It goes without saying that bodybuilders and other athletes have above average nutritional requirements. In order to keep building muscle, bodybuilders need a high-protein, high calorie, nutritionally rich diet. This is where bodybuilding supplements come into play caffeine vrije pre workout. Bodybuilding supplements improve recovery from events and training, aids the building of lean muscle mass, and improves overall performance.
Take note, however, that supplements are only intended to be used in conjunction with proper training and a nutritious diet. Also, most bodybuilders make an important distinction between supplements and anabolic steroids. The difference is that bodybuilding supplements are aimed at filling the inevitable gaps in nutrition whereas steroids are intended to change hormone levels (primarily testosterone) beyond natural limits to improve training stamina.
Here is a quick look at the more typical components of bodybuilding supplements and their functions.
Protein
Proteins are essentially the building blocks for muscle and are typically taken immediately after exercising or as a substitute for a meal, and generally come in the form of a powder. Sufficient protein intake allows for optimal growth and repair of muscle tissue. Types include whey protein, the most common, which contains high levels of all the essential amino acids not produced by the human body. Milk protein, or casein protein, is the richest in glutamine, an amino acid that aids in recovery and is absorbed over a longer time. Soy protein contains all the essential amino acids and is a great alternative for vegetarians. Egg white protein is a dairy free protein and hemp seed contains complete and highly digestible protein that is high in essential fatty acids.
Creatine
A naturally occurring organic acid found in the body, creatine supplies muscle cells with energy needed for short bursts of effort (as with lifting weights) allowing you to train harder. Several studies have demonstrated that this product can increase energy, muscle mass and strength and reduce recovery times. Naturally occurring creatine can also be found in red meat, kidney meat and various other types of offal.
Glutamine
Glutamine is an amino acid found abundantly in human muscle. It can be found in bodybuilding supplements as it is thought that anaerobic exercise depletes the body’s natural glutamine levels and that a deficiency may lead to a weakened immune system and wasting of muscle tissue – not desired effects in bodybuilding.