Monday, February 20, 2012

Performance Supplements Used For A Healthy Body

By Darryl Jones


Some legal Performance Supplements have the potential to improve athletic performance. Athletes who take legal enhancers may find that they gain a competitive advantage. However, even legal substances should be taken with caution and in safe amounts.

Some athletes use diuretics to adjust their weight. By helping the body to shed water weight, diuretics allow athletes like wrestlers to compete in a lower weight class. Diuretics carry the risk of causing dehydration, which may produce muscle cramps, dizziness and exhaustion. Severe side effects may include potassium deficiency, heart arrhythmias and drops in blood pressure.

The popular supplement creatine is a substance naturally produced by the human body. Creatine helps the muscles to release energy more effectively by causing the muscles to produce higher amounts of adenosine triphosphate. Sprinters and weightlifters may experience more power, and all athletes may benefit from better post-workout recovery and improved muscle mass. Users should also know what creatine side effects include weight gain, diarrhea, nausea and muscle and stomach cramps. High doses may lead to kidney or liver damage.

Stimulants are taken to enhance athleticism. By increasing blood pressure and heart rate, and by stimulating the brain and nerves, stimulants increase alertness, reduce fatigue, suppress appetite and improve endurance. Overdoses, however, may cause heart palpitations and other cardiovascular problems and milder problems like insomnia and nervousness.

Chromium picolinate stimulates insulin activity within the body. Increased insulin activity helps with the breakdown of glucose and fats, which helps to keep the body leaner. Although research has not yet proven this claim, athletes believe that chromium picolinate may enhance protein synthesis to stimulate muscle growth. Side effects may include hypoglycemia as well as kidney and liver damage.

Researchers know very little about the long-term effects associated with taking performance supplements. Any athletes, before starting a supplement regimen, should discuss the benefits and adverse effects with a physician. Also, even legal enhancers may not be allowed in competition, so athletes should consult their sports organization.




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