Archive for the ‘BodyBuilding Supplements’ Category

The Low Down On Bodybuilding Supplements

Monday, February 11th, 2008

Body building supplements can be defined as substances used by professional body builders and athletes to instigate muscle building process or for weight loss. Apart from the use for building the muscle mass of the body, these supplements can also be used to improve the performance of the person taking the supplements.

Body building supplements can be broadly classified as dietary and exercise supplements. The object of using dietary supplements such as protein, meal replacement and amino acids by a sport person are to improve the body building process by aiding the body with essential nutrients required for it. Exercise supplements are generally used by these persons to increase a particular nutrient level in the body with an object to experience a positive side effect that comes when it combines with the weight training of the process. Creatine, which is used by the sports persons to saturate their muscles, can be cited as an example for exercise body supplement that is commonly used by people involved in body building activities.

Proteins that contain high level of amino acids are the most commonly used dietary supplement by the body builders. Whey protein, soy protein, egg protein and casein protein are the different types of proteins that are regularly used by the body builders. Regular protein intake will increase the growth and the repair of the muscle tissue of the body. Protein supplement are normally taken by them in powdered form and is generally take soon after the exercise session is over.

Glutamine, the most abundant amino acid that found in human muscle may be depleted due to the rigorous anaerobic exercises by the body builders. In such cases glutamine should be replaced in the body by using dietary supplements to avoid problems like weakened immune system and wasting of muscle tissue.

Branched chain of amino acids, that act as the building blocks of protein are the other dietary supplements commonly used by the body builders.

Meal replacement dietary supplements (MRPs) are meant to replace whole meal that may lead to weight gain. They are available in both powdered and bar form. Generally these meal replacement dietary bodybuilding supplements will be rich in proteins, vitamins, minerals and low in fat and carbohydrates. Apart from proteins vitamins and minerals they may also contain other ingredients such as creatine, monohydrate, glutamine etc to accelerate the process.

Prohormones. Creatine, thermogenic products and testosterone boosters are come under the list of bodybuilding supplements that are used widely by the body builders. Compared to dietary supplements these bodybuilding supplements are not safe if used frequently by a person to create greater muscle gaining effect.

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A Beast Of A Sports Supplement

Monday, February 11th, 2008

Did you ever see a lion on the history channel stalking its prey? You get the close up of his face, you can see the tension building, 100% of his concentration on the unsuspecting victim. He takes his time, waiting until the prey is isolated on the edge of a pack, moving in silently until he is absolutely sure of his actions.

With a sudden rush of adrenaline, he darts in with precision movements, capturing his prey and devouring it before the animal has even realised what’s going on. Satisfied, he moves on to relax in the sun with a full belly and a smug look on his face.

What you will never see is the stalking, waiting and capturing part swiftly followed by a whimpering noise as the lion hops around in circles massaging a back calf muscle to ease the cramps bought on by the sudden movement.

This is because of the elevated levels of creatine the lion’s body has formed for the use of his muscles. And this level will be ten times higher than his counterparts in your local zoo. We won’t see them limping around with cramp but neither will you see them making any rash movements. In fact, show me a lion in a zoo that does little more than yawn and look bored.

It’s thanks to studies of this type of animal that scientists discovered how the body makes and uses creatine and this has been adapted to make sports supplements that are both natural and legal with no side effects while they are consumed within proper boundaries.

Discovered in 1835 by a French scientist, this naturally occurring substance in the body is made up of three amino acids: glycine, arginine and methionine. Creatine is produced naturally by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is then transported via the bloodstream to the muscles. It is also reproduced artificially for use as a sports supplement and usually comes in a powder form.

The idea of producing natural creatine and artificial sports supplements along the same lines is that this product will help the muscles contract, helping them to recover quickly and to prevent those crippling muscle cramps that are associated with sudden bursts of energy. Personally, I probably need some for breakfast just for the energy it takes to get out of bed sometimes!

It is possible to gain extra creatine from food such as beef, pork and fish but this has to be eaten in its rarest forms because cooking will destroy the creatine thus rendering it ineffective. This is rarely to anybody’s taste so many sports enthusiasts will use sports supplements to get what they need in the way of creatine.

Creatine sports supplements gained world-wide fame at the 1992 Olympics with two gold medal winners contributing their achievements to the use of this product.

There are a few possible drawbacks to the use of this sports supplement. Have you read the cautionary leaflet that comes with a headache remedy? It warns that it may cause headaches! The same problem occurs with creatine sports supplements. If used to excess without following guidelines, it is possible that it will lead to muscle cramps, strains and pulls – the exact thing you are taking it to avoid.

There also concerns that it can cause de-hydration too, as it draws fluid into the muscles and away from vital organs. Coupled with the heat and humidity that national games are often played in, de-hydration is a major concern.

Critics of sports supplements claim there has not been enough research into the effects of extra creatine on the body and are pushing for it to be banned and tested for just as steroids are.

As with most things, creatine will do exactly what it says on the tin providing you keep within recommended dosage.

Nutritional expert Catherine Harvey looks at the early development of sports supplements and how they can help athletes. To find out more please visit http://www.bodyshapersfitness.com/


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