Getting Your Anabolic Furnace STOKED! (Sponsored)

[strategicmove]

June 4 - June 5, 2008
Days 5 - 6

Impressions / Results:

I took my last dose of STOKED! just before bed with the other products as usual. My sleep has not been as deep as it used to be. It is hard to conclude this is related to my supplementation, as we have had significant weather changes in the past couple of days. I would give this a few more days before concluding on the relationship between my late dosing and my sleep patterns.

I am beginning to feel some "tightening" of my muscles, as if they were getting "drier". This is known to be one outcome of icariin supplementation. I wanted to wait another day or so to post this observation, but I decided to state it now. Confirmation will follow, to rule out any placebos.

Icariin is also known to trigger dryness of joints, due to its estrogen-inhibiting effects. Fortunately, this has not set in yet in my case, as I ensure adequate intake of essential fatty acids to counteract any potential problems here. Besides, I take Osteobolin-C from time to take to help with joint-, tendon-, and ligament support.

I enjoy the noticeable improvement in arterial circulation and vasodilation that I have experienced so far. While STOKED! is quite capable of delivering this on its own, I see an important synergy between STOKED! and grape seed extract. As is well-known, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase is necessary to stimulate the production of nitric oxide. Grape seed extract supports nitric-oxide synthase, further enhancing elevated nitric oxide levels and increasing blood-vessel dilation. As is well known, nitric oxide requires cGMP for effective vasodilation to occur. Enter icariin. By inhibiting PDE-5, the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, icariin ensures that elevated nitric-oxide levels triggered by grape seed extract and resveratrol are sustained by icariin-powered cGMP, creating compound vasodilation.

No noticeable increase in aggression can be reported. Appetite is moderate. Energy and endurance are stable. A general feeling of well-being is identifiable.

[A_I_Sports_Nutrition]

June 4 - June 5, 2008
Days 5 - 6

Impressions / Results:

I took my last dose of STOKED! just before bed with the other products as usual. My sleep has not been as deep as it used to be. It is hard to conclude this is related to my supplementation, as we have had significant weather changes in the past couple of days. I would give this a few more days before concluding on the relationship between my late dosing and my sleep patterns.

I am beginning to feel some "tightening" of my muscles, as if they were getting "drier". This is known to be one outcome of icariin supplementation. I wanted to wait another day or so to post this observation, but I decided to state it now. Confirmation will follow, to rule out any placebos.

Icariin is also known to trigger dryness of joints, due to its estrogen-inhibiting effects. Fortunately, this has not set in yet in my case, as I ensure adequate intake of essential fatty acids to counteract any potential problems here. Besides, I take Osteobolin-C from time to take to help with joint-, tendon-, and ligament support.

I enjoy the noticeable improvement in arterial circulation and vasodilation that I have experienced so far. While STOKED! is quite capable of delivering this on its own, I see an important synergy between STOKED! and grape seed extract. As is well-known, the enzyme nitric oxide synthase is necessary to stimulate the production of nitric oxide. Grape seed extract supports nitric-oxide synthase, further enhancing elevated nitric oxide levels and increasing blood-vessel dilation. As is well known, nitric oxide requires cGMP for effective vasodilation to occur. Enter icariin. By inhibiting PDE-5, the enzyme that breaks down cGMP, icariin ensures that elevated nitric-oxide levels triggered by grape seed extract and resveratrol are sustained by icariin-powered cGMP, creating compound vasodilation.

No noticeable increase in aggression can be reported. Appetite is moderate. Energy and endurance are stable. A general feeling of well-being is identifiable.

Very detailed in here would be interested in if you sleep quality improves many reports of better sleep quality on this. Keep up the great work.

[stxnas]

Just checking in boss ...I hope you begin to feel the changes on endurance soon. That and the deep sleep are probably my favorite results from STOKED.

[Trauma1]

Looking great buddy! Keep up the great job on the log!

[strategicmove]

Very detailed in here would be interested in if you sleep quality improves many reports of better sleep quality on this...

