Supplements: Synergistic Effects and Current Stack

The efficacy and purity of supplements are continually discussed ad nauseam. This entry is simply a list of supplements taken before, during or after training, a brief description of the supplement's function, and the synergistic relationship they may have with each other. I will not discuss timing or dosage, as that can be part of a separate discussion with the aforementioned research, efficacy and purity. However, feel free to comment or question any of the following supplements, whether you have experience with them or not.

Creatine HCL - is a naturally occurring substance in muscle cells resembling amino acids. When we supplement more creatine, we create a larger storage of [strength] energy to be used during the execution of exercises. A way to understand this is to think about a bottle of carbonated soft drink. Without getting into the scientific breakdown of the soft drink, consider a newly unopened bottle versus a newly unopened bottle that has been vigorously shaken. The bottle that has not been shaken can be likened to our body's normal energy store, whereas the vigorously shaken bottle can be likened to our bodies after adequately supplemented with creatine. There is more potential energy.

Agmatine Sulfate - is a derivative of the amino acid, L-arginine and simply put, adds mental clarity and focus, insulin sensitivity during training, promotes nitric oxide transfer by blocking the enzymes that block nitric oxides, thus creating blood flow (or commonly known as the "pump") and decreases stress to the body while training.

Beta Alanine - is a non essential amino acid, meaning it is not used by our bodies to create proteins, however when supplemented, produces another amino acid called carnosine, which is then stored in the muscles. Carnosine helps to reduce lactic acid build up, or that feeling of burning in the muscles when working into longer duration of exercise. With the removal or delay of the burning, we can put forth more effort and extend the training. This potentially provides more results.

Citrulline Malate - is another amino acid already created in the body, but with added supplementation, also has a direct effect on preventing the inhibition or blockage of the amino acid arginine and nitric oxides. Essentially, this supplement primarily increases blood flow, allowing for greater blood flow into the muscle cells for increased breakdown and rebuilding of muscle fibers.

BCAAs - or branch chain amino acids, refers to three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. As per use during training itself, this supplement is used to sustain or hold levels of protein production as well as decrease the rate of protein breakdown while training. in addition, it also can help to prevent fatigue. Less fatigue potentially means more output and longer duration during training sessions.

Again, feel free to comment on your thoughts, opinions and experiences with any of the previously mentioned supplements, or supplements you may be using that was not listed.

#supplements #supplementstack #creatine #agmatinesulfate #betaalanine #citrullinemalate #bcaa #preworkout #intraworkout #postworkout