I am often asked about whether herbal supplements can help improve performance, particularly since there are so many of these supplements on the market. The bottom line is that healthy nutrition, proper training, and genetic endowment are the major factors that contribute to physique and athletic success. Increasing your nutrient density with supplements to amplify success is also important, as long as you eat properly and train consistently and intensely. Herbal supplements, in my opinion, are iffy, however. Yes, athletes and exercisers often use herbal substances to try to gain a competitive edge. But by and large, most herbs have proved to be of doubtful value in enhancing performance. And many may be downright harmful. Case in point: Sixty-five cases of herbal supplement-related seizures reported to MedWatch from 1993 to 1999 were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act and independently evaluated by three reviewers. They concluded that of these cases, 20 were probably related to herbs. Of these, 19 involved ephedra, and 14 involved herbal caffeine. Thirteen of the 65 cases were possibly associated with herbal supplements. Of these, ephedra was also associated with 7 cases, and caffeine was contained in 5 of these supplement products. Other herbs implicated in possibly related seizure events were St. John’s wort and gingko biloba.

Secretly Timid Tim always suspected he was dating “over his head” when Angie, a vivacious college cheerleader, started going out with him as a senior at University of Texas in Austin. After graduation Tim took his inheritance money and purchased a custom home in an upscale neighborhood. Angie moved in. Tim took a job as a junior partner with one of Austin’s most prestigious law firms. Tim, an academic whiz, was a young tax attorney on his way up and routinely put