• Thanks, Your Submission Has Been Received

    Becoming a part of Team Zone means you'll receive occasional emails containing specials, updates and relevant news that will help you reach your goals. Aside from signing up to our email newsletter, be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter.

    Thanks, your submission has been received!

    Please check your email to confirm your subscription.

  • The Benefits of Z2

    What Can Z2 Do for You?

    Improved ATP Production*

    The more ATP you make, the better you perform. Polyphenols found in Polyphenols Plus can boost  your levels of ATP production and give you a  radically increased performance enhancement.

    Stimulate & Maintain Muscle Mass*

    You work hard to build your muscle mass and the Omega-3 fatty acids found in OmegaRx® have been shown to stimulate muscle growth and prevent  muscle loss. 

    Reduction of Inflammation*

    The rate of recovery from a training session or competition depends on your ability to reduce inflammation.

    Improved Reaction Times*

    In athletic performance sometimes the difference between winning and losing is a split second.

    Improved Mood Control*

    The key to performance is keeping emotions in check so you’re able to perform at your best under pressure.

    Increased Concentration and Awareness*

    Whoever makes the least mistakes during a competition usually wins all.
    Rollover a Body Part to See the Benefits
    *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Athletic Advantage

    The Zone Diet - Giving Athletes an Unfair Advantage

    Hormonal timing is everything. An athlete experiences three phases:

    • The Demand Phase - when you are working out and putting stress on the body
    • The Recovery Phase - Immediately following the work out
    • The Growth Phase - The remainder of the time when you are not working out

    Demand Phase – 30 Minutes Before
    and During Exercise

    Eat a 1 block Zone snack 30 minutes prior to exercise Protein
    • Minimize muscle damage
    • Stimulate glucagon synthesis
    Carbohydrates
    • Spare muscle glycogen
    • Stabilize insulin during exercise
    Hormonal Changes During The Demand Phase
    • Pro-inflammatory eicosanoids are increased
    • Insulin decreased
    • Cortisol increased
    Metabolic Changes During The Demand Phase
    • ATP is depleted
    • Protein degradation increased
    • Muscle glycogen partially depleted
    • Muscle damage increased
    • Fluid loss is increased

    Recovery Phase – Peaks 30 Minutes After Exercise (Recovery Phase Is Short)

    Eat a 1 block Zone snack immediately following exercise within 30 minutes
    • Replenish muscle glycogen
    • Combinations of protein and carbohydrate are better than carbohydrate alone
    • Initiate muscle repair
    • Growth hormone release
    • Inhibited by high levels of insulin

    Growth Phase – Next 20-22 hours

    • Follow the Zone Diet
    • Maintain positive nitrogen balance
    • “Protein drip”
    • Control insulin levels
    • Control inflammation
    • Reduce pro-inflammation response
    • Increase innate anti-inflammation response

  • Eating in the Zone

    Eating in The Zone

    Think Better The Zone Diet maintains stable blood sugar levels.
    Perform Better The Zone Diet increases oxygen transfer to your muscle cells.
    Look Better The Zone Diet sheds excess body fat.
    Calculate Your Zone Blocks > Download the Zone Diet Block Food Guide >
     

    Zone Blocks – The Precision Approach to Keep You Going

    In its simplest terms, the Zone Diet is 40% carbohydrates, 30% protein, and 30% fat. With that said, it is important to take in only the right types of proteins, carbohydrates, and fats and in the correct amounts to truly be in The Zone.

    One Zone Block = 7 grams protein, 9 grams carbohydrates, & 3 grams fat  

    The Average Man = 14 blocks per day
    • Breakfast = 4 blocks
    • Lunch = 4 blocks
    • Snack = 1 block
    • Dinner = 4 blocks
    • Snack = 1 block
    The Average Woman = 11 blocks per day
    • Breakfast = 3 blocks
    • Lunch = 3 blocks
    • Snack = 1 block
    • Dinner = 3 blocks
    • Snack = 1 block
     

    Understanding Protein, Carbohydrates, & Fat

    Protein

    Protein

    Protein serves as a main structural ingredient of our cells and the enzymes that keep them running. It consists of amino acids, the foundation of all life. Of the twenty amino acids, nine are “essential” in that they cannot be made by the human body and must be supplied by diet. Protein stimulates secretion of the hormone glucagon and thereby influences blood glucose levels and fat mobilization. Given its vital importance, protein must be consumed in the right amount – not too much or too little, and individual protein requirements need to be calculated accurately.

    Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates

    Carbohydrates appear in many forms. What distinguishes one kind of carbohydrate from another is the rate at which the carbohydrate enters the bloodstream. Nearly all fruits and nearly all fiber-rich vegetables are low-glycemic carbohydrates. Essentially all grains, starches, and pasta are high-glycemic carbohydrates.

    Fat

    Fat

    Fats not only supply the building blocks for eicosanoids, but also slow the entry rate of carbohydrates into the bloodstream. The slower the rate of entry, the lower insulin secretion. And the lower your insulin levels, the more likely you are to release stored body fat for energy. You need to eat fat to help burn fat. Fats also are important for two other reasons. First, they make food taste better. Second, the fat content in a meal causes the release of a hormone called cholecystokinin (CCK) from the gut. CCK signals the brain that you’re satisfied and to stop eating.
     

    Simple Tips for Eating in the Zone

    • Eat five times a day – three meals and two snacks (afternoon and late evening.)
    • Don’t let more than five hours pass without eating a meal or snack.
    • Eat within one hour of waking.
    • Drink eight ounces of water about 30 minutes before each meal and snack.
    • Always eat a combination of protein, carbohydrate, and fat.
    • Decide on your protein food first, then the remainder of the meal or snack.
    • Select low-fat protein.
    • Consume no more low-fat protein in 1 meal than you can fit in the palm of your hand.
    • When cooking from scratch, assume 1.5 grams of fat are hidden in each block of low-fat protein and calculate one fat block as 1.5 grams of fat. When using prepared foods, calculate 1 fat block as 3 grams of fat.
    • Eat low glycemic, high fiber, low density carbohydrates – about the size of two fists per meal.
    • Limit intake of grains, starches, and breads (these are dense carbohydrates).
    • When calculating a carbohydrate serving size, do not count grams of fiber since they are not absorbed into the bloodstream.
    • Get most of your daily fat intake from monounsaturated fats and restrict bad fats (arachidonic acid and saturated fat).
    • Eat before you get hungry.
    • Reduce or eliminate caffeine.
    • Stock your kitchen with Zone foods – particularly ready sources of low-fat protein.
    • Remove tempting, undesirable carbohydrates and fats.

  • Body Fat Calculator

    Women's Body Fat Calculator

    < Back to 'Eating in the Zone'

    Men's Body Fat Calculator

  • Zone Diagnostics

    95% of People have Cellular Inflammation... And Don't even know it.

    To achieve maximum athletics performance, knowing your levels of cellular inflammation is crucial. Increasing your Omega-3 Fatty Acids will help reduce cellular inflammation.

    Test, Don't Guess! A Simple Blood Test Can Change Your Life.

    Don’t guess about cellular inflammation. The most definitive way to gauge your levels is from the AA/EPA ratios  determined by a simple finger stick test.  Once you know your levels, we will show you the dietary changes needed to make a difference.
    New York Residents: State law prohibits the distribution of blood testing kits from Zone Diagnostics to residents of New York state. Therefore we are unable to process internet orders from customers in New York at this time.

  • Join Team Zone

    Newsletter Example
    • Submit your testimonials and hear about the success of other fellow Z2 team members
    • Receive the latest news about Z2 and the science behind it
    • Receive updates about Z2 athletes
    • Get the latest on diet and health studies and much more!
    Aside from signing up to our email newsletter, be sure to follow us on facebook and twitter.
    •  
    •  
    •  
    • We respect your privacy and your information will not be shared.

  • Home

    Discover the Benfits
    See the Proven Results

  • About The Zone

    Mission

    Our mission at Zone Labs is to understand how diet affects hormones, genetic expression, and inflammation. With that knowledge, we can develop unique nutritional products and dietary programs that translate that understanding to consumers seeking weight loss, better health, and improved athletic performance.

    History

    Dr. Barry SearsDr. Barry Sears founded Zone Labs in 1999 based on the discoveries he made on the role of diet in hormonal response, gene expression, and inflammation. The company has established a leadership position in the areas of high-purity omega-3 fatty acid concentrates, patented food products for improved hormonal control and satiety, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. These products are used in diverse areas, such as weight loss, improved health, and athletic performance. Zone Labs is also international in scope with operations through its foreign partners in Japan, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Austria, Mexico, and Chile.

  • Who We Are

    Mission

    Our mission at Zone Labs is to understand how diet affects hormones, genetic expression, and inflammation. With that knowledge, we can develop unique nutritional products and dietary programs that translate that understanding to consumers seeking weight loss, better health, and improved athletic performance.

    History

    Dr. Barry Sears founded Zone Labs in 1999 based on the discoveries he made on the role of diet in hormonal response, gene expression, and inflammation. The company has established a leadership position in the areas of high-purity omega-3 fatty acid concentrates, patented food products for improved hormonal control and satiety, and anti-inflammatory polyphenols. These products are used in diverse areas, such as weight loss, improved health, and athletic performance. Zone Labs is also international in scope with operations through its foreign partners in Japan, Italy, Spain, Germany, Greece, Austria, Mexico, and Chile.

    Dr. Barry Sears

    Dr. Barry SearsDr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the impact of the diet on hormonal response, genetic expression, and inflammation. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He has published more than 30 scientific articles and holds 13 U.S. patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He has also written 13 books, including the New York Times #1 best-seller "The Zone". These books have sold more than 5 million copies in the U.S. and have been translated into 22 different languages. For further information on the scientific background of Dr. Sears, click here.



    Scientific Advisory Board

    Although the research at Zone Labs is headed by Dr. Sears, we make extensive use of our Scientific Advisory Board to provide research on the latest breakthroughs in biotechnology from a diverse number of fields.

    Carol JohnstonCarol Johnston, PhD

    Carol Johnston, PhD is professor of Nutrition at Arizona State University and director of the Nutrition Program. She received the Grace Goldsmith Award for significant achievements in the field of nutrition by a scientist under the age of 50 years sponsored by the American College of Nutrition in 2004 and the Mark Bieber Professional Award sponsored by the American College of Nutrition for academic accomplishments in 2008. Her research areas include vitamin C and dietary interventions in obesity and diabetes. She has more than 75 scientific publications.

    Don LaymanDon Layman, PhD

    Don Layman, PhD is professor emeritus of Nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. He is recognized as one of the leading researchers in the role of branched-chain amino acids in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and enhancement of protein synthesis. He has published more than 80 scientific publications.

    Robert McNamaraRobert McNamara, PhD

    Robert McNamara, PhD is an associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Bipolar Disorders Research. Dr. McNamara is director of the Lipidomics Research Program, which investigates the role of fatty acids in the pathoetiology and treatment of recurrent neuropsychiatric disorders using animal models, postmortem brain tissue, and preclinical and clinical neuroimaging techniques. His lab is currently investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on functional brain activation patterns and symptom severity in children and adolescents with or at high risk for mood disorders associated with elevated inflammation, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Dr. McNamara has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

    Camillo RicordiCamillo Ricordi, MD

    Camillo Ricordi, MD is one of the world’s leaders in cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetes. He is the Stacy Joy Goodman Professor of Surgery, distinguished professor of Medicine, professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Microbiology and Immunology, and serves as scientific director and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute. He has authored more than 600 scientific publications and has been awarded 11 patents.

    Follow Us On

    Facebook YouTube Twitter

  • Meet The Zone

    Dr. Barry Sears

    Dr. Barry SearsDr. Barry Sears is a leading authority on the impact of the diet on hormonal response, genetic expression, and inflammation. A former research scientist at the Boston University School of Medicine and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dr. Sears has dedicated his research efforts over the past 30 years to the study of lipids. He has published more than 30 scientific articles and holds 13 U.S. patents in the areas of intravenous drug delivery systems and hormonal regulation for the treatment of cardiovascular disease. He has also written 13 books, including the New York Times #1 best-seller "The Zone". These books have sold more than 5 million copies in the U.S. and have been translated into 22 different languages. For further information on the scientific background of Dr. Sears, click here.

