By Dr. Antonio Parolisi
The following is only an informative draft and general considerations on the Azotemia parameter in the blood tests of a sportsman who regularly practices weight training, even at a professional level. Therefore it is not in any way to be considered as a behavioral or therapeutic guide to an outcome of hyperazotemia. In the event of an increase in the values of this parameter, it is always a must to consult a doctor for clarifications on the subject depending on the individual case.
In an article about such an important factor as Azotemia, it seemed right to make it clear right away that taking blood tests lightly is not the right way to approach sport, and life in general.
In the bodybuilding world it is easy to see scenes of superficiality and unconsciousness with regard to Human Physiology. On the other hand it is not even fair to be alarmed, nor to alarm those around us if a parameter in blood tests is out of bounds.
I want to start by saying that I am not a Doctor, but anyone who deals with Training Science has the duty to know certain parameters and, if necessary, to know how to direct a client-student towards a calm and conscientious approach.
Too often I see panic scenes in many of my regular personal training clients. Upon withdrawal of their blood tests in the laboratory, they find that the values of Azotemia are a little altered. As a "good" Personal Trainer I have the duty to inform, within the limits of my skills, the reason for such a response and for further clarity and tranquility I always ask you to consult your doctor.
In fact, azotemia indicates the concentration of non-protein nitrogen in the blood, which mainly derives from amino acids, uric acid, creatinine, urea. Fundamental proteins for body structures circulate in the blood. The concentration of nitrogen in dietary protein is around 15%. So about 15g per 100g of protein. In practice, nitrogen travels in the blood in two ways: linked to proteins to perform precise biological functions, such as muscle anabolism or cell turnover, or travel linked to other compounds that must then be eliminated. Furthermore, substances that no longer have a vital metabolic function are circulating, and are classified as waste substances, which are adequately eliminated through the relevant systems. These waste substances come from the breakdown of proteins that when they perform their functions, are excreted from our body through the kidneys, then into the urine. In reality, about 90% is expelled with urine and the remaining 10% through feces, sweat, saliva, etc. Unfortunately, if the renal excretory system does not fulfill its tasks, then it does not filter as it should, those famous waste substances, waste, have no way of being removed from the body and accumulate in the blood.
High azotemia could be a worrying value for a sedentary person who follows a regular diet, but who could therefore have a renal problem. The reference values are recorded up to 50 mg / dl (milligrams per deciliter).
In sports dedicated to intense training and really important physical tests, the general picture changes a lot. This is because in sports, and especially in bodybuilding, there is often a marked muscular catabolism; moreover, the body builder is probably the one who uses protein supplementation more than anyone else, in the form of powder, liquids, bars or capsules. In addition, in the condition of prayer, in NATURAL athletes there is an important use of protein for energy purposes, which can bring the values of azotemia up to 70-80 mg / dl.
The use of proteins for energy purposes, a phenomenon known as Protein Burning, is due to a high-protein diet, or to intense training or even an inclination to train in a condition of glycogen depletion (therefore without glycogen). Many scholars have confirmed that in the practice of activities with high muscular effort, the subjects present a truly remarkable Protein Burning and this leads to an increase in the concentration of Azotemia and a reduction in blood sugar. A condition that in the sports field could be considered physiological.
So if it happens that the result of the blood tests should reveal a value of Azotemia a little above the reference values, know that you are not necessarily entering a condition of kidney failure, but probably your demanding workouts or your high-protein diet, or both, will have led to an increase in these values. So there is no need to panic. With complete peace of mind, a consultation is scheduled with the attending physician who will clarify the issue and eventually give directions on how to reduce these values.
Obviously superficiality must never tame such a situation, but the knowledge of some parameters can allow us to live more serene and practice our sport in complete tranquility and knowledge of the facts.
Roberto Albanesi blood tests
Wikipedia
