Practiced all over the world, bodybuilding is a sport involving body modification, through intense muscular hypertrophy. This increase in the size of muscle cells is accomplished through dedicated, intense and regular physical exercise. Like all sports, bodybuilding is practiced on a professional level, but also by millions of dedicated amateurs. Depending on the level at which an athlete trains, it is possible that some may require a boost, so to speak, in the form of bodybuilding supplements pre workout zonder caffeine. These supplements are often but not always protein supplements, and take the form of powders and shakes that are meant to be taken in conjunction with exercise, either before or during and often just before sleep, particularly so for endurance athletes.
Protein powder – Protein powder is one of the most common bodybuilding supplements. Whey protein in particular is especially favored, since it provides the body with all nine essential amino acids. Whey protein contains the most cysteine, which bodybuilders favor for its role in repairing muscle. Whey has a protein concentration of 29% to 89%, and Whey isolate, its concentrated form, contains 90%-plus protein by weight, making it one of the most concentrated source of complete protein available. Other types of protein used in bodybuilding supplements include soy protein, Casein protein (derived from milk), rice protein and the lesser-known hemp protein, rich in essential fatty acids.
Creatine – Creatine is a naturally-occurring acid produced in the body, so it has proven difficult for sports organizations and government to regulate its use. Its function is to provide short bursts of energy to the cells during effort. It is greatly appreciated by the bodybuilding community for its cell volumization properties, as it facilitates and encourages cells to store greater amounts of water, increasing their size. Despite a lot of bad press over the years, extensive and long-term studies have shown that daily consumption of Creatine, in the 5 to 20 grams a day range, is completely safe. Creatine has indeed been used in the treatment of neuromuscular disorders.
Thermogenic Products – Thermogenic products are supplements that significantly increase the metabolic rate of the body, leading to increased temperature and accelerated burning of body fat. Ephedra and its alkaloid ephedrine were the main ingredients of thermogenic products but are mostly now banned for this purpose in many parts of the world.
Bodybuilding supplements are a great way for active people to get the protein they need without resorting to unhealthy increases in the amount of food they eat, but as always, a physician should be consulted whenever a new product, medicine or supplement is introduced to the mix. All bodybuilding supplements will have adverse effects if they are taken in too great quantity. For example, the human body can not process more than 5-9 grams of protein per hour; excess protein in the diet can lead to stress on the kidneys as they struggle to filter and eliminate the excess. Other unpleasant and downright dangerous side-effects can include constipation, hemorrhoids and in certain cases, colon cancer. Always use common sense and follow the instructions when taking bodybuilding supplements; taking twice as much will never give twice the results, and may have long-lasting side-effects.