    Scientific Advisory Board

    Although the research at Zone Labs is headed by Dr. Sears, we make extensive use of our Scientific Advisory Board to provide research on the latest breakthroughs in biotechnology from a diverse number of fields.

    Carol JohnstonCarol Johnston, PhD

    Carol Johnston, PhD is professor of Nutrition at Arizona State University and director of the Nutrition Program. She received the Grace Goldsmith Award for significant achievements in the field of nutrition by a scientist under the age of 50 years sponsored by the American College of Nutrition in 2004 and the Mark Bieber Professional Award sponsored by the American College of Nutrition for academic accomplishments in 2008. Her research areas include vitamin C and dietary interventions in obesity and diabetes. She has more than 75 scientific publications.

    Don LaymanDon Layman, PhD

    Don Layman, PhD is professor emeritus of Nutrition in the Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition at the University of Illinois. He is recognized as one of the leading researchers in the role of branched-chain amino acids in the treatment of obesity, type 2 diabetes, and enhancement of protein synthesis. He has published more than 80 scientific publications.

    Robert McNamaraRobert McNamara, PhD

    Robert McNamara, PhD is an associate professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neuroscience at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Division of Bipolar Disorders Research. Dr. McNamara is director of the Lipidomics Research Program, which investigates the role of fatty acids in the pathoetiology and treatment of recurrent neuropsychiatric disorders using animal models, postmortem brain tissue, and preclinical and clinical neuroimaging techniques. His lab is currently investigating the effects of omega-3 fatty acid supplementation on functional brain activation patterns and symptom severity in children and adolescents with or at high risk for mood disorders associated with elevated inflammation, including major depressive disorder and bipolar disorder. Dr. McNamara has more than 100 peer-reviewed publications.

    Camillo RicordiCamillo Ricordi, MD

    Camillo Ricordi, MD is one of the world’s leaders in cell transplantation for the treatment of diabetes. He is the Stacy Joy Goodman Professor of Surgery, distinguished professor of Medicine, professor of Biomedical Engineering, and Microbiology and Immunology, and serves as scientific director and chief academic officer of the University of Miami Diabetes Research Institute. He has authored more than 600 scientific publications and has been awarded 11 patents.
    Follow Us On Facebook YouTube Twitter

  • Z2 Athletes

    Athletes in the Zone

    Fiona Docherty

    Fiona Docherty

    Marathon Runner, 2011 World Trail Running Championships, Hawaii, 1st Place

    “The road to qualifying for the Olympic Games has not been an easy one. For some time, I have been dealing with a nagging bursitis injury in my foot caused by Haglund’s Deformity. I had to have surgery on the 7th of March 2012, which went extremely well. Although I had to relinquish my Olympic dream, I truly believe my running career is far from over, and there are definitely a few more good marathons in me. I began working with Zone Diet during my professional running career and for my rehab back to running. The combination of Zone Omega - 3's and Zone Polyphenols have made a considerable difference to my running, recovery and speedy return to running. I am so excited to be back running pain free and thank Zone Diet for playing a major part in that.
    Ian Walsh

    Ian Walsh

    Big Wave Surfer, 2008 Biggest Teahupo'o Wave of the Season

    “Since I have started working with you guys and taking Omega Rx, every aspect of my surfing and training has improved from knee high waves to the days my stomach is in knots cause it's 70 feet. I definitely felt a quick positive spin on how my body was working after I started taking the correct Zone Labs supplements regularly.”
    Becky Lavelle

    Becky Lavelle

    Triathlete, 2008 USAT Multi-Sport Triathlete of the Year

    "I can’t thank you enough for your tremendous support this year (and for the past several years!). Loyalty, belief and dedication mean a lot to me and I appreciate ZONE always giving me those things."
    Jeremy Lang

    Jeremy Lang

    MMA Fighter, Professional Record of 20-2
    Owner, Granite City CrossFit, St. Cloud, MN

