Best Health Supplements for Athletes

During workouts and the competition itself, athletes exert a tremendous amount of energy. What supplements would make them withstand the physical rigors despite the length and amount of energy spent on the activity? On the long term, what supplements would make their muscles and whole body remain in good shape for many years? We conducted a research on the personal account of athletes who shared their secrets to their extra ordinary stamina. These are what we gathered...

Most athletes drink Gatorade. They feel an increase of energy because of the sugar in it, a source for carbohydrates needed by the body during heavy exercise. Some athletes revealed taking creatine supplement because of its body building effect or faster muscle gain resulting in increased strength. Taking glycerol supplement was also recommended for fluid retention.

Joint problems are likely to occur among athletes. To prevent it, some athletes take glucosamine sulfate due to its cartilage re-building action. For those looking for a more natural alternative, taking Flax Seed oil was recommended as a joint lubricant while enhancing mental function. Taking vitamins and minerals was also on the list as a basic requirement for healthy body functions.

In our viewpoint, supplements should not replace a good diet. Supplements are great but paying attention to one's diet is of paramount importance. Athletes must take in sufficient carbohydrates and calories to include whole grain breads, cereals, pastas, fruits and vegetables.

Keeping hydrated is also a must if you have to last the rounds of the competition. More and more athletes now are taking advantage of the beneficial effect of Endymion L-carnosine supplement in powder form. They mix a gram or more of this powder in their bottled water and they drink it through the day. We did further research about this compound and found that L-carnosine supplement can indeed have beneficial effects on the athlete both on the short-term and in the long-term.

Based on the study of Rubtsov 2001, supplementing the body with carnosine helps to keep muscle pH levels at neutral. During heavy exercise, lactic acid accumulates in the muscles which causes the pH levels to fall. As the pH levels fall, the calcium channels close due to acidity, lipid peroxidation and accumulation of malondialdehyde (MDA). The result is a person gets tired and ultimately become exhausted. Carnosine very effectively helps fight these harmful reactions.

We checked the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) prohibited substances list and carnosine is not there. Carnosine is therefore 100% safe to use.

Natural muscle carnosine levels declines are a person gets older so athletes wanting to be in the game for much longer may supplement their diet with carnosine to restore the carnosine concentration in their muscles.