What do you guys think of this list of "essentials". I found this online and it seems to me to be ridiculous and possibly dangerous. There are quite a few savvy people on here so I thought you might be able to shed some light on the subject.
Muscle Building:
Protein: Provides vital amino acids and rebuilds muscle.
Whey (isolate or concentrate) - Fast absorbing, high biological value, ideal for morning and post-workout. Isolate has no fat or carbs, conentrate has minimal fat and carbs.
Casein - Slow absorbing, high bioligical value. Usually doesnt taste as good as whey (kind of chalky). Ideal for pre-bedtime.
MRP (Meal replacement powders) - Very convenient, very fast, usually nutrient dense.
Creatine: Increase power, strength, recovery, and bodyweight. Recommended to take post workout with carbs. If you're cutting be aware of creatine bloat.
L-Glutamine: Prevents muscle breakdown. Immune support. Supports an anabolic (muscle building) state. Should be taken throughout the day including pre and post workout.
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs): Prevents muscle breakdown. Prevents fatigue. Immune support. Can be taken throughout the day but post workout is ideal.
Dextrose/Maltodextrin: Simple carbs that support an anabolic state post-workout due to increasing insulin levels and filling glycogen stores. Must be taken post workout.
Essential Fats/ fatty Acids: Support healthy heart function. Regulates mood and brain functions. Anti-carcinogenic(anti-cancer causing). Supports the production of testosterone. Should be taken throughout the day.
Fiber: Yes you heard right, fiber as a muscle building supplement. Promotes intenstinal health and regularity which in turn causes improvement of absorption of nutrients. Lowers choleserol and improves immune function. Taken throughout the day. You should be taking at least 20g a day!
Weight Loss:
Green Tea: Natural thermogenic (fat burner). Natural caffeine for energy. Packed with anti-oxidants for immune support and to combat free-radicals which build up during workouts. I recommend drinking a cup before every workout.
Caffeine: Promote fat utilization and improve aerobic performance. Taken throughout the day.
Ephedrine: Increase alertness. Increase metabolism and burn fat rapidly. Has been banned recently and is hard to obtain but if you can find some and want to lose weight fast, then I definitely recommend this. Taken throughout the day.
Conjugated Linoleac Acid (CLA): Increase lean body mass. Decrease bodyfat. Anti-carcinogenic. Use varies from each individuals' goals.
Yohimbine: Enhance male performance .Burns fat rapidly. There is a supplement called Yohimbine HCL (usually in cream form) that is the closest thing you will come to 'spot reducing'. Look it up if you have really stubborn fat deposits (I've personally never tried it but I know people who have and they swear by it).
Alpha Lipoic Acid (ALA): Anti-oxidant. Usually used in conjunction with Keto or Low carb diets. ALA has been known in the bodybuilding world to prevent insulin levels from going to high on carb up (high carb) days for low carbers.
Ginseng: Improves excercise performance. Recovery Agent usually used during a cutting diet.
General Health Supplements (for the typical bodybuilder)
Glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate: Anti-inflammatory. Prevents injury from workout. Joint maintenance (essential for those who have joint problems or hear cracking when doing certain excercises). A must for those who juice
Melatonin: Sleep aid. Improves immune function. I recommend this to people who workout in the evenings and have trouble going to sleep.
Ginkgo Biloba: Improves concentration. Brain oxygenation. I recommend this to people who have lost dedication to working out or have trouble concentrating on their workouts.
Echinacea: Improves immune functions. I strongly recommend this to those who get sick often due to working out or stress or those who juice.
Parents
Former Member
Originally posted by swimr4life
The only thing I disagree with is Ephedrine..... STAY AWAY from it. It is very dangerous!
I wouldn't go quite that far. What I would recommend is the following:
1) Don't take more than 20mg of ephedrine at a time, and don't take more than 80mg per day. It is better if you start taking it gradually rather than suddenly.
2) Don't take ephedrine if you suffer from hypertension, cardiovascular disease (particularly cardiac arrhythmia), diabetes, prostatic hypertrophy, psychosis, or thyroid disease, or if you are taking MAO inhibitor drugs. Check with a physician to see whether any of these apply to you before taking ephedrine.
3) If hand tremor, nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia develop, reduce the dosage.
Bob
Originally posted by swimr4life
The only thing I disagree with is Ephedrine..... STAY AWAY from it. It is very dangerous!
I wouldn't go quite that far. What I would recommend is the following:
1) Don't take more than 20mg of ephedrine at a time, and don't take more than 80mg per day. It is better if you start taking it gradually rather than suddenly.
2) Don't take ephedrine if you suffer from hypertension, cardiovascular disease (particularly cardiac arrhythmia), diabetes, prostatic hypertrophy, psychosis, or thyroid disease, or if you are taking MAO inhibitor drugs. Check with a physician to see whether any of these apply to you before taking ephedrine.
3) If hand tremor, nervousness, restlessness, or insomnia develop, reduce the dosage.
Bob