Supplement's World

Last Thursday, I trained with my father who is a veteran in the gym. He made me try a pre workout which is a supplement designed to enhance and give a boost of energy during athletic performance. It is like a little cocktail that contains amino acids, caffeine, and creatine. Thanks to the pre workout boost; I handled the 4 hours leg workout, YES… OUCH! So, I asked myself: “what does these components do to my body to enhance my training?”  

Supplements

According to the National Institutes of Health’s Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS), supplements are designed to improve performance, reduce the risk of injury, and enhance recovery. They can include a variety of components such as vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids, enzymes, and other ingredients with different forms such as powders, pills, gels, gummies, drinks or food. Most people have a misconception that’s supplements are just little pills and powder that gives you an overcharge of energy, but Vitamins are a supplement too. So why people is so scared of using creatine but vitamins not? Misinformation.
We know what vitamins do. But what about protein, creatine, amino-acids, caffeine, and others? Each of them is important for our body and we daily consume them. That’s why they are called supplements. We found these components in meals, but sometimes is not enough with meals and we need something extra and that’s where supplements help us.

Popular supplements

Caffeine

This stimulant can increase alertness and focus within five to 30 minutes of consumption and can last for up to 12 hours. Keep in mind, the more caffeine your body is adjusted to, the lesser the effects tend to be.

Beta-alanine

This non-essential amino acid has the ability to reduce muscle fatigue in some individuals and therefore increase your performance output.

Creatine

A naturally occurring amino acid, creatine is mainly stored in your muscles and may increase energy levels to enhance your workout performance.

Taurine

Taurine is a sulfur-containing amino acid that can reduce muscle fatigue and anti-inflammatory markers. It also has ergogenic effects, among other bodily benefits.

Protein

Protein offers loads of nutritional benefits, and from a fitness perspective, it’s prized for enhancing muscle growth and repair and appetite control.

It’s ultimately best to get the majority of our nutrients from food. However, there is a time and a place for supplement use such as for a deficiency, certain disease states or with research to support the positive benefits.


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