Bodybuilding Nutrition Supplements

Many bodybuilders, weightlifters and athletes take nutrition supplements. There are a wide variety of these products on the market. Most are designed to build muscle or increase energy for workouts. People who lift weight require more protein than the average person. However, there are some pros and cons to using these products.

History

In the early 1930's, Eugene Schiff, a young pharmacist, developed a way of processing whey from milk. He went on to create Shiff Bio-Foods and started selling protein powder to drug stores as health foods. His foods become popular during World War II because of the military's demand for non-perishable foods. Protein powders and wheat germ were first sold to athletes around 1950. Today, they are a multi-million dollar industry.

Types

There are many different types of bodybuilding nutrition products. Whey, egg, and soy are some popular protein powders. Amino acid tablets can quicken the recovery and repair of muscle tissues. Creatine is an amino acid that maximizes water levels in the muscles as muscles require protein, water and energy for growth. There are also weight gainers for bodybuilders and those who want to add 10 to 25 pounds over a short period of time. Some nutrition supplements are designed specifically for ensuring a positive nitrogen balance by accelerating protein synthesis. Others provide extra complex carbohydrates to provide energy during workouts.

Positive Effects

Bodybuilding nutrition supplements enhance strength and muscular development. They tend to maximize the hardness in a muscle which indicates the supplements are being used at a maximum efficiency level. These supplements tend to provide weightlifters with high levels of energy for their strenuous workouts. They also make people feel better. Creatine, because it tends to enhance water retention in muscles, can alleviate muscle pain (i.e. upper back). For those people recovering from injuries or broken bones, protein powders, creatine and weight gainers can help them regain size and strength more quickly.

Negative Effects

Creatine can cause stomach cramping and diarrhea for those who are not used to it. Some people even report heart palpitations when taking it. People have been known to develop food allergies to whey, soy and even chocolate, which is used to flavor many protein powders. The proteins can also have negative effects on people who already have food allergies as well. In both cases, symptoms can include gastritis, migraines, dizziness, nausea and excess mucus in the sinuses and lungs.

Warning

While most bodybuilding nutrition supplements are safe, overuse can tax the digestive tract over time. Because of the sugar and gluten content, these products can spur candida overgrowth in the body. This fungus can spawn toxins in the body and provide a more suitable environment for parasites. If left untreated, these entities can cause any number of diseases or conditions such as penile and vaginal yeast infections and even full-blown autoimmune problems like fibromyalgia and multiple chemical sensitivities. Long-term usage can also cause painful calcium deposits in the joints and liver. Some supplements may even contain traces of anabolic steroids.

References

• Altmed.creighton.edu; 2009.

Resources

• Chiquibrosas.com; "Do You Need To Worry about Side Effects?"; Chiqui Brosas; 2009.