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The Best Supplements for Bodybuilding: What to Use and When - Genetic Nutrition

The Best Supplements for Bodybuilding: What to Use and When

, by Sandesh Prasannakumar, 8 min reading time

Introduction

It is about discipline, commitment, diet plan, and, in some cases, about taking supplements. They can be a way to get those nutrients that may be missing in the bodybuilders’ diet, a way to improve performance/recovery, or just a way to get a little extra support during a high-volume training phase. Alas, having many choices makes it quite dizzying as to what to take and when to do so. This post is a detailed guide that examines the 10 best supplements for muscle growth and when to take them.

1. Whey Protein

Said whey protein powder is currently known to be the best and the most popular protein supplement globally. In this case, whey is loaded with the amino acid leucine, which works directly on synthesising muscle proteins. It also has a fast GI, which makes it suitable to be consumed before and after working out. Whey is important after exercising because it assists in repairing the muscle that was broken during an exercise session. It is also convenient to feed the muscles when one is not likely to have his or her next meal, such as late at night or in the middle of the night.

2. Creatine

Creatine is one of the most researched and investigated sports supplements, and it has been evidenced to increase muscle strength and power output. It does so by delivering more ATP to muscles requiring more reps with heavier weights. As for taking creatine, one should do that before or after training on training days of the week. The recommended one to look at is creatine monohydrate, the most researched type.

3. Caffeine

Caffeine makes the body more alert and the mind more concentrated, which will help increase the training intensity and morale. It informs the body that it is time to rely on fat for energy rather than glycogen. Consuming caffeine 30-60 minutes before the beginning of the workout is recommended. The stimulant effects may be worn off if it is taken too soon before exercise. If taken too late, it might affect the person’s ability to sleep at night or other times.

4. Beta-Alanine

Beta-alanine is converted into carnosine, which helps prevent fatigue and muscle pH loss during anaerobic activities. Due to the acceleration of hydrogen ions removal, carnosine assists bodybuilders in training intensively for a long time before depletion. Beta-alanine can be taken in divided doses, ideally two or three times daily, ranging from 2-5 grams. Sustain this dosage for 2-4 weeks until the muscle carnosine level is built up.

5. BCAAs

Individual amino acids such as branched-chain (BCAAs, particularly leucine) activate protein synthesis and decelerate muscle proteolysis. Even though whey proteins contain BCAAs in high concentrations, it is beneficial to take them before, during, and after the workout session in order to have maximal muscle hypertrophy. When it comes to BCAA, look for one with a 2:1:1 ratio of Leucine, Isoleucine and Valine.

6. ZMA

ZMA is a compound that comprises zinc, magnesium aspartate, and vitamin B6. Lack of these minerals is seen in hard training lifters, that is, lifters in training. ZMA helps maintain and promote testosterone synthesis, muscle catabolism, strength, and sleep. When you want to gain mass, take ZMA supplements 30-60 minutes before sleeping because they enhance sleep and thus increase weight.

7. Omega-3 Fish Oils

Overall, this study's EPA/DHA fish oils are known to have anti-inflammatory properties and may enhance muscle development. When practising strength training, lifters experience considerable pressure on muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Omega-3s help decrease inflammation caused by intensive resistance training and simultaneously enhance the recovery period. Check that you consume 2 to 5 grams of omega-3s daily with at least 30-50% from EPA/DHA.

8. Multi-Vitamin

Micronutrient reserves may be exhausted within a few days of hard training, which is much more difficult than re-stocking them through the regular diet. Lack of vitamins and minerals will lead to reduced performance, poor recovery, hormonal imbalances, inability to build protein, etc. Adequate lifter's amounts of vital micronutrients that may be lacking from whole foods sources alone are ensured by taking a high quality multi.

9. Protein Bars

As in the case of the female cyclist, protein bars are ideal when fresh and nutritious foods are unavailable. Choose a bar with higher protein, fibre, and low sugar content, particularly for maintaining energy levels and aiding muscle building when time is limited for proper meals. If the time is right, filling nutrient gaps through bars well is best.

10. Pre-Workouts

Pre-workout products contain ingredients such as caffeine, amino acids, creatine, and beta-alanine that help to increase training volume. The ingredients have good effects on the body individually, but pre-workout formulas have all of them in one product. Pre-workout supplements should be consumed 20-30 minutes before the exercise to enjoy the benefits of increased arousal, oxygen delivery, and muscle power.

Conclusion

Here are the ten supplements you have that will help you push your muscle-building to the next level. However, they should be taken at appropriate times in order to complement workouts as needed. Be especially cautious with portions as well as recommended amounts of administration. Learn to switch between the use of supplements on and off to maintain their impact. Last but not least, do not be under any illusion that any supplement can make up for your bad diet and exercise regime. It only adds more to the effort you are already applying to work.

For all your protein and supplements needs, visit Genetic Nutrition!

FAQs


Question: What is the best time to consume whey protein?


Answer: Whey protein has a relatively greater impact on muscle synthesis during the pre- and post-workout periods. It is recommended to consume a shake of whey 30 min before training and right after the training to supply muscles with the amino acids they need to maintain intensity during the session and rebuild afterwards. Pre and post-meal protein shakes are also very effective, as is the case with between-meal protein shakes.


Question: If I eat enough good foods, do I have to take supplements?


Answer: It is entirely possible to make good progress just by manipulating diet and training. But, those wanting to build their muscles tend to reach a bench, which can only be broken with supplements that contain other nutrients that promote muscle building. Supplements effectively help schedule protein, amino acids, creatine and micronutrient intake more conveniently while scheduling the timing of supplements.


Question: Is it possible that I could damage my health by taking too many supplements?


Answer: Stick with products that complement each other and do not share ingredients that may be useful to the body. Ensure you read labels well to check for proper dosing statements and avoid mega-dosing a single nutrient. It is also advised not to combine too many stimulating substances in a short period of time because this will also have detrimental effects on the ability to concentrate, the sleep/wake cycle, and other health indicators.

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