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What You Want to Know About Sports Supplements |
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Written by Roys
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Saturday, 30 September 2006 |
Sports supplements (also called ergogenic aids) are products used to enhance athletic performance. They come in different forms, including vitamins, synthetic (manmade) drugs, and hormones, most of which are available over the counter without a prescription. Some people think supplements help them develop more muscle mass, increase strength, and build stamina. Other people use sports supplements to lose weight. If you're thinking about using sports supplements, you're not alone. Many teens who see sports medicine doctors when they want to improve their performance have questions about how supplements work and whether they're safe.
Despite the fact that we are provided with a large bolt of information on many sports supplements, the fact is there are many of us who get no enough information. We cannot provide you with the entire stories but we can as well open you eyes to some truths.
Anabolic steroids
Anabolic steroids are hormones that help the body build muscle tissue and increase muscle mass. Steroids, also known as roids or juice, are similar to the male hormone testosterone, which is produced naturally in larger amounts in guys' bodies and smaller amounts in girls' bodies. When a person takes steroids, the body's muscle tissue is stimulated to grow, producing larger and stronger muscles.
Human growth hormone
This hormone is naturally produced by the body. However, with the advent of high technologies, science was able to replicate the construction of this hormone. Known to have growing properties, this hormone is extremely popular for people wanting to speed up the process of muscle development.
Fat burners
Fat burners (sometimes known as thermogenics) are often made with an herb called ephedra, also known as ephedrine or ma huang, which speeds up the nervous system and increases metabolism. Some teens use fat burners to lose weight or to increase energy - but using products containing ephedrine is a bad idea for anyone. Ephedra-based products can be one of the most dangerous supplements. Evidence has shown that it can cause heart problems, stroke, and occasionally even death.
Creatine
Creatine is already manufactured by the body in the liver, kidneys, and pancreas, and it occurs naturally in foods such as meat and fish. If a person takes creatine supplements, the extra creatine is stored in the muscles, and some people think it gives them an energy boost during workouts or competitions.
The question now revolves on the effectiveness of sports supplements. Many studies suggest contradicting claims. The most common of which suggest that at their best, sports supplement don't usually work well for individuals. So the common practice of putting the burden in the substances is not only unhealthy, it also does not produce the desired and expected effects.
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