amounts of this substance. It is worth mentioning that in this case we will also include the antioxidant function in the entire protective mechanism, because ascorbic acid shows great potential in the fight against free radicals.
It is recommended primarily for athletes and the elderly, but as a preventive measure this supplement is for everyone - the range of motion (smaller or larger) is present in every profession and every moment of our lives!
You can find the previous parts of the article at the links:
https://www.activlab.pl/pl/blog/Suplementacja-Stala-Czesc-I-Podstawowe-Suplementy/691
https://www.activlab.pl/pl/blog/Suplementacja-Stala-Czesc-II-Kompleksy-Witaminowo-Mineralowe/692
Janusz Ziolkowski
Editor-in-Chief of BodyBuilding Magazine
