Victor Martinez holds nothing back while discussing “legal steroids”, height surgery, the risks of consuming too much protein and test boosters.
In the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast, hosts Victor Martinez, Ehsan Farahi, Edwin Mejia Jr., and Vlad Yudin delve into a wide variety of topics such as the use of legal steroids and testosterone boosters, the controversial trend of height surgery, and the potential risks of consuming too much protein. Let’s dive into some of the highlights.
There are a wide range of supplements on the market claiming to be suitable replacements for illegal anabolic steroids. Natural testosterone boosters and other substances that bill themselves as “legal steroids” flood the market. But are they actually worth taking? Victor Martinez answers this fan question based on his personal experience both as a bodybuilder and personal trainer. His answer might surprise you.
Victor also dives head first into the growing international trend of height surgery, where a person will extend their legs via a very expensive and very painful surgery. Is it worth it? What are the risks? And have men taken their fear of being short too far?
Lastly, Martinez and the GI crew discuss the rumor of protein overload. Can a person take too much protein? Can it cause damage to your liver or kidneys? Can it make you fat? Victor clears the air in the latest episode of the Generation Iron Podcast. Let’s dive in.
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Legal Steroids vs. Prescribed Substances
The episode begins with a fan question of the week, which explores the efficacy of legal steroids and testosterone boosters compared to prescribed or illegally obtained substances like steroids. Victor Martinez, a prominent bodybuilder, firmly believes that these legal products are worth using, even for enhanced athletes.
For natural bodybuilders, they can provide significant benefits in performance and physique, as they avoid the use of anabolic steroids. According to Victor, these legal alternatives can still lead to a 30-40 percent improvement in performance.
Even for those who use anabolic steroids, Victor suggests incorporating natural testosterone boosters and legal steroids during their off-cycle period, when they pause the use of anabolic steroids.
While these substances will not have anywhere near the same impact as anabolic steroids, Victor Martinez personally believes they still have a place in your supplement stack.
Height Surgery and its Impact
The main topic centers around the intriguing case of Dynzell Sigers, who spent over $80,000 on height surgery to increase his height from 5’5″ to 6′ tall after facing rejection from women due to his shorter stature. Victor Martinez argues that while the surgery might have changed his physical height, it won’t alter the inner aspects of his personality. Rejection might have more to do with confidence and self-perception rather than height alone.
Ehsan Farahi raises concerns about the risks associated with height surgeries, mentioning anecdotal accounts of individuals who faced long recovery periods and even lost the ability to walk for extended periods after undergoing the procedure. However, specific evidence is not provided in this discussion.
Taller and Skinny vs. Shorter and Jacked – Which Is Better?
The hosts also touch upon the age-old debate of whether it’s better to be taller and skinny or shorter and jacked. Victor Martinez emphasizes the importance of strong character over physical attributes, but in terms of pure physicality, he acknowledges that taller individuals often have an advantage.
This is why, ultimately, he cannot make a final judgement on the case of Dynzell Sigers. While Martinez deeply believes that despite the surgery, Sigers will still be a “small man” at heart – he also believes that if the surgery can make him happier, then it was well worth the cost.
While it may seem ridiculous to some, we are all unique human beings with our own personal issues. Victor Martinez often emphasizes character above physical attributes. But if a surgery can help make someone happier, more confident, and live a better life – then he thinks the surgery is well worth it.
Are There Real Dangers of Consuming Too Much Protein?
The discussion shifts to the topic of protein intake, with the hosts exploring the potential risks of consuming excessive amounts of protein. Victor Martinez shares that he hasn’t heard of dangerous levels of protein intake but warns that the excess protein may lead to increased body fat since the body may not process it efficiently.
Ehsan Farahi raises concerns about the impact of excess protein on unhealthy kidneys, as the kidneys have to work harder to process and eliminate the surplus protein. For individuals with pre-existing kidney conditions, this can be particularly dangerous. To maintain kidney health, Ehsan advises staying adequately hydrated, as it can help prevent kidney-related issues like kidney stones.
The hosts agree that while excessive protein intake may not directly lead to kidney failure, it can cause indigestion, stomach issues, and problems with bowel movements, often humorously referred to as “protein farts” or gassy stomachs among bodybuilders.
Scientific research has shown that eating too much protein powder can have potential health implications, particularly if it leads to an excessive overall protein intake. Potential adverse effects on the body include:
- Kidney Strain: High protein intake can put a strain on the kidneys as they are responsible for filtering and excreting waste products, including the by-products of protein metabolism. Consistently overloading the kidneys with excess protein may worsen pre-existing kidney conditions or lead to kidney stress in individuals with healthy kidneys.
- Digestive Issues: Consuming too much protein can cause digestive discomfort, such as bloating, gas, and constipation. Some people may be more sensitive to high protein intake, leading to gastrointestinal problems.
- Dehydration: Metabolizing protein requires water. If protein intake is excessive, the body may require more water for digestion and processing, potentially leading to dehydration if adequate hydration is not maintained.
- Weight Gain: While protein is essential for muscle growth and repair, consuming surplus protein beyond the body’s needs can result in extra calories being stored as fat, potentially leading to weight gain.
- Nutrient Imbalances: Focusing solely on protein intake may lead to neglecting other essential nutrients, such as carbohydrates, fats, vitamins, and minerals, necessary for overall health and performance.
- Liver Function: The liver plays a role in metabolizing protein. Excessive protein intake can put strain on the liver, potentially affecting its proper functioning.
- Calcium Loss: High protein diets may lead to increased calcium excretion in urine, which could have implications for bone health over the long term.
Wrap Up
The Generation Iron Podcast offers valuable insights into the use of legal steroids and testosterone boosters, the controversial world of height surgery, and the potential risks associated with excessive protein intake. As always, it’s crucial to do thorough research and consider individual health conditions before making any significant decisions related to these topics.
You can watch the full episode of the Generation Iron Podcast above. Make sure to check back every Tuesday for new episodes only on the Generation Iron Fitness Network or wherever podcasts are downloaded.