We'll see! The weather fluctuations have been rather intense. Consider that a few weeks ago, one had to sleep with a blanket, more or less. On some nights these days, one hits bed with, at most, a pair of boxer shorts, if at all. I know I can take any of IGF-2, PowerFULL, Somnidreh-GH, Abyss, and so on, but I do not want to extend my stack beyond the current mix. I am sure deep sleep will return, once the weather stabilizes.....

[strategicmove]

Just checking in boss ...I hope you begin to feel the changes on endurance soon. That and the deep sleep are probably my favorite results from STOKED.

The endurance is already noticeable. In fact, I had to discontinue (save for later) my Cordygen-VO2 supplementation, just be see what my current stack can accomplish in terms of endurance.

The sleep aspect will sort itself out in the next couple of days.

[strategicmove]

Looking great buddy! Keep up the great job on the log!

[Irish Cannon]

The endurance is already noticeable. In fact, I had to discontinue (save for later) my Cordygen-VO2 supplementation, just be see what my current stack can accomplish in terms of endurance.

The sleep aspect will sort itself out in the next couple of days.

Endurance is kicking butt for me too!! I'm so stoked to be on Stoked!!!

[strategicmove]

...I'm so stoked to be on Stoked!!!

I like that! Stay stoked on STOKED!

[CTDeuce]

very detailed...I love it!

[strategicmove]

very detailed...I love it!

Thanks!

[Steveoph]

Only the best of logs include the weather
Liking the descriptions Ike, glad to hear you're enjoying it !

[strategicmove]

Only the best of logs include the weather
Liking the descriptions Ike, glad to hear you're enjoying it !

Thanks for following, bud! Next update will be later in the day...

[strategicmove]

June 6 - June 7, 2008
Days 7 - 8

Impressions / Results:


During days 7 and 8, I decided to tweak my dosing protocol somewhat. I took STOKED! in two divided doses of two capsules each as usual (last dose just before bed), but I decided to take only the first daily dose of STOKED! with Activin Grape Seed Extract (about 150mg - 200mg), Pine Bark Extract (about 100mg - 150mg), and Cnidium Monnier 35% Osthole (about 70mg Osthole). I used to take half doses of these compounds with each dose of STOKED! My second dose of STOKED! in the dosing protocol of Days 7 and 8 was accompanied by about 600mg of Steriodal Saponins from Fenugreek and 250mg of 4-Hydroxy-Isoleucine (also from the same Fenugreek product).

Sleep quality was excellent. Fortunately or unfortunately, this improvement in deep recuperative sleep was also accompanied by stability in weather conditions. So, I am inclined to concluding that the earlier disruption in my sleep patterns was due to fluctuations in the weather, rather than the commencement of my STOKED! supplementation.

One truly outstanding aspect of STOKED!, especially in combination with the other nitric-oxide-synthase enhancers I stack it with, is the dramatic improvement in arterial blood circulation, including forcing blood through the tiniest of blood vessels. While improved libido is easily experienced with STOKED!, the more interesting result for me is what I refer to as "spontaneous readiness" for sexual performance. With STOKED!, reaction is instantaneous, a testament to the impressive PDE-5/cGMP action of the compounds in STOKED!

Beyond this, subtle improvements in muscle-hardening continue to express themselves. Improvements in cortisol levels (evidenced by better stress-management and faster recovery) are also evident. As is well known, icariin promotes recovery from exercise, in part via cortisol modulation. High cortisol levels are known to correlate positively with reduced sex drive. Furthermore, icariin has been traditionally used as an adaptogen that helps elevate levels of such hormones as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, leading to improved well-being and a more efficient immune system. I feel good!

[metroba]

thats what I think of that post. You amaze me Stratocaster!

[strategicmove]

thats what I think of that post. You amaze me Stratocaster!

I appreciate your company, Sir!

[VolcomX311]

Nice report, bud. I like the Dr. Jeckal/Mr. Hyde, self dose variation, experimentations. I've already got my bottle of STOKED!!! Which I'll implement in one more week.

[Trauma1]

Looking good buddy!

Great log thusfar brother Ike!

[strategicmove]

.... I like the Dr. Jeckal/Mr. Hyde, self dose variation, experimentations....

That way, I can self-destruct without endangering others!

[strategicmove]

Looking good buddy!

Great log thusfar brother Ike!

Thanks, brother J!

[DreamWeaver]

What I will be most interested in, is later in the log when you start referring to changes in body composition. While on my PCT of PCS and Hyperdrol I mentioned that I actually gained some mass while I got visibly leaner. I have been able to continue this trend for the most part. I did eventually lose some weight later (very little) but some of you may remember I was out with a shoulder injury. Now near the end of the PCT I started using Recreate. I find myself wracking my brain trying to figure how the frick I'm doing this. I have never experienced anything like it in 20 years of bodybuilding. I am looking more and more monstrous, and get this I put on a shirt I hadn't worn in a about 3 months and it had gotten much tighter on my shoulders and chest. I am on recomp here! I am gaining mass and I keep getting leaner.

[Rob Awesome]

June 6 - June 7, 2008
Days 7 - 8

Impressions / Results:


During days 7 and 8, I decided to tweak my dosing protocol somewhat. I took STOKED! in two divided doses of two capsules each as usual (last dose just before bed), but I decided to take only the first daily dose of STOKED! with Activin Grape Seed Extract (about 150mg - 200mg), Pine Bark Extract (about 100mg - 150mg), and Cnidium Monnier 35% Osthole (about 70mg Osthole). I used to take half doses of these compounds with each dose of STOKED! My second dose of STOKED! in the dosing protocol of Days 7 and 8 was accompanied by about 600mg of Steriodal Saponins from Fenugreek and 250mg of 4-Hydroxy-Isoleucine (also from the same Fenugreek product).

Sleep quality was excellent. Fortunately or unfortunately, this improvement in deep recuperative sleep was also accompanied by stability in weather conditions. So, I am inclined to concluding that the earlier disruption in my sleep patterns was due to fluctuations in the weather, rather than the commencement of my STOKED! supplementation.

One truly outstanding aspect of STOKED!, especially in combination with the other nitric-oxide-synthase enhancers I stack it with, is the dramatic improvement in arterial blood circulation, including forcing blood through the tiniest of blood vessels. While improved libido is easily experienced with STOKED!, the more interesting result for me is what I refer to as "spontaneous readiness" for sexual performance. With STOKED!, reaction is instantaneous, a testament to the impressive PDE-5/cGMP action of the compounds in STOKED!

Beyond this, subtle improvements in muscle-hardening continue to express themselves. Improvements in cortisol levels (evidenced by better stress-management and faster recovery) are also evident. As is well known, icariin promotes recovery from exercise, in part via cortisol modulation. High cortisol levels are known to correlate positively with reduced sex drive. Furthermore, icariin has been traditionally used as an adaptogen that helps elevate levels of such hormones as norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin, leading to improved well-being and a more efficient immune system. I feel good!

Very interesting. You're utilizing the anabolic effects of Stoked while producing a catabolic use of fat by promoting lipolysis (via icariin) & promoting your immune system. I applaud you sir - makes me want to run a cycle of Stoked + Propadrol

[strategicmove]

What I will be most interested in, is later in the log when you start referring to changes in body composition. While on my PCT of PCS and Hyperdrol I mentioned that I actually gained some mass while I got visibly leaner. I have been able to continue this trend for the most part. I did eventually lose some weight later (very little) but some of you may remember I was out with a shoulder injury. Now near the end of the PCT I started using Recreate. I find myself wracking my brain trying to figure how the frick I'm doing this. I have never experienced anything like it in 20 years of bodybuilding. I am looking more and more monstrous, and get this I put on a shirt I hadn't worn in a about 3 months and it had gotten much tighter on my shoulders and chest. I am on recomp here! I am gaining mass and I keep getting leaner.

Do you mean due to Recreate or due to STOKED!, or both?

[TexasLifter89]

ill tell you what strat i loved this stuff. made me sleep like a baby. soundsl ike you like it too!

[strategicmove]

ill tell you what strat i loved this stuff. made me sleep like a baby. soundsl ike you like it too!

Yep! So far so good!

[TexasLifter89]

awesome man. ill be back later in the log so i cant see what it does to your strength, weight gain, and the sorts. lookin goo though!

[DreamWeaver]

Do you mean due to Recreate or due to STOKED!, or both?

I mean due to Stoked or it's role in my body recomp. I fell into the trap of using so many supps that I don't know which is the most effective. I do believe it's a combination of things, I have been very anal about supporting anabolism and fat loss, even using an overkill mentality seems to be that maybe overkill is a bit harsh based on my results.

[A_I_Sports_Nutrition]

Very good log bro you have put alot of work into it.

[Iron Lungz]

Looking good, man!
I took your advise and got some Lipotrophin-PM™ for its awesome sleep benefits/fat burning abilities and I'm impressed! Hunger is much more deep in the morning; thankfully, I'm not lethargic at all.
Good call, SM!

[Ziquor]

Good job I! Your amazingly informative logs make the rest of us look like feeble mortals.

[strategicmove]

June 8 - June 9, 2008
Days 9 - 10

Impressions / Results:


I continued with the tweaked protocol I began on Day 7.

There are no sleep disruptions; strength and endurance/stamina are somewhere between stable and increasing; muscle-hardening remains noticeable; and general well-being remains robust. No changes in testicular dimensions, temperament, or hair density, are discernible, to mention some common androgenic sides. No that these were expected, yet I wanted to emphasize that I have been unable to identify them, just in case any one was interested in that type of information.

I am aware quercetin was mainly introduced in the STOKED! matrix to enhance resveratrol uptake and bioavailability. Yet, I would like to mention one or two other known benefits of quercetin supplementation that also help explain some of the overall STOKED! results. Quercetin is one of the most important flavonols of the flavonoid class. It is recognized as one of the most potent superoxide-radical scavengers available; possesses anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor properties; contributes to estrogen management; is a well-known anti-histamine and anti-allergy agent; promotes catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibition, just like EGCG in green tea. COMT is the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, the body’s most potent lipolytic hormone. Also, quercetin is known to interfere with various cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in steroid-hormone synthesis. By inhibiting certain enzymes in this class, quercetin ensures extended uptake and usage of many compounds (including icariin, resveratrol, and so on), much like naringin and its metabolite, naringenin. Something else. Quercetin is also known to inhibit the cAMP phosphodiesterase enzyme in a dose-dependent fashion. This inhibition, is not only synergistic with icariin’s pathway, but also leads to enhanced thermogenesis. Quercetin’s pathway to enhancing thermogenesis naturally makes it a strong candidate for stacking with green tea. Here is the reasoning: It is known that in the presence of (nor)adrenaline or other beta-receptor agonists, certain flavonoids such as quercetin promote lipolysis. Since EGCG boosts noradrenaline, a quercetin-EGCG matrix is postulated to support lipolysis, leading to increased thermogenesis and oxidation of fat. So, if you wish to use STOKED! for not only stimulating testosterone levels (which itself can promote fat loss), but also to enhance lipolysis, it might be a good idea to add EGCG.

So overall, STOKED! looks like a versatile matrix!

[delsolrob]

Thanks for the details provided in your log. I find myself taking notes of the information you provide...

I think I will get a bottle of PCS\Stoked to run after I finish my current log.

[strategicmove]

Thanks for the details provided in your log....

I'm glad you find the journey interesting so far!

I think I will get a bottle of PCS\Stoked to run after I finish my current log.

That would be a strategic move!

[Distilled Water]

That would be a strategic move!

OHHH SNapp!!!

[Ziquor]

Yes sir. Post after post I can't get over the amount of detail and knowledge ---> ikepedia.net

[SamBoz19]

June 8 - June 9, 2008
Days 9 - 10

Impressions / Results:


I continued with the tweaked protocol I began on Day 7.

There are no sleep disruptions; strength and endurance/stamina are somewhere between stable and increasing; muscle-hardening remains noticeable; and general well-being remains robust. No changes in testicular dimensions, temperament, or hair density, are discernible, to mention some common androgenic sides. No that these were expected, yet I wanted to emphasize that I have been unable to identify them, just in case any one was interested in that type of information.

I am aware quercetin was mainly introduced in the STOKED! matrix to enhance resveratrol uptake and bioavailability. Yet, I would like to mention one or two other known benefits of quercetin supplementation that also help explain some of the overall STOKED! results. Quercetin is one of the most important flavonols of the flavonoid class. It is recognized as one of the most potent superoxide-radical scavengers available; possesses anti-carcinogenic and anti-tumor properties; contributes to estrogen management; is a well-known anti-histamine and anti-allergy agent; promotes catechol-O-methyl-transferase (COMT) inhibition, just like EGCG in green tea. COMT is the enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, the body’s most potent lipolytic hormone. Also, quercetin is known to interfere with various cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes involved in steroid-hormone synthesis. By inhibiting certain enzymes in this class, quercetin ensures extended uptake and usage of many compounds (including icariin, resveratrol, and so on), much like naringin and its metabolite, naringenin. Something else. Quercetin is also known to inhibit the cAMP phosphodiesterase enzyme in a dose-dependent fashion. This inhibition, is not only synergistic with icariin’s pathway, but also leads to enhanced thermogenesis. Quercetin’s pathway to enhancing thermogenesis naturally makes it a strong candidate for stacking with green tea. Here is the reasoning: It is known that in the presence of (nor)adrenaline or other beta-receptor agonists, certain flavonoids such as quercetin promote lipolysis. Since EGCG boosts noradrenaline, a quercetin-EGCG matrix is postulated to support lipolysis, leading to increased thermogenesis and oxidation of fat. So, if you wish to use STOKED! for not only stimulating testosterone levels (which itself can promote fat loss), but also to enhance lipolysis, it might be a good idea to add EGCG.

So overall, STOKED! looks like a versatile matrix!

This is what I am enjoying most....the scientific talk aspect of your log. Granted, I read the same stuff on a nightly basis, but to see the actual mechanisms of action play out is the interesting part. What I mean is that with your wealth of knowledge Ike it is easy for you to decipher what is taking place with your body and give the scientific explanations to go along with what is expected and what actually takes place. Needless to say...your log is quite refreshing to say the least bud. Hey in the process I am learning a few more things in depth...you put an interesting spin on things.

Cheers!

[strategicmove]

...you put an interesting spin on things.

Thanks, bud! I'm glad you keep me company!

[DreamWeaver]

This is what I am enjoying most....the scientific talk aspect of your log. Granted, I read the same stuff on a nightly basis, but to see the actual mechanisms of action play out is the interesting part. What I mean is that with your wealth of knowledge Ike it is easy for you to decipher what is taking place with your body and give the scientific explanations to go along with what is expected and what actually takes place. Needless to say...your log is quite refreshing to say the least bud. Hey in the process I am learning a few more things in depth...you put an interesting spin on things.

Cheers!

I am not much of a scientist type, I try to keep up but eventually often become confused. I can still understand a lot of what stategic is saying though. One thing I rely on is the integrity of people on this board and it has almost never steered me wrong. Used to be supplementation was a hit and miss situation, but with your help I have been wasting a lot less money and almost everything I try has positive benefit. So to Stategic and many more like him thanks for taking the high road and supplying a productive environment.

[A_I_Sports_Nutrition]

I may have to go back to school and study to follow this much detail

[strategicmove]

I may have to go back to school and study to follow this much detail

Next update will be in German!