What Are the Side Effects to Watch Out For?

What are the side effects to watch out for? Various bodybuilding supplements continue to be marketed to health buffs to help them build up their muscles. What are the side effects to watch out for? However, you should be careful with what kind of supplements you take, and beforehand, you must be aware of possible side effects that could damage your body. What are the side effects to watch out for? Not only will you lose any progress you have in bodybuilding but you will also suffer long-term effects in your well-being.

Here are some of the side effects you might experience when taking in bodybuilding supplements.

Feeling Jittery

What are the side effects to watch out for? Caffeine is a major component in some work-out supplements. Indeed, caffeine helps in improving performance and output as well as in increasing muscle strength. It also provides a great kick to avoid fatigue during a workout session.

However, there are some side effects. Too much caffeine intake can increase your heart rate to an unhealthy level, leading to heart complications. You may also experience nausea, headaches, and restlessness. Some people who regularly take in caffeine-filled drinks also experience insomnia, leading to exhaustion during their waking hours.

Bloating and Water Retention

What are the side effects to watch out for? Some work-out supplements contain creatine, which has been shown to improve and increase one’s capacity for high-intensity activities. However, be careful when taking in creatine since it may cause bloating. You may also increase your water retention.

Creatine is derived from amino acids and produced by the liver and kidneys. It is primarily stored in the cells of the skeletal muscle.

Diarrhea and Stomach Upset

Some work-out supplements contain ingredients that cause digestive upset and even diarrhea. For instance, magnesium has a laxative effect that can trigger a sensitive stomach.

Mild Tingly Reactions

What are the side effects to watch out for? Beta alanine and niacin (vitamin B3) are both found in most work-out supplements. Unfortunately, they also both could trigger some mild reactions throughout the body, such as paresthesia. Paresthesia is characterized as the tingling sensation in your hands and feet; though mild and not necessarily harmful, it can be a cause of discomfort for many people. Increased intake of niacin may also lead to blood rush, resulting in red patches on your skin.

High Blood Pressure

What are the side effects to watch out for? Supplements are practically stimulants, and stimulants are known to increase blood pressure. This may become particularly harmful if the person already has a pre-existing issues with high blood pressure.  

Side Effects of Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids are chemical derivatives of steroids. They are often prescribed to treat hormone disorders and muscle loss. They are also helpful in quickly building up muscle size and strength. However, they come with some serious side effects.

Some mental side effects of steroid use include increased irritability and aggression, irrational jealousy, manic behavior, impaired judgment, and even delusions.

Use of anabolic steroids can also increase the likelihood of developing diseases and having negative health risks such as liver failure, kidney failure, and increased blood pressure.

Side Effects of Testosterone Boosters

Testosterone boosters may contain selective androgen receptor modulators (SARMs) and DHEA.

SARMs

Side effects of SARMs include an increase in risks of developing heart diseases. Complications such as heart attack, stroke, and liver damage may also arise.

DHEA

DHEA is a naturally occurring hormone in the body that aids in the production of other hormones like testosterone. Potential side effects of DHEA intake through testosterone boosters include developing acne, having a deeper voice in women, changes in the menstrual cycle in women, abnormal hair growth in women, as well as breast pain. Men who take in DHEA may also experience breast growth.

Side Effects of Protein Powder

What are the side effects to watch out for? For bodybuilders, food isn’t enough as a source of protein, especially if their protein requirement is significantly higher. So they resort to using protein supplements, such as protein powders. The most common types of protein powders are whey, soy, and casein. These help in facilitating bodily functions at a cellular level and are shown to help increase fat burn. Side effects include increased bowel movement, especially if the powder comes with other ingredients that have laxative effects. Bloating, cramps, and reduced appetite can also be observed.

Should You Use Bodybuilding Supplements?

What are the side effects to watch out for? Caution is important not only in your exercise regimen but also your diet. Many, if not most, of supplement in the market may have side effects that its sellers aren’t upfront about. So you have to be extra careful and watchful. Bodybuilding and workout supplements remain popular because they show positive effects on the energy levels as well as performance. However, their side effects should not be overlooked. If you still wish to use these supplements, make sure that you understand first what you’re taking. Consulting with a medical professional as well as dieticians is highly recommended.