Built to Survive A Comprehensive Guide to the Medical Use of Anabolic Therapies, Nutrition and Exercise for HIV (+) Men and Women Nelson Vergel Michael Mooney Disclaimer The information contained in this publication is for educational purposes only, and is in no way a substitute for the advice of a qualified medical doctor, registered dietitian, certified nutritionist, or exercise physiologist. When you ask any professional to help you make your decisions about your personal healthcare, we recommend that you show them the information in this book because they may not be aware of it and the scientific studies that support our recommendations. Appropriate medical therapy and the use of pharmaceutical compounds like anabolic steroids should be tailored for the individual, as no two individuals are alike. We do not recommend self- medicating with any compound, as you should consult with a qualified medical doctor who can determine your individual situation. Any use of the information presented in this publication for personal medical therapy is done strictly at your own risk and no responsibility is implied or intended on the part of the contributing writers, or the publisher. Cover Design: Vilven Design of Houston, Texas Cover Photo: Matt Soileau, Houston, Texas Cover Model: Aaron Molitor Published by: Milestones Publishing Mooney, Michael, 1953 Vergel, Nelson, 1959 Built to Survive: A Comprehensive Guide to the Medical Use of Anabolic Therapies, Nutrition, Supplementation and Exercise for HIV (+) Men and Women Includes medical journal references and index. ISBN 978-0-9837739-9-3 Medicine, Health, AIDS, Nutrition, Chemistry, Endocrinology Library of Congress Catalog Card Number 97-076291 Copyright © 2012 by Michael Mooney and Nelson Vergel Fourth edition ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. REPRODUCTION OR TRANSLATION OF ANY PART OF THIS WORK BEYOND THAT PERMITTED BY SECTION 107 OR 108 OF THE 1976 UNITED STATES COPYRIGHT ACT WITHOUT THE PERMISSION OF THE COPYRIGHT OWNERS IS UNLAWFUL. REQUESTS FOR PERMISSION OR FURTHER INFORMATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO MICHAEL MOONEY OR NELSON VERGEL. PRINTED IN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA Other recommended reading: “Testosterone: A Man’s Guide” (TestosteroneWisdom.com) For updated information, visit powerusa.org and nelsonvergel.com Join Nelson’s HIV group by sending a blank email to: pozhealth- [email protected] ii To those who have helped our efforts to carry this message: In memory of: Michael Dullnig, M.D., for sparking this effort. His memory lives in this book. Barry Chadsey, M.D., for having the guts to pioneer this therapy. Preston Keith, who helped Nelson find this life-saving therapy. My friend Richard Wiederholt, who was the wise man in Nelson’s life. Alberto Lopez, for putting others ahead of himself. To Chester Meyers, Ph.D., for his contributions to progressive nutrition for HIV. And to all those who have died from wasting syndrome. May God rest their souls. Special Thanks From Nelson Vergel To: Mauro Di Pasquale, M.D., for generously sharing his knowledge and bringing Michael Mooney into my life. Patricia Salvato, M.D., for believing in me from the beginning, even when most doctors were skeptical. My doctor Shannon Schrader, M.D., for his compassion, support, and selfless commitment to the HIV community. Al Benson, for being committed to spreading the word. My life partner, Tim Baker, whose love and support has brought stability into my life that has enabled me to do this work without worries. My mother, Hilda, a woman who taught me the joy of helping others, and to my brothers and sisters, who have always stood next to me. Anthony Bianchi and Pete Sharpe, who believed in me and helped me create the Body Positive Wellness Center Ellen Hahn, for being such super-empowered, tireless and reliable volunteer Jeff Taylor, for being a great supporter, friend and advocate for people with HIV Roddy Graver, my loving friend who spent hours editing my workKathy Mulligan, Ph.D., for her great research mind and deep interest in what is good for the community. Our PoWeR advisory board members, for believing in this work All progressive physicians, registered dietitians, nutritionists, and exercise trainers who help people by trusting their intuition before controlled data are available. Special Thanks From Michael Mooney To: My friend and research associate Jim Brockman, for sharing his intelligence and his insight. I could not have done what I have without his help. Mauro Di Pasquale, M.D., for introducing me to Nelson. Walter Jekot, M.D, for going against the grain. Al Benson, for his personal courage. Ellen Hahn, for her selfless giving and for reminding me to have fun. Lark Lands, Ph.D., for her willingness to lead, where others follow. Fred Sattler, M.D., for accepting us as equals. The late Dan Duchaine, for his good advice and support. To Bill Phillips and T.C. Luoma, for delivering our message to 300,000 Muscle Media readers. To my mother, who has always been there for those who are less fortunate. To my sister Kathy and my father Patrick. If they had not let me have time away from work and given me their support, I would not have been able to do any of this. And for all the people who have benefited from our work and shared it with others, God bless each of you. We do this for you. iii iv Contents Special Thanks ........................................................................................................................................... iii Contents .......................................................................................................................................................v Foreword .................................................................................................................................................... vi Introduction .................................................................................................................................................x 1. Nelson’s Story ..........................................................................................................................................1 2. Jump Start Your Life with Anabolic PoWeR ...........................................................................................6 3. What Is AIDS-Related Wasting?............................................................................................................11 4. Wasting Syndrome Treatment Issues ....................................................................................................13 5. Megace –– The Wrong Drug..................................................................................................................16 6. Bioelectrical Impedance Analysis (BIA) and AIDS Survival................................................................18 7. Appetite Stimulation: Megace, Medicinal Marijuana, and Marinol ......................................................20 8. How Do Anabolic Steroids Work? .........................................................................................................22 9. First Placebo-Controlled Steroid Study Suggests Improved Immune Function ....................................30 10. Steroid Legality and the Physician ......................................................................................................32 11. An Initiative: New Directions for Wasting Research from Program for Wellness Restoration (PoWeR) ...........................................................................................................................34 12. Complementary Approaches to Treating Lipodystrophy .....................................................................40 13. Mitochondrial Damage ........................................................................................................................49 14. HIV-Related Facial Wasting: Potential Reconstructive Procedures ....................................................54 15. Testosterone and Anabolic Steroids: Adverse Effects, Rumors and Reality.......................................60 16. Anabolic Hormones –– Adverse Effects and Remedies.......................................................................62 17. Anabolic Steroids and Kaposi’s Sarcoma ............................................................................................66 18. Anabolic Steroids For AIDS Therapy: A Comparison Table ...............................................................68 19. Program for Wellness Restoration (PoWeR) Anabolic Hormone Guidelines......................................72 20. Orthomolecular Nutrition.....................................................................................................................93 21. Pediatric AIDS: Approaches to Managing Wasting ...........................................................................124 22. AIDS and Food Safety .......................................................................................................................126 23. Stop the Runs Before They Run You Down ......................................................................................129 24. Getting Started: What to Do Before You Start the PoWeR Program ................................................133 25. Weight-Lifting For Maximum Muscle Gains A Simple, But Effective Method ................................135 26. Recommended Reading .....................................................................................................................143 27. Personal Testimonials ........................................................................................................................146