Dietary supplements, they come in many formulas and forms, but are they really necessary? You might eat all the right foods but this doesn't guarantee effective nutrient absorption. The fact is, the body is not able to breakdown all the nutrients you get from the food you eat on its own. You need to supplement your diet with certain nutrients to break these nutrients down. If you want to maximize the nutrients you get from the food you eat, supplementation is your best bet.
The same thing can be said if you are working hard to achieve the lean, toned physique that you’ve always wanted. Sure, dietary supplements won’t magically lead to washboard abs but certain bodybuilding supplements can accelerate your gains by boosting energy and enhancing endurance. In today’s post, let’s talk about the importance of supplementation in bodybuilding and what types of supplements give the best results:
Important Bodybuilding Nutrients
In the health food market, bodybuilding supplements are a dime a dozen. With so many types of bodybuilding supplements to choose from, which ones are best for boosting muscle growth and optimizing workouts?
High Fiber Supplements
Most people don't know that fiber is a type of carbohydrate. It adds bulk to the diet while also slowing down the digestion. Dietary fiber is important in bodybuilding because it helps fill up the stomach, prolonging the feeling of fullness. Fiber takes more room in the stomach so it’s harder to digest. Because it takes a while to process fiber, you will not feel hungry for longer. Dietary fiber turns into a gel-like substance that slows down digestion, boosting satiety signals sent to the brain. When you don’t feel famished all the time, you are able to make healthier food choices while also consuming fewer calories.
The best thing about dietary fiber is that it reduces the level of bad cholesterol in the blood. Eating foods high in dietary fiber minimizes your risk of developing cardiovascular diseases. Dietary fiber comes in soluble and non-soluble forms. The best sources of soluble and non-soluble fiber are fruits, vegetables, and grains. Unfortunately, not all people are getting enough fiber from the food they eat. Taking fiber-enriched foods as well as fiber supplements will definitely improve your fitness journey.
Creatine Supplements
Creatine is a type of muscle building nutrient that enhances energy, endurance, and muscle growth. This chemical works by boosting the body's ability to turn fat into fuel, allowing the muscles to work harder. Taking creatine supplements will increase your overall workout intensity, enabling you to gain more muscle mass quickly and efficiently. This type of supplement is best used for high-intensity anaerobic workouts.
Apart from improving your athletic performance, creatine could also reduce your recovery time so you are not too worn out in between workouts. This nutrient boosts muscular gain while also healing stressed muscles. Taking creatine supplements will help you get back on your feet after a punishing workout.
Glutamine Supplements
L-Glutamine is a type of amino acid that transports nitrogen into the muscle cells. After a particularly brutal workout, the body's glutamine level is depleted, reducing strength and stamina. Keep in mind that glutamine makes up more than 62% of your skeletal muscle. This amino acid has the ability to prevent muscle catabolism or the wasting of lean muscle tissues.
Intense workout could breakdown the muscle fibers, which could lead to a painful and longer recovery. Taking L-Glutamine supplements help heal stressed muscle fibers, reducing your recovery time so you'll be back on your feet in no time at all. In addition, glutamine supplements stimulate the release of growth hormones that enhance muscle growth. This supplement is best for people who engage in high-intensity training.
BCAA Supplements
Branched-chain amino acids, better known as BCAAs are amino acids that regulate the glucose in the body. Some of the most important amino acids are valine, leucine, and isoleucine. Unfortunately, the body is unable to produce these amino acids on its own.
As you know, amino acids are the building blocks of protein, which the muscles need to grow. Studies show that taking BCAA supplements reduces muscle fatigue while promoting better protein absorption. In addition, taking BCAA supplements minimizes muscle loss and optimizes energy production during a workout. The amino acids in BCAA supplements heal stressed or sore muscles too. If you are prone to muscle tearing or muscle soreness after a rigorous regimen, take BCAA supplements.
Benefits of Supplements in Bodybuilding
Muscle Growth
One of the most important advantages of supplementation is faster muscle growth. As you know, you have to work out regularly to stimulate the muscle fibers to bulk up. Supplementation allows you to work smarter, not harder. Taking different types of muscle building nutrients could stimulate the muscles to grow at a much faster speed compared to pumping iron alone.
Better Athletic Performance
Supplements designed for bodybuilders are formulated with ingredients that stimulate the release of energy from the body. Usually, the combination of supplements and intense training causes the body to burn off stored fat for fuel and this leads to weight loss, muscle definition, and an overall leaner physique. Other supplements are fortified with essential nutrients such as vitamin C, riboflavin, and B vitamins to boost athletic performance.
Better Mental Performance
Optimal mental performance is a critical part of any training. The fact is, rigorous physical activities are not only physically draining, they could lead to mental exhaustion too. You have to stay alert and focused when you train so you can maximize your workout. Bodybuilding supplements formulated with essential vitamins are best for boosting brain function. These supplements reduce mental fatigue while also enhancing endurance, allowing you to work out effectively and efficiently.
There are virtually hundreds of health supplement brands on the market right now. It is important to be selective in terms of the quality, formula, and ingredients of the product for your own safety. Some formulas are not safe for people with existing medical issues. Even some all-natural bodybuilding supplements cause unpleasant side effects at the wrong dose. Always read the label to take the right dose. Apart from getting your bodybuilding supplements from a trusted manufacturer, we recommend talking to your doctor before taking any type of supplements.