    "I am so happy with the Zone's OmegaRX, that along with the Polyphenols I truly feel the best I have in my life. Diet is key and fueling and supporting your body with what it needs have been life changing for me and so many of my clients at Granite City CrossFit."
    Dean Karnazes

    Dean Karnazes

    Ultra Marathon Man
    USA Olympic Torchbearer, Beijing Olympic Games, 2008
    Lisa Bentley

    Lisa Bentley

    Triathlete, 11-Time Ironman Championship

    "OmegaRx and Zone Polyphenols have been instrumental in keeping my injuries and inflammations controlled for the past 4 or 5 years. I have not taken an anti-inflammatory since 2007 – I go with the all-natural alternative to pain relief by taking 4-8 OmegaRx fish oil pills per day along with a few ounces of Sea Health. I can swim, bike and run without pain despite 20 years as a professional Ironman Triathlete."
    Julie Swail

    Julie Swail

    Triathlete, 2000 Olympic Silver Medalist, Water Polo & 2008 Olympic Triathlete

    "In looking for quality and nutritious food choices, a variety of the Zone Diet Products are part of my everyday healthy living game plan. With the goal of reducing oxidative stress brought on by training, I take Zone Polyphenols in conjunction with Zone Omega 3's. In addition to helping reduce oxidation of the Omega 3 fatty acids, Zone Polyphenols deliver five servings of fruits and vegetables per serving. The anti-inflammatory benefits of the Omega 3's, have helped me keep my asthma better controlled as well. I prefer to control it naturally rather than take more medication. Lastly, As an athlete, product purity is of utmost concern. The safeguards Zone Labs has in place to guarantee that their products ingredients are exactly as stated on the label, make me feel secure."
    Alexander Wetterhall

    Alexander Wetterhall

    Professional Cyclist - Endura Racing, 2009 Swedish TT Championship Title

    "The benefits I feel after using the Zone products (Zone Diet, Zone Omega 3's and Zone Polyphenols) in the long run is that I feel more spot on, I have more energy and recovering faster. I have been reducing my sickdays and with less days in bed recovering from a cold etc. I got more time spent on the bike and that is making me progress faster. Zone works for me."
    Christian Vande Velde

    Christian Vande Velde

    Professional Road Racing Cyclist, 2011 Tour de France – Team GC – 1st

    "The anti-inflammatory prescribed by Dr. Sears helped me break through a ceiling that I previously came up against. I have been using the fish oils for the past six years and they have become a staple in my supplements right next to Vit C. Both the diet and supplements have, as I look back now, completely changed my eating and when I veer away from it, I recognize the difference."
    Oli Beckingsale

    Oli Beckingsale

    Professional Mountain Biker, 3x Olympian, 5x Senior UK Champion

    "As a professsional cyclist I am pushing myself to the limit, combined with a youing family it is a challenge to maintain a healthy immune system and recover between sessions. I have used the Zone Omega 3s and Zone Polyphenols since 2007 and during the time have spent less time out of action sick and have had some of my best seasons. These supplements are now an essential part of my daily nutrition."

  • The Science

    What Can Z2 Do for You?

    Improved ATP Production*

    The more ATP you make, the better you perform. Polyphenols found in Polyphenols Plus can boost  your levels of ATP production and give you a  radically increased performance enhancement.

    Stimulate & Maintain Muscle Mass*

    You work hard to build your muscle mass and the Omega-3 fatty acids found in OmegaRx® have been shown to stimulate muscle growth and prevent  muscle loss. 

    Reduction of Inflammation*

    The rate of recovery from a training session or competition depends on your ability to reduce inflammation.

    Improved Reaction Times*

    In athletic performance sometimes the difference between winning and losing is a split second.

    Improved Mood Control*

    The key to performance is keeping emotions in check so you’re able to perform at your best under pressure.

