Breaking Down Dietary And Sports Supplements

Active lifestyle or not, you’ve probably heard all the different opinions about supplements. Just what are they, what kinds are there, and should you even use them? This article aims to help you understand what supplements are, how to determine whether or not to use them and, more importantly, to give some pointers on choosing the right supplement because the fact is that there is an EXTENSIVE assortment available. If you've always scratched the hair clean off your scalp trying to figure any of this out, then keep reading. We’ll even debunk some myths along the way.

First of all, let’s begin by debunking two of the most common myths and misconceptions about supplements; firstly, the term does not necessarily mean anabolic steroids – which are very bad for you! In this case, we’re referring to Dietary and Sports Nutrition Supplements, which are commonly used to promote different health and fitness goals. Secondly, there is no magic pill, powder or drink. Supplements are quite literal – they supplement! That means that they only “reinforce” or “add onto” a balanced diet and exercise regimen for maximum effect. Let’s look at both of these a little more keenly.

DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS

As the term “dietary” suggests, supplements of this nature go hand-in-hand with a balanced diet and proper nutrition habits. Dietary Supplements come in a variety of forms, including tablets, capsules, and powders, as well as drinks and energy bars. Popular supplements include Vitamins D and E; minerals like Calcium and Iron; herbs such as Echinacea and garlic, and specialty products like Glucosamine, Probiotics and Fish Oils. These supplements are usually taken intermittently at certain times during the day, for instance, before or with meals, among others (check product label for usage directions).

SPORTS NUTRITION SUPPLEMENTS

The term “sports” here is also quite literal, and supplements of this nature work to promote athletic or sports performance. They can further be classified into Pre-, Intra-, or Post-Workout supplements, referring to “Before”, “During”, and “After” exercise respectively (check product label for usage directions).

Sports Nutrition Supplements will usually focus on enhancing muscular endurance, strength and power, and recovery, among other aspects. Creatine, for instance, has been around for decades and variations of it are widely used to promote muscular strength during intense workouts. Popular supplements include Protein such as Whey and Casein, Nitric Oxide, and Thermogenics, among others.

It is worth noting that as much as these supplements enhance performance and are mainly used before, during or after workouts, most are also still referred to as dietary supplements since they require adequate caloric intake in addition to intense exercise for maximum effect.

SAFETY AND RISK

So, are supplements safe to use? Absolutely, as long as you observe proper usage directions provided by the manufacturer. Note that many supplements contain active ingredients that can have strong effects in the body. Always be alert to the possibility of unexpected side effects, especially when taking a new product. So again, please remember to CHECK THE LABEL. It will only take you a few seconds to avoid regretting your decision in the future. It is also important to note that supplements are most likely to cause side effects or harm when taken instead of prescribed medicines, or when many supplements are taken together.

KEEP IN MIND

Deciding what supplements to use will largely depend on your health and fitness goals, so you might want to figure that out before you go supplement shopping. Don't use dietary supplements to treat self-diagnosed health conditions and always consult a doctor.

Hopefully, you’re now well versed with Dietary and Sports Nutrition Supplements, and have a general idea of how to a selection. Remember, there is no magic pill, powder, or drink, and supplements only maximize the benefits of a proper diet and intense exercise – there are no shortcuts. Next, we’ll discuss how to cycle supplements, and which ones you should be cycling.