2013

Top 6 supplements to help build muscle [Guest Post]

Top 6 supplements to help build muscle [Guest Post]
[box type="info" align="alignleft" ] Moose's take on Supplements:  To make sure that your body remains at it’s best, you should make sure that you get the right amount of vitamins with your diet. You can find vitamin supplements locally at your neighborhood health food store or online, and not to worry, there’s 100′s of brands to choose from.  Just make sure to stick with a brand that’s been around for a LONG time and is deemed reputable.  If it looks like it comes out of someone’s garage then don’t buy it.  Quite simply, I know if you supplement your diet with the right stuff along with a balanced whole food diet ( long live Paleo! ), you’ll find that your health, vitality, performance and overall well-being will be fully optimized now and for years to come.[/box]

Muscle building requires intense training, effective dieting and helpful consumption of vitamins, minerals and proteins. Broken down, training is not nearly as important as dieting and supplement consumption. Nutritionists and kinesiologists now agree that most of the work is accomplished in the kitchen, about 70% dieting including supplements.

With such a heavy emphasis on what you put in your body, potential bodybuilders and gym rats are looking for better ways to enhance their results using natural compounds. If you’re new to working out and are confused about the kind of supplements you need to take, here are six that will not only speed up muscle-building and recovery, but help keep you energized throughout the day.

6 Supplements to consider to help you build muscle


Blonyx HMB plus Creatine 1. Creatine


Creatine is a natural substance that occurs in the human skeletal muscle tissue. Though a lot of naturally occurring gets used by the body throughout the day, some people may require a bit more for that extra boost of energy. Creatine supplements not only provide this extra spark, but also help the human body promote lean muscle tissue, increase cell volume (muscle cells) and upgrade muscle performance (more reps). Nutritionists recommend a daily consumption of creatine supplements of 5-10 grams before and after a workout. (You might want to consider HMB with creatine - check out more info about Blonyx here )

2. Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAA)


BCAAs, like creatine, occur naturally in the body, and are comprised of specific protein chains (leucine, isoleucine and valine). BCAAs are effective because of their unique ability to help muscle tissue recover after a workout. BCAAs are constantly being used by the body while you’re working out, which is why experts recommend taking 3-5 grams after waking up and 3-5 pre- and post-workout to replenish your naturally occurring BCAAs.

3. Whey Protein


Studies shows that whey protein helps bodybuilders and athletes improve training and build required lean muscle mass after consumption. Because whey protein has a high amount of calcium, magnesium and and other digestible minerals, it’s easily metabolized, it suppresses appetite, helps the body effectively absorb protein to promote muscle building and repairing. The recommended dosage for whey protein is 30-40 grams before and after a workout.

4. Beta Alanine


Like Creatine and BCAAs, Beta Alanines, or BAs, are performance enhancing proteins that are produced by the body. This specific protein allows athletes and bodybuilders to reduce fatigue and improve body composition. If you need that extra push, nutritionists recommend a BA supplement dosage of 2-3 grams before and after a workout to be taken concurrently with creatine to maximize energy levels.

[caption id="attachment_11907" align="aligncenter" width="576"]supplement_brandsToo Many Choices? What brands to trust?[/caption]

5. Glutamine


Glutamine is a generic supplement that allows builders to lift heavier weights for longer periods of time. It improves strength thresholds and elevates endurance. A few benefits of glutamine are improved muscle and immune system function and muscle tissue preservation. Experts that recommend glutamine advise a consumption dosage of 15 grams a day, one dose of 5 to be taking in the morning, afternoon (pre-workout) and at night.

[caption id="attachment_11908" align="alignleft" width="320"] Remember supplements are meant to Remember supplements are meant to "supplement" and enhance one's nutrition - not replace real food.[/caption]

6. Svetol


Although not a necessary muscle building compound, svetol , or green coffee extract, is used to enhance metabolism and cut away excess fat to give bodybuilders that extra definition. Studies show that this naturally occurring supplement helps consumers melt off the fat in a much more accelerated rate than those who were not taking the supplement. Svetol can be found as an ingredient in other products as well. Hydroxycut - a product that speeds up your metabolism in order to burn fat - uses svetol to achieve its results.

Muscle building can be difficult without the extra supplemental boosts.  [highlight]Results will vary and reflect what you put in your body, so make sure you do your research on which supplements are right for you[/highlight].

[box type="warning" align="alignright" ]Note from Moose... My opinion on fat burners can be found in the following post: "Q&A:  What's your take on fat burners? "[/box]

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RachelMatthewsPic Rachel is a freelance writer who enjoys maintaining a healthy lifestyle through exercise, proper diet, and adventure.  You can find her on Google + here.
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