Controversy surrounds natural bodybuilding. Whey protein and creatine are two examples of supplements that some athletes feel exclude you from being entirely “natural.” In contrast, others argue that using these supplements may still be called natural bodybuilding.
What Is Natural Bodybuