Many bodybuilders turn to bodybuilding supplements in order to get the maximum return on their investment of time. Supplements can help increase muscle mass, give you extra energy, and reduce recovery time after a workout. But are they safe?
The answer, in most cases, is yes. Supplements sometimes get a bad name because people associate them with steroids, but in reality most supplements contain substances that naturally occur in your body. Taking a supplement is very similar to taking a multivitamin. You should be aware that supplements are not subject to FDA guidelines. There are no real requirements that manufacturers must meet in order to sell supplements. They do not have to prove that they are safe or effective. You also can not be sure that the supplements contain the ingredients they are reported to contain.
For the most part though, manufacturers of supplements stick to their own strict guidelines. They want their product to have a good reputation and they want people to keep buying it. For this reason, taking a supplement is usually exceptionally safe.
Before beginning any kind of supplement, you probably will want to talk to your doctor and make sure that the supplement does not interact with any medication you are currently on. Your doctor can also advise you as to the safety of the particular supplement you wish to take.
You should also make yourself aware of any side effects that the supplements might have. The most common side effect associated with supplements is an upset stomach. Some people might experience diarrhea, gas or bloating but they usually go away after you take the supplement for awhile. You also need to be careful to drink enough water while you take supplements as many of them can cause your body to become dehydrated if you are not careful. You also need to be careful when taking andro supplements. They can cause breast growth in men and can cause a decrease in your desire for sexual activity. Some doctors believe that andro supplements can also lead to heart disease.
In general, supplements are very safe. They are taken by many bodybuilders around the world because they are effective. You can often find discount bodybuilding supplements by going online. Discount supplements are sometimes offered to members of a gym as well as one of the perks of membership. As long as you are educated about the supplements you take, then the safety issues related to supplement use should be minimal.
