How Quitting Alcohol Helped Today's Guest Lose 30 Pounds, Make More Money, Attract Better Friends And Lovers, And Got A Job Hosting SportsCenter on ESPN (And Your Formula For Reducing or Quitting Alcohol).

One of the most insightful and informative books that I read this month was "Vitamin K2 and the Calcium Paradox". It was written by Kate Rhéaume-Bleue, N.D. (pictured below) , a naturopathic physician and Canadian expert in natural medicine. Vitamin K2 was actually something I mentioned in "12 Mental Performance Hacks: A Cheat Sheet For Boosting [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

10 Helmi 201215min

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this Feb 8, 2012 free audio podcast: What Does It Feel Like When You're Overtrained? Also: abnormally low heart rate during exercise, the benefits of holding a position (isometrics), transitioning to "barefoot" running, is calorie "banking" effective for bulking up, the best exercises for maintaining bone density, can you make up for lack of sleep with exercise, treating pre-event illness, exercise equipment for kids, how wheat effects your brain, and nutritional advice for cancer patients. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Update your Ben Greenfield Fitness App - to get the latest version for iPhone or Android, delete the app and reinstall it. Ben Greenfield's Ultimate Weight Training Guide - now available in hard copy format. The REV Diet - is the "eating protocol" that Brock is following right now. Follow Ben on Google+ - and get different info than you get from Facebook and/or Twitter. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at - The Inner Circle <-- get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: I'm becoming more and more convinced that late night carbs aren't an issue IF you're controlling calories during the day. Good proof that you should get massages (or use a foam roller). Ride a bike hard for 45 minutes and you bump up your metabolic rate for 14 hours. If you're working out in fasted state, taking amino acids before can vastly improve results. (This is Ben's recommendation for Branched Chain Amino Acids: Recoverease and for Whole Amino Acids: MAP Master Amino Pattern) ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Stewart: Wondering why he can't get his heart rate to go high and if that is a problem. Audio Question from Pete: Wondering about dips and what the purpose of holding a position is. Dan asks: You recently mentioned that you tried and enjoyed Vibram's KSO Trek. I have been a fan of the Fivefinger lineup for a few years now and have done two off-road Tri's in my Treksports, as well as a trail 1/2 marathon in my KSO Trek's. I was wondering where you would draw the line in regards to usage and distance. Would you not recommend VFF's (Vibram FiveFinger's) or other minimalistic "foot-gloves" full time? Do you think mixing up VFF's with your typical "sneaker" is a good idea for training? I have learned that form is very important, but anytime I put a normal sneaker on now I feel like I am running on marshmallows and I am setting myself up for injury. ~ Here are the KSO Trek's I'm using right now. Brandon asks: What are your thoughts on calorie banking/cycling for a bulking regime? Is "banking" something to do in the future on rest days? What would happen if I took a few days (like 1 weekend) to "bank" calories without exercise? Will a metabolism slow down quickly enough to turn those calories into fat without the stimulation from weights/HIIT on a daily basis? (Meaning I should keep extra calories to exercise days). Would you recommend calorie cycling for bulking like you recommend for weight loss plateaus? Kathy asks: I'm a 42-year old female, and I enjoy endurance training. I started cycling a few years ago, and then got into triathlons. I did a few Olympic length races, and even managed to win my age group! But I decided to skip triathlon training