    Increased Concentration and Awareness*

    Whoever makes the least mistakes during a competition usually wins all. *These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

  • Contact

    Contact us by Phone

    For additional support, call a Zone Specialist at 1-800-404-8171, Monday through Friday 9:00am –7:00pm EST

    Contact us via Email

    Email us at customerservice@zoneliving.com
    For business, partnership, promotional or marketing opportunities: bizdev@zoneliving.com

    Contact us by Fax

    Customer Service fax is 978-539-0087

    International Customers

    For International inquiries email internationalorders@zoneliving.com or call 1-978-539-0100

    Corporate Headquarters Mailing Address:

    Zone Labs, Inc 21 Tioga Way Marblehead, MA 01945

  • Diet and Performance

    Diet, Eicosanoids, and Performance

    Performance is not determined on the day of the race, but is dependent on training and the consistency of the diet prior to the race. Nor is performance dependent on some “energy” bar or drink. To paraphrase President Clinton, “It’s the diet, stupid.
 More importantly a high carbohydrate diet when consumed for more than five days has no enhancement on athletic performance. Nothing in the published scientific literature supports the current thinking that long-term consumption of a high carbohydrate diet improves performance.1 – 4

    All sports nutrition is currently based on the belief that greater muscle glycogen levels will improve performance. However, if that statement is not true, then consuming more carbohydrates to increase muscle glycogen levels will not be of any benefit to an athlete, and may even impair their maximum performance potential.

    All athletic performance is ultimately dependent on adaptation. At the molecular level, this requires the complex orchestration of various hormonal systems that enable an athlete to perform at higher work loads.5 It’s best to visualize these hormonal systems as the biological equivalent of AT&T coordinating all physiological actions. Understanding how training and diet effects these hormonal systems is the real key to achieving maximum athletic performance. Once you understand the adverse hormonal effects (i.e. increased insulin secretion) associated with consuming a high carbohydrate diet, it should become readily apparent why it is physiologically impossible for a high carbohydrate diet to generate maximum performance.

    Why do elevated insulin levels decrease athletic performance for the endurance athlete? The answer requires understanding how insulin negatively effects eicosanoid formation.

    If you have never heard of eicosanoids, don’t be too concerned because most physicians, let alone exercise physiologists, have ever heard of them either. This ignorance is in spite of the fact that the 1982 Nobel Prize in Medicine was awarded for understanding their importance in human physiology, and more importantly in controlling the cardiovascular system.

    Yet as powerful as they are, eicosanoids are totally controlled by diet.6 If an athlete ever hopes to achieve maximum performance, then he or she must understand how to orchestrate eicosanoid production by virtue of the foods they eat. Eicosanoids control the rate of oxygen transfer to muscle cells7, determine the ability of the athlete to use stored body fat as an energy source during exercise8, and also reduce elevated insulin levels.9 These are all critical molecular events essential for maximum aerobic performance.

    Why is there so much ignorance concerning the importance of eicosanoids? The answer is their complexity. First, there are currently more than 100 known eicosanoids and more are being discovered all the time.10 Second, their lifetimes in the body are measured in seconds. Third, they function as cell to cell regulators that rarely appear in the bloodstream. Fourth, they work at vanishingly low concentrations. These facts have limited the understanding of eicosanoid biochemistry to the highest levels of medical research. This data simply has not yet filtered down to the exercise physiologist, let alone the athlete.

    But as with any hormonal control system, structurally different eicosanoids will have powerful, but opposite effects. From a simplistic view, eicosanoids can be seen as either “good” or “bad” just like cholesterol. The dynamic balance of “good” and “bad” eicosanoids will ultimately determine athletic performance. The definition of an eicosanoid favorable “Zone” is that metabolic state in which the balance of “good” and “bad” eicosanoids is optimal.

    To understand how diet controls eicosanoids you must begin to view food as a hormonal modulator as opposed to simply a source of calories. The balance of protein, carbohydrate, and fat at every meal will determine the resulting eicosanoid balance for the next four to six hours and thereby determine whether you will preferentially use stored body fat versus stored carbohydrate for energy during that time period. If you eat the appropriate composition of protein, carbohydrate, and fat, you will make more “good” eicosanoids by virtue of the meal composition every time you eat. Overproduction of “bad” eicosanoids (caused by elevated insulin levels) is the primary negative hormonal effect associated with a high carbohydrate diet.

