Information on Supplements

For many athletes winning at all costs leads to taking some type of drug. Some athletes may appear to achieve athletic gains from such drugs, but at what price? The long term affects of these drugs have not been thoroughly studied, and short term benefits may have many draw backs. What you may find is that the benefits are not worth the risks.

Anabolic Steroids:
Some athletes take anabolic steroids to increase their muscle mass and strength. The main anabolic steroid that your body produces is testosterone. The two effects of testosterone on your body are the building of muscle, and male traits such as facial hair and deeper voice. It is impossible to separate these two effects of testosterone in the production of synthetic anabolic steroids.

These drugs are appealing to many athletes because they make muscles bigger, and may help athletes recover from a hard workout or injury more quickly. Some athletes like the aggressive feeling they get from this drug as well.

Anabolic steroids come with serious side effects. Males may develop baldness, a higher voice, and infertility. Females may develop a deeper voice, increased body hair, and an increased appetite. Both males and females may develop severe acne, aggressive behaviors, or depression. In young people steroids can also halt their normal pattern of growth and put them at risk for future health problems including cancer.

Taking anabolic steroids to enhance athletic performance is illegal at all levels of athletics.

Androstenedione (Andro):
Andro is a hormone that is naturally produced by the body. Manufacturers of synthetic Andro claim that it can increase your bodies’ production of testosterone which will allow athletes to train harder and recover more quickly. New studies refute these claims. In fact these studies show that supplemental andro does not increase testosterone and that your muscles do not get stronger with its use.

Side effects differ for males and females. In males it can actually decrease testosterone production while increasing estrogen production. It can also cause acne and infertility. In females Andro may cause acne and masculine traits such as deepening of the voice and male pattern baldness. Andro may also stunt young peoples’ growth.

Creatine:
Creatine Monohydrate is a compound produced by your body that helps release energy in your muscles. Research indicates that creatine may produce small gains in short term bursts of power such as maximum weight bench pressing or increased speed during short sprints. Some studies have also shown an increase in lean muscle mass with creatine.

Creatine helps to produce ATP which is used for quick, explosive bursts of activity. Creatine may also reduce energy waste products, such as lactic acid, that can cause muscle fatigue. However, there is no evidence that creatine will enhance your performance in aerobic or endurance activities.

Your body produces about 2 grams of creatine each day, but you also get it from a healthy diet. Your kidneys remove any excess creatine, so the value of the supplement is questionable.

Some of the side effects that can decrease performance include stomach and muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Weight gain is also a known side effect but is more likely the result of water retention than an increase of muscle mass. Water is drawn into the muscle tissue, away from other parts of your body, which may put you at risk for dehydration. High doses may cause damage to your kidneys, liver or heart.

Stimulants:
Stimulants are drugs that reduce fatigue, suppress appetite, and increase alertness. They stimulate the CNS, and increase your heart rate, blood pressure, and metabolism.

Although stimulants can boost physical performance and promote aggressiveness, they have side effects that can impair athletic performance. Nervousness and irritability can make it hard to concentrate on the task at hand. Athletes may also suffer from weight loss, hallucinations, convulsions, and circulatory problems.

Athletic performance requires skill and hard work. There is no such thing as a magic pill that will make you perform better. If you want to enhance your athletic performance, train hard at your sport, get good nights rest, eat a well balanced diet, and stay hydrated with water or sports drinks.

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