In our health conscious world, body building has become very popular with both men and women. And there are a number of supplements that may enhance the body building experience. The trick is to know what supplements are helpful and how and when to take them.
Types
There are so many supplements available it's hard to know what can help the goal oriented person best. The core group of supplements includes antioxidants or multi-vitamins, creatine, protein and glutamine, according to the Pumping Station website. Also, keep in mind that diet and nutrition play an important role in your overall health and may also contribute to achieving the body building goal.
Protein
The body relies on macronutrients for energy. These include carbohydrates, fats and proteins, according to the Muscle & Strength website. Protein, a series of amino acids linked together like a chain, may be used as an energy source when carbohydrates are not available. Amino acids, the body's primary source for nitrogen, aid in the proper nitrogen balance for the ongoing muscle tissue repair and growth cycle. A weight training regimen affects more muscle tissue, thus a protein supplement is needed when bodybuilding to maintain the body's blood PH balance, regulate hormones and maintain a proper nitrogen balance.
Multi-Vitamins and Antioxidants
"Oxidative free-radical damage" occurs in the body during exercise and bodybuilding, according to thepumpingstation.com website. Additional supplements of vitamins C and E are very important as they are both rich in antioxidant properties. Antioxidants protect the body's molecules from pollutants and toxins and free-radical damage. Vitamin C is also important in the synthesis of collagen which is a structural component of ligaments, tendons, bone tissue and blood vessels.
Creatine
Creatine is produced by the pancreas, kidneys and liver, and through the bloodstream supplies energy to the muscles, according to the muscleandstrength.com website. Upon reaching the muscles, creatine is converted into phosphocreatine which is a metabolite that regenerates adenosine triphosphate (ATP), the muscles' energy source. Clinical studies have also shown that creatine may increase lean muscle mass and muscle strength.
Glutamine
Glutamine is used post bodybuilding to enhance recovery, according to thepumpingstation.com website. An anti-inflammatory, glutamine can aid in the body's muscle cell recovery to allow for more frequent workouts. The body naturally produces glutamine which it uses to move nitrogen and ammonia via the bloodstream throughout the body and is stored in the muscles. Bodybuilding can "rob" these stores of glutamine, therefore supplementation of glutamine is important to maintain a healthy balance.
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