Frequently Asked Questions About Second Wind

Frequently Asked Questions About Second Wind

Question:  You say Second Wind is safe for people of all ages.  How about athletes?  Will it show up as something illegal in their blood or urine?
Dr. Peterson:  No.  Second Wind, unlike many products that are marketed to improve energy and performance, contains no stimulants, steroids, or other potentially dangerous or banned substances.
Second Wind is comprised solely of nutrients that the body uses to support cellular energy production.  The ingredients of Second Wind, and their nutritional classifications are:
  • Coenzyme Q10 - A critical coenzyme manufactured by the body
  • L-carnitine - An amino acid (protein building-block)
  • Alpha ketoglutaric acid - An amino acid
  • L-malic acid - An amino acid
  • Alpha-lipoic acid - A cofactor in energy-producing reactions; also a potent antioxidant
  • Inosine - A nucleic acid (Component of RNA)
Question:  Would Second Wind be expected to improve the performance of younger athletes, such as those participating in high school sports?
Dr. Peterson:  Yes.  Athletes at any level should be able to perform more intensely for a longer period of time if they take Second Wind.
 
Question:  How much do you recommend?
Dr. Peterson:  If Second Wind is being used to enhance athletic performance I recommend starting with 2 capsules before each practice or competition.  Three may be taken if additional benefit is noted.  People with age-related limitations or with conditions that cause shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion should take 1or 2 capsules 3 times daily
 
Question:  Can people overdose on Second Wind?  For instance, if someone takes three capsules early in the morning and runs out of energy in the afternoon, is it OK to take more?
Dr. Peterson:  It would be almost impossible to overdose on Second Wind.  Some physicians are now recommending as much as 1500 mg of coenzyme Q10 daily and no significant adverse effects have been noted.  The other nutrients have a similar safety profile.
 
Question:  Can people who are on prescription medications take Second Wind?
Dr. Peterson:  Yes.  I know of no adverse drug interactions that would occur with any of the ingredients in Second Wind and over-the-counter or prescription drugs.
 
Question:  How far in advance of activity should a person take Second Wind?
Dr. Peterson:  I recommend that Second Wind be taken 30 to 60 minutes before beginning a work-out or performance.  Effects should last for 4 to 6 hours.
 
Question:  Would Second Wind be beneficial to skiers or others traveling to high altitudes?
Dr. Peterson:  Absolutely!  Skiers should be able to perform more intensely for longer periods of time when they are taking Second Wind.  One or two capsules should be taken 2 or 3 times daily.  It should be started 2 or 3 days before traveling to high altitude for maximum benefit.
 
Question:  Who is most likely to notice a benefit from taking Second Wind?
Dr. Peterson:  Individuals who are at or near their peak level of physical performance.  This would include weight lifters, body builders, endurance athletes, people who are growing older, and individuals with medical conditions that limit their ability to take in oxygen due to lung disease or circulate oxygen due to heart or blood vessel disease.
 
Question:  Do you feel that people with conditions that make them feel tired such as Chronic Fatigue, Fibromyalgia, or Multiple Sclerosis would benefit from Second Wind?
Dr. Peterson:  People with Chronic Fatigue and Fibromyalgia should discover that they are able to do more things when taking Second Wind.  Inosine, one of the ingredients in Second Wind has entered Phase 2 trials of its ability to prevent the progression of MS.  If someone with MS can potentially stop the progression of his or her disease and feel more energetic while doing so it is an added bonus.
 
Question:  If people are taking supplements like coenzyme Q10, L-carnitine, or alpha-lipoic acid should they continue them while taking Second Wind?
Dr. Peterson:  While doing so would not be harmful, most people will find that they do not need to take larger amounts of those nutrients when taking Second Wind.
 
Question:  If a person starts on Second Wind does he or she still need to take the basic supplements you recommend?
Dr. Peterson:  People often need to prioritize what supplements they take.  My order of priority for the average person is:
  • Lifetime - Provides optimum levels of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutrients needed for ongoing maintenance and repair activities.
  • OPC-2000 - Grapeseed extract and resveratrol to provide antioxidant protection and support the body's ability to reverse changes that lead to cancer.
  • Activator or HCY Formula (depending upon the homocysteine level) - A source of methyl groups, which support cellular health and allow the body to perform repairs.
  • Miracle Green - Provides enzymes, phytochemicals, minerals, and helps maintain alkalinity.
  • Marine Lipids - Omega-3 fatty acids to provide raw materials for anti-inflammatory compounds and to properly manufacture platelets.
  • Liquid Calcium/Magnesium - Minerals and vitamin D for optimum bone support.
  • Second Wind - Mitochondrial support and improved oxygen utilization
The three primary causes of aging and disease are free radical damage (Lifetime & OPC-2000), loss of methylation potential (Activator or HCY Formula), and inflammation (Miracle Green & Marine Lipids).  That is why those supplements are, in my opinion, the top priorities.  If, however, someone has a condition that causes shortness of breath at rest or with mild exertion Second Wind would become a high priority supplement.  If the person in an athlete who wants to enhance performance, it may be the top priority.
I often see people who are taking what I consider to be very low priority supplements.  If a person feels better doing so, fine, but I don't like to see less critical supplements given priority over those that protect against the known causes of disease and aging.