Sports supplements are the extra nutritional source for sports people who need to enhance their fitness levels. Being a sportsperson there is a constant need to have high fitness levels and to be able to withstand the extreme physical exertion that one’s body is subjected to during the span of a particular sports event. These supplements may be available in the form of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs or botanicals. These products usually do not need a prescription. They are no different from dietary supplements. Some of the most commonly found sports supplements are as follows: - Androstenedione and DHEA: Androstenedione (also known as andro) and dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) are natural steroids that can be broken down into testosterone. However DHEA can also convert into estrogen, progesterone or cortisol. By boosting the testosterone levels these hormones have shown to help the increase of muscle mass and improve overall health condition. It is also known to increase energy levels, enhance nitrogen retention and leads to speedy recovery from injuries or other pains. - Creatine: Creatine is a natural hormone synthesized in the body by the liver, kidneys and pancreas. It is also found extensively in foods like meat and fish. Creatine supplements are usually taken to improve strength. Research has proven that maximum advantage of creatine supplements is acquired when the athlete is performing intermittent high-intensity exercise with short recovery intervals such as sprinting and power lifting. - Thermogenics: These are commonly known as fat burners. Mostly produced from the herb called ephedra (ephedrine, ma huang), it acts as a stimulant and increases metabolism. - Glutamine: Glutamine containing supplements are also used by athletes. It not only helps improve the muscle mass but also boosts the immune system. Studies have proved that it increases your exercise performance. - Soy protein: This is a good protein supplement that is known to contain a number of biologically active ingredients like enzymes. It also contains antioxidants and isoflavones. It helps build the muscle mass in no time when used along with weight lifting. - Casein: Casein or milk protein is rich in glutamine and helps the sports person to recover from an injury faster. It is majorly used by most athletes to inhibit protein breakdown. -Whey protein: It is another source of protein from milk that helps build muscle mass. It is known to help weight lifters to build muscle rapidly. - Isoleucine, Leucine and valine: These branched amino acids have gained popularity in the bodybuilding industry. It is also used in improving muscle mass and helps in rapid recovery from injury. Thus are the examples of various sports supplements available in the market. It is essential though you know what is exactly that you want or get yourself an expert physician’s advice.
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