    But how does an athlete reach this eicosanoid favorable Zone to maximize performance? The foremost dietary rule necessary to reach the Zone is to control the protein to carbohydrate ratio at every meal with drug-like precision. Precise eicosanoid control becomes possible within specific ranges of protein to carbohydrate ratios (the protein to carbohydrate ratio of 0.75 being considered ideal). Between these upper and lower limits of protein to carbohydrate ratios, insulin secretion (caused by carbohydrates) and glucagon secretion (the counter regulatory hormone released in response to protein) is optimally balanced to effect the key rate limiting enzyme controlling the generation of the appropriate balance of eicosanoid formulation. 6

    Controlling the protein to carbohydrate ratio generates a transient biochemical situation lasting only four to six hours in which you can now generate more “good” and fewer “bad” eicosanoids. This is not unlike a training zone, except that it is entirely controlled by the macronutrient composition of a meal. The concept of an eicosanoid favorable Zone is really discussing the dynamic balance of “good” and “bad” eicosanoids necessary to optimize physiological performance.

    The second dietary rule for reaching the Zone is that an athlete (or for that matter, anyone) should never consume more protein than they require to maintain their lean body mass. Likewise, they should never consume less which is equivalent to protein malnutrition.

    The amount of protein an athlete requires is genetically unique for that athlete, and depends on their lean body mass and their activity factor. Anyone who describes an “ideal” performance diet by using percentages of protein, carbohydrate, and fat simply has no understanding of eicosanoid control. Calories don’t count, but protein does. By that I mean, while percentages of calories don’t matter, the absolute intake of macronutrients, their ratios, and most importantly the amount of protein consumed does.

    The ideal performance diet is one that (1) supplies adequate protein (which is unique for each athlete) for that athlete, and (2) also maintains a relatively constant protein to carbohydrate ratio at each meal. The amount of fat at each meal is then used as caloric “ballast” to provide calories without effecting hormonal fluxes caused by the protein and carbohydrate intakes. If it sounds complicated compared to eating all the pasta you can stuff in your mouth, it is. However, the resulting effects on eicosanoid control will determine whether or not an athlete utilizes stored carbohydrate or stored body fat as an energy source during exercise, and the effectiveness of oxygen transfer to the muscle cells. These same biochemical facts are also true during times of rest. The goal is to spend as much time as possible each day in the Zone.

    In this eicosanoid favorable Zone, an athlete (or any individual for that matter) can now access stored body fat with greater ease and increase oxygen transfer rates. These hormonal responses to food are universal, and their resulting impact on eicosanoid synthesis was the reason this technology was initially developed for treating cardiovascular patients—especially those with elevated insulin levels. The same hormonal responses (reduction of insulin levels and the increased production of “good” eicosanoids) desirable for a cardiovascular patient are exactly the same for an athlete who is trying to optimize them through training and diet. We have recently conducted clinical studies with Type II diabetic patients that has confirmed the hypothesis that an eicosanoid favorable diet lowers insulin levels compared to a higher carbohydrate diet (the American Diabetes Association diet) which elevated insulin levels in matched patients during an eight week study.11

    While an eicosanoid favorable diet can be tested for a cardiovascular patient, can it be tested for performance enhancement? The answer is yes. Since the ratio of “good” and “bad” eicosanoid production, a survey of the scientific literature should confirm this. There are a number of controlled studies that conclusively demonstrate that increasing the protein to carbohydrate ratio (and resulting effects on eicosanoid production) improves athletic performance if the body is given adequate time to adapt to this new macronutrient composition. How long is this adaptation process? Based on these studies, the answer is apparently only five to seven days. And yet when long-term (greater than 5 days) studies are conducted using a more favorable protein to carbohydrate ratio, the conclusions appear contrary to all accepted sports nutrition “wisdom”, but can now readily be explained by understanding the impact of the increased protein to carbohydrate ratio on eicosanoid modulation.

    What are some of the radical conclusions confirmed in these studies? First, there is no relationship between muscle glycogen levels and performance in trained athletes.1 Second, a high fat diet improves endurance and VO2 Max compared to a high carbohydrate diet.2 Third, high carbohydrate diets increase lactic acid build-up.3 Since athletes tend to eat in consistent patterns during the course of a season, they should only be interested in long-term (i.e. greater than five days) studies conducted on the effect of diet on performance.

    Since all endurance performance depends on the efficiency of the cardiovascular system, it should be apparent that optimizing eicosanoid balance should be the goal of every athlete. However, to successfully achieve that goal, carbohydrates must be consumed in moderation and in relatively strict ratios to protein intake at every meal.

    References:
    1 Sherman WM, Doyle JA, Lamb DR, and Strauss RH. “Dietary carbohydrate, muscle glycogen, and exercise performance during 7d of training.” Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 57 27-31 (1993)
    2 Munio DM, Leddy JJ, Horvath PJ, Awad AB, and Pendergast DR. “Effect of dietary fat on metabolic adjustments to maximal VO2 and endurance in runners.” Med. Sci. Sports Exerc. 26 81-88 (1994)
    3 Lamb DR, Rinehardt KF, Bartels RL, Sherman WM, and Snook JT. “Dietary carbohydrate and intensity of interval swim training.” Am. J. Clin. Nutr. 52 1058-1063 (1990)
    4 Sherman WM and Wimer GS. “Insufficient dietary carbohydrate during training: does it impair athletic performance?” Int. J. Sport Nutr. 1 28-44 (1991)
    5 Virtu A. Hormones in Muscular Activity. CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. (1985)
    6 Sears B. “Essential fatty acids and dietary endocrinology: a hypothesis for cardiovascular treatment.” J. Adv. Med. 6 211-224 (1993)
    7 Herman AG et al. Cardiovascular Pharmacology of the Prostaglandins. Raven Press. New York, NY. (1982)
    8 Chatzipanteli K, Rudolph, and Axelrod L. “Coordinate control of lipolysis by prostaglandin E2 and prostacyclin in rat adipose tissue.” Diabetes 83 1595-1607 (1988)
    9 Sacca L, Perez G, Rengo F, Pascucci, and Condorelli M. “Reduction of circulating insulin levels during the infusion of different prostaglandins.” Acta 10 Endocriologia 79 266-274 (1975)
    11 Willis AL. Handbook of Eicosanoids: Prostaglandins and Related Lipids CRC Press. Boca Raton, FL. (1987)

  • Buy Now

    The z² Combination

    OmegaRx® - 1 Bottle, 120 Capsules
    Polyphenol Plus - 1 Bottle, 30 Capsules

    Price: $69.95

    Save 20% with Autoship: $55.95
    Add to Cart


    Supercharge your workout with our exclusive Z2 combination of OmegaRx® and Polyphenol Plus, the fuel your body needs to succeed.
    • Improved ATP Production
    • Stimulate & Maintain Muscle Mass
    • Reduction of Inflammation
    • Improved Reaction Times
    • Improved Mood Control
    • Increased Concentration and Awareness
    Omega 3 fatty acids are known to reduce inflammation and promote mental focus and function. Polyphenols protect the Omega 3 fatty acids from oxidation in the body. We only use the purest form of products, giving you the most potent anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-aging benefits possible.

    Supplement Facts

    Omega RX

    Polyphenols

     

    Customer Reviews

    As much as I love fruits and vegetables, there are still days I know I don't eat enough. The polyphenols gives me added insurance to close the gap. I take it either as a capsule with a meal, or sprinkled into a berry shake.
    -Elaine, Cincinnati, OH

    Good product effect.
    - Lorenzo Delzotto, Pula, Croatia

    The product arrives each month like clockwork. I was originally given this by a friend. I was very reluctant to try it and skeptical of its working. I got quick results and no longer need ibprofen for joint pain. It is like a miracle. I can do all sorts of exercise without pain. I have become your best salesperson. I recommend it to everyone.
    - Gin, Salem, MA

    I use 3 to 4 Omega 3 capsules with each meal or snack. This significantly safisfies those cravings brought on by the endocanabanoids of the brain. I have always had cravings and break through eating, but with fish oil added to my meals it is easy to eat sensibly, push away the unwanted starches and fill up on a Zone balanced protein, veggie, healthy fat, fruit, balanced meal. This is by far the BEST on the market!!
    - Alice, Gold River, CA

Discover the Benfits
See the Proven Results