Essential Supplements
Part Five of a Five Part Series
Originally Published in our Online Newsletter
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The Essential Supplements - Part Five
I've covered all four essentials now,
but as promised, this article will list
a few that I consider semi-essential -
basically supplements that you may need
to add to your regimen depending on how
you structure it and what your goals
are. For a quick recap, #1 is protein,
#2 is glutamine,
#3 is essential fatty acids,
and #4 is fiber. I've justified
these in the previous articles found
on our website. Now, here's a few that
you may also want to consider....
Vitamins:
A good multi-vitamin or individual
Vitamin C or
E is never a bad idea. They weren't
added to the top four essentials because you
may be getting protein from two meal replacments
per day which usually equals 100% of the RDA's
for most vitamins and minerals. If that's the
case, a multi-vitamin may be overkill. However,
if you are just using a protein powder or
weight gainer and not a complete meal replacement
for your additional protein intake, a multi-vitamin
should definitely be on your shopping list.
Antioxidants:
Very similar to the vitamins recommendation above
when considering Vitamin C
and E are antioxidants,
but don't mistake one need for the other. They
both play a role and remember that intense workouts
could easily increase your need for more
antioxidant nutrients to fight free radicals.
Glucosamine / Chondroitin / MSM:
All of these alleviate joint pain and strengthen
connective tissue. If you're under 25, this may
not be an issue - yet - but if you are pushing
heavy weights, it probably will be. If you run
frequently, your knees may appreciate
a combination of Glucosamine, Chondroitin, and MSM
as well.
Amino Acids:
Another supplement that may be found in your
protein supplement.
Many protein supplements now boast a
complete profile of aminos. However, if you are
training hard, the complete amino profile may be good -
but you may only have small amounts of each amino.
Check the amount and consider increasing it with
a separate amino acid supplement for enhanced
growth and recovery.
ZMA:
A combination of minerals (Zinc, Magnesium, &
Vitamin B-6) that has been proven to be beneficial
to athletes. Considering the hype that followed ZMA
to the shelves, some athletes have been disappointed
with their results - but much like a vitamin, ZMA
doesn't immediately create a pump or noticable difference
in workouts. However, for your long-term program,
ZMA is a great choice.
And that wraps up the 5 part series - build a solid nutritional base
to your program by starting with the Essentials!
Click Here to go back to Part I of the Essential Supplements Series.
Click Here to go back to Part IV of the Essential Supplements Series.
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