this year, as I'd like more time for other personal goals. I'm focusing on cycling, but I like running and swimming, and some variety in the routine is fun. If I'm going to eliminate one, which should it be? My main fitness goal is to improve my cycling: the faster I ride, the more fun I have! And I'll be training for a Gran Fondo in the summer. My secondary goal is to lose a few pounds. Not only will this help my watts/kg (right now at about 3.3), but, as I've gotten older, it's more of a struggle just to maintain the same weight and not creep up. I lift weights once a week religiously, due to previous knee and shoulder injuries, and sometimes mix in some plyometrics. Swimming is very relaxing, and I like balancing the cycling with the upper body workout, but, as an older female, is running more important? I'm not sure if lifting once a week is enough to maintain bone density. Bret wrote: I was having a discussion with a group of my early morning (5am) workout buddies. If you have the choice, is it better to get a full night’s sleep or to get in the workout? Lack of sleep causes a myriad of issues, fatigue, cortisol release, etc… does a workout trump the negative effects of no sleep/lack of sleep? ~ In my response to Bret, I mention my previous podcast on polyphasic sleeping. Josue wrote: I have been training for the last 17 weeks for a cycling event on January 27, I have put a lot of time, effort and money into it. I have been really sick for the last 2 days with sinus, flu, cough, and everything in between, the good thing is no diarrhea or vomiting. What recommendations can you give me and do you feel that everything is down the drain? By the way, is a 3 day event, 375 miles and is the first time I do something like this, I am by no means a professional!!! I'm a bit desperate and everyone has a different answer, I figure you would have the correct answer. ~ In my response to Josue, I mention Oil of Oregano  and Enerprime. Robert asks: We have a daughter who was 2 months premature. During her hospital stay she got meningitis and was close to death. She is now 7 years old and may have a slight case of cerebral palsy, but has not been diagnosed by her doctor. We had noticed she was very stiff on her left side. Her doctor recommended a physical activity to help her development. She has been in gymnastics for about two years, and we see a very noticeable difference. Her routine is basically a lot of stretching, running, body weight exercises etc. How can we design a system or workout for children to do ourselves what the local gym does. Why should we pay someone when we can have her run, stretch, do pushups, sit ups, pull-ups etc., right here at home and include our other children and ourselves. Eric asks: I really enjoyed your interview with Dr. Davis regarding the consumption of wheat. Prior to listening to the episode we eliminated wheat from my son's diet after dealing with some behavioural issues and have seen a definite improvement. The improvement was so great we have begun to eliminate it from the rest of our diets as well and the info presented by Dr. Davis further solidified that decision. I was wondering if after your interview if you have any intentions of reducing or eliminating wheat from your diet? If so, it would be interesting to see what improvements you notice as you are so in tune with your health. Ferdinand asks: Just had a friend tell me that he was diagnosed with liposarcoma cancer. This particular cancer is quite rare and thus the best treatment from the medical point of view is really unknown. I pointed him to a few podcast episodes that cover cancer treatment via nutrition, but I wanted to see if you could run down a few specific things that you would tell someone if they asked you for advice on combating cancer through nutrition and exercise. ~ In my response to Ferdinand, I mention The Burzynski Movie. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

8 Helmi 20121h 19min

Do you work at or own a corporation? Do they have a corporate wellness program? If so, do you have any clue if it's run the correct way, or if it's just making you sick and fat? In truth, there are few investments you can make that provide you with a higher return than a [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3 Helmi 201217min

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. In this Feb 1, 2012 free audio podcast: Why Your Back Hurts. Also: a functional obstacle course, is hot yoga good, fuelling for a mid-day race, drinking only when thirsty, how to know when to end a work out, help for nerve damage, lifting with scoliosis, and training for wilderness first aid. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Check out this funny endurance video - in which Dave Erickson and I put a Timex Run Trainer through a torture test in a re-enactment of the John Cameron Swayze Timex commercial - "Takes A Lickin and Keeps On Tickin". The Ben Greenfield Superhuman Food Pyramid - now available for download! Follow Ben on Google+ - and get different info than you get from Facebook and/or Twitter. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at - The Inner Circle <-- get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Here's a great image, if you've ever wondered how many carbs you need to eat to do really well at an endurance event. Starvation can cure type II diabetes. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Kumar: Wants to know how to solve his lower back pain. ~ In my response to Kumar, I mention www.runwithnopain.com Audio Question from Kent: Looking for ideas for an obstacle course based on real fitness principals. Audio Question from Megan: Wants an opinion on Bikram Yoga. ~ In my response, I link to this Huffington Post article on Yoga and Weight Loss. Audio Question from "Nooner": Looking for fueling advice for a 70.3 that starts at noon. Dan wrote: dr. noakes says to drink when you're thirsty. makes sense. no reason to drink more than your body needs from a hydration standpoint. but what about reducing the risk of rhabdo and acute renal failure in endurance events? i'm an ultrarunner training for the leadville 100 this summer and i'd hate to wind up in the hospital because i didn't drink enough during my race. i can see a benefit in this situation to drink beyond my basic hydration needs. ~ In my response I mention the article "Athletes: Obey Your Thirst". Angel says: How do I know If I am working out enough or to much? Most times, when the workout video ends (The Daily Burn - where I found Ben) or I finish what I am doing, even though I am trembling, I want to do more. Is the trembling saying that's enough? Aren't I suppose to go till failure? Often if I work out that a.m. I want to work out again p.m. But I hear things about over training etc. I don't know where the line is. Should I go till I am a puddle in the floor or stop when the video stops or the written sets are done? How do other people judge? ~ In my response to Angel, I talk about Rest Wise. Robert asks: 20 years ago, as a weightlifter, I herniated a disc and a pinched sciatic nerve resulted in severe leg nerve pain and foot drop. Surgery and PT got rid of the pain and most of the foot drop to the point where I can walk and run but not do too well moving my toes or lifting my foot against weights. Now as a triathlete, this limits me in two ways -- 1) in the affected leg my leg strength, particularly in the calf, ankle and foot, is weak. This affects balance and eg cycling power. 2) at higher speeds of running, my foot can’t keep up with my cadence and tires quickly. Beyond the normal strength training and PT exercises, do you think there is any way of stimulating nerve regeneration, which is the source of the problem. I realize this is the holy grail of addressing paralysis, and I am 20 years into this injury, but I was thinking that with all your research perhaps you have come across supplements or other promising techniques that help with nerve damage resulting in muscle weakness. ~ In my response to Robert, I recommend www.shopcompex.com and also my recent article about psychostimulants. Colin asks: When I was in my teens, I was diagnosed with moderate scoliosis in my lower back and had to wear a brace for a couple years. I'm now 31, and I haven't had any real issues since then despite keeping an active lifestyle that includes running, swimming, weightlifting, skiing, and tennis. The only time I feel discomfort is when I try to perform traditional "main lifts" that place stress on my lower back, like deadlifts and any weight-bearing squats. I don't want to hurt my back, but I also don't want to miss out on the benefits of these kinds of full-body movements. Do you have any suggestions for alternatives? Any help would be much appreciated! Tommy wrote: Does your weight affect your power output on a stationary bike? I know it affects your power output climbing hills, but how so on a stationary bike? For example if I'm setting up my weight on a cycle-ops is it only for calorie expenditure? Also, what's with the deal with professional cyclist freezing their bodies before races? Is this an anomaly, or is this a new pre-race "warm-up?" ~ The article at Outside Online. Ed wrote: I am working on becoming a trainer for wilderness first aid. It will include search and rescue and getting the injured person to an extraction point. Occasionally Very Physical. My question is, in an effort to be in better shape than the students, how should I train and what should I be doing in terms of nutrition? I was hiking 3 miles every other day in the hills in our area with a 40 lbs pack. This training helped out a lot with a two week course I went to. I'm 49 and in pretty good shape but want to know more about dietary needs for strenuous hiking. My knees don't do well with running but the hiking works out OK. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

1 Helmi 20121h 10min

Australian running drills expert and triathlon coach Graeme Turner was told by doctors that he should never run again because he had destroyed his knees playing sports. But he refused to listen, and instead used his knowledge of physics to train his body to run in a way that did not stress his joints. He [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

27 Tammi 201225min

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode.  In this Jan 25, 2012 free audio podcast: Does Fiber Help You Lose Fat? Also: is gum good for you, gluten free products and insulin spikes, glycemic index vs. glycemic load, dairy free probiotics, how much salt is enough, treating bone bruises, is donating blood actually beneficial for men, nipple fat, and is the African Mango really that great? Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: The Ben Greenfield Superhuman Food Pyramid - now available for download! Follow Ben on Google+ - and get different info than you get from Facebook and/or Twitter. The GI stool test that Ben mentioned taking - from the comfort of his own home. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at - The Inner Circle <-- get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Any pill that has same effect of exercise has to raise your eyebrow...shortcuts often dangerous. Reason not to worry if you're doing a triathlon and need to just "jump in the water and go" with no warmup. Running or bicycling just doesn't cut it when you get older ­ you need to work any muscles you plan on keeping. ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Fibre1Girl: What do you think about Fibre One Cereal and/or other high sources of fibre. Audio Question from Ron: Does gum help with memory and muscle reactions. ~ In my response to Ron, I mention the Spry gum I chew every day. Andres asks: Your podcast about wheat was pretty amazing. I was shocked to hear about the ability of gluten free products to raise blood sugar the way they do. My question is when Dr William Davis spoke of wheat he mentioned that all forms of grain are inflammatory. Does this include those types of grains thought to be "healthier" like quinoa, millet, amaranth, etc... And, if so, what are healthier options to substitute with? Does coconut flour also cause the same physiological effect on the body as well? Steph wrote: I have a question about high glycemic index foods, are they the main cause of the obesity epidemic and all the disease around and should people be watching that more closely almost rather than their calories? Also if I were to limit my carbs how many grams would you say I need per day I am 22 years old 5"4 and 122 pounds and I am quite active! Kim asks: What amount of pro-biotics is optimal? I have a 'green food' mix that contains 200 mg of dairy free l.acidophilus, B.longum, L.Casei, Rhamnosus. My reason for asking is that I'm considering cutting dairy out of my diet (due to possible allergy) and want to make sure I don't miss out on these healthy pro-biotics! Scott writes: I'm in my 50's and tend to sweat an extreme amount and wonder if you recommend a salt supplement to add to my electrolytes. I generally use Heed but the sodium amount is minimal. I've heard unbleached or black salt mixed into a glass of water before a workout or event could help. How many mg's of salt per day is advisable. ~ In my response to Scott, I mention my podcast interview with Dr. Tim Noakes - and also talk about www.therightstuff-usa.com and Millennium Sport's "Athlytes" from www.millenniumsport.net. Jason says: After completing my first marathon, I noticed pain in top of my left foot. Upon review with a podiatrist, I was told I have a bone bruise in my Second Cuboid. I was given some cream to reduce swelling and was told not to run for 6 weeks. I was given the OK to ride a bike, use an elliptical and lift weights. 6 weeks have gone by and I still have a bump on the top of my foot but I have no pain in my foot. Any ideas on how to reduce or eliminate this bump? Any supplements that can aid in the healing of a bone bruise? ~ In my response, I mention episode #133 about pain on the top of the foot and I also discuss Capraflex and lactoferrin. Avi wrote: I had a question regarding men donating blood. Other than being a gracious thing to do for those in need, I've heard it's a good thing for men to donate blood every once in a while because of the build up of Iron in our blood. Is there any truth to this and would you recommend this from an overall blood and heart health. Johny wrote: I do not have man boobs. I have a proper chest shape and I'm working out heavily at the gym. I'm 21 and am slowly gaining muscle mass. My problem is that I have fat around my nipples. It does not show anywhere else on my chest, only around and on my nipples. One is quite a bit bigger than the other. It happened like this: when I was very young, I hurt my nipple by touching it too hard and then I tried it on the other one also... I don't know what I was thinking! It has been very embarrassing for me now and it has been more than ten years. I have a good chest and body tone but am now not able to even wear a tight t-shirt. Please help me. Should I go for liposuction only or is there any other way. Will it go naturally? When I was not working out it seemed pretty invisible (to some extent) but now that I have muscles in my chest, the fat in the nipples shows and is a little awkward and I wear vests to hide it. I wanna get rid of this nipple fat, Ben. What do I do ? p@ul asks: Any truth to the benefits of African Mango Irvingia Gabonensis? Any caveats to its use? The first person I thought to recommend it has adult onset diabetes. I was thinking of myself, too: I have a family history of diabetes but I have not been diagnosed with it. I don't need to lose weight. I'd consider it if increased HDL. Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

25 Tammi 20121h 25min

If you're wondering how to choose protein powder, this article will help you, because I'm going to teach you about 4 protein powder mistakes you probably don't know you're making. Be sure to download and listen to this protein audio interview  too. Let's start with a quick exercise: Take a look at the ingredients of the [...] See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

20 Tammi 201221min

Click to Subscribe to All Ben's Fitness & Get A Free Surprise Gift from Ben. Click here for the full written transcript of this podcast episode. In this January 18, 2012 free audio episode: What Pharmaceutical Companies Don't Want You To Know About Statins. Plus: light therapy, what are super-carbs, how to cycle calories, milk for lactose intolerance, clear fluids before colonscopy, o-lifting, P90X and running, staying warm during a swim, and the effects of too much calcium. Do you have a future podcast question for Ben? Call toll free to 1-877-209-9439, Skype to “pacificfit” or scroll down on this post to access the free “Ask Ben” form... Remember, if you have any trouble listening, downloading, or transferring to your mp3 player just e-mail ben@bengreenfieldfitness.com And don't forget to leave the podcast a ranking in iTunes - it only takes 2 minutes of your time and helps grow our healthy community! Just click here to go to our iTunes page and leave feedback. ----------------------------------------------------- Special Announcements: Saturday, January 21 - 9am to 4pm - "Ben is speaking at the Total Transformation Health Expo" in Rose Creek, California! Go to http://tthealthexpo-eorg.eventbrite.com/ for more details. Tune is this Friday - Ben will be talking to the folks at Mt. Capra about their product DEEP2 30™. Ben is now logging his daily diet & exercise sessions at: www.bengreenfieldfitness.com/innercircle <--get in now for a buck! ----------------------------------------------------- News Flashes: Follow Ben on Twitter to get all the news flashes this week and every week! ----------------------------------------------------- Listener Q&A: Audio Question from Craig: Asks about light therapy for more than just treatment of depression. ~ In my response to Craig, I mention these Gunnar glasses. Audio Question from Keith: Wants to know about "Super" Carbs (from an article in UltraRunning by Sunny Blende). ~ In my response, I mention this podcast episode on forefoot running with Danny Abshire. Matt asks: I run anywhere from 50 to 75 miles a week and weigh around 200lbs I would like to lose about 25lbs. what is the best way to do that while continuing my current training schedule? Is there a calorie deficit I should try to hit daily that will allow me to lose weight without sacrificing a lot of performance? Todd asks: I have been lactose intolerant all my life. I started triathlon recently and thought taking after-workout protein shakes would be a good idea. One problem, most seem to be dairy based. I get a massive headache and GI issues after drinking them. Same issues with fruit juice and now soy milk. Any ideas or suggestions for managing this and incorporating post recovery drinks into my routine? ~ In my response to Todd, I reference this podcast and also recommend probiotics, digestive enzymes, and the new DEEP30 protein or LivingProtein. Jeff asks: I am scheduled to have a colonoscopy and in part of preparation the colon must be cleared. So... the day before and the day of the procedure, I am allowed nothing but clear fluids. From a nutritional standpoint, are there specific fluids that would be of greater benefit to me? I am a hard training triathlete and nutritional effects on training are a concern to me. The procedure is on a Wed. I plan Monday to get a solid brick and moderate swim in and then do nothing Tuesday (start clear fluid diet), Wednesday (procedure) and Thursday. Any thoughts on type of fluid intake or preparation prior to and post procedure from a nutritional and exercise perspective. Bob asks: My question is on taking up O-lifting at the tender age of 45. Background: have a pretty demanding day job, so will be able to devote 2-3 sessions a week max to it. Am 6'4" tall & flexibility is a challenge. Am reasonably well versed in 3 of the 4 classic power lifts (Bench of 275 lbs. & good form; Standing Press of 140 lbs. & won't kill myself form; Deadlift of 370 & fair form; squat of only 235 lbs. with very shakey form when going to full depth). I would be very interested in both your general recommendations for making progress on both the snatch and clean & jerk, as well as your specific recommendations on the mobility work for O-lifting I should focus on for the necessary flexibility. ~ In my response to Bob, I recommend this video with Dan John. Al asks: I am a marathon runner and I am looking forward to trying your marathon dominator program in 2012. I am currently in my off season and I have been doing a combination of strength training using your 12 strength training routines for triathletes guide and doing cardio with mixing swimming, elipitical and bike interval routines. I just started P90X and I wanted to get your thoughts on the program and how it relates to my off-season running training. It does have a lot of volume with about 1 hour per day spent on focused training. ~ In my response to Al I mention www.marathondominator.com PowerFr0g asks: I've been swimming a lot in open water lately in preparation for a few Olympic Distance triathlons. After about 30-40 min spent in the water, my fingers and feet get numb and it takes about 30 minutes for the blood to go back into my limbs after I get out of the water and even when going straight on a bike ride or a run. I live in Australia, where it's currently summer. The water is about 18C /64F degrees, which is cool but not freezing cold. I haven't swam in my Tri suit yet but I want to get used to swimming without much buoyancy and want to train in open water as opposed to a pool (by the way, I haven't got this problem when swimming in the pool). I searched your site on how to improve blood circulation. In Episode #103, you mention the greyhound juice website. It seems the site no longer exists. Any other tips to stay warm after a swim or some tricks on how to get the blood rushing back into fingers/feet straight after a swim? ~ In my response, I mention this Ozone muscle-warming cream. Gordon asks: Under what circumstances would you recommend coming off doctor-prescribed statins? I have been taking statins for most of the last ten years and have come to believe that it is affecting my athletic performance, perhaps progressively. My high cholesterol appears to be hereditary - at least, higher levels persist even though I have an excellent diet and exercise regimen. Recently, I have begun to notice increased aching and loss of power during longer cycle rides (over 25 miles or so), longer delays in recovery, and a general stagnation in performance. I have noticed that during 2009, when I took a break from statins for about a year, my performance was higher/faster that year (by about 8%). Since going back on statins in 2010, I have not been able to ride as fast, and overall feel under-powered, especially during longer rides, with aching primarily in the larger upper leg and thigh muscles. When not taking statins, my overall cholesterol shoots quickly up in to the high 200s and my doctor has insisted that I stay on them (even though I have no other risk factors and am otherwise in great shape for 46). Based on my own experience, documented performance records, and some research into how statins affect athletes, I am considering coming off statins against my doctor's wishes. Do you have any thoughts or recommendations that might help me make this decision? ~ In my response, I recommend the website www.trackyourplaque.com. Kem asks: Calcium scores got me thinking. Could a healthy (as in lots and good) dairy consumption lead to artery in-elasticity and cause one's blood pressure to rise? Prior to asking your question, PLEASE be considerate and do a search in upper right hand corner of this website for the keywords associated with your question. 90% of the questions we receive have already been asked and answered here at BenGreenfieldFitness.com! ====================================== [contact-form-7 id="6222" title="Ask Ben"]====================================== Brand new - get insider VIP tips and discounts from Ben - conveniently delivered directly to your phone! Just complete the information below... First Name Last Name Email Cell # (1+area code):See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

18 Tammi 20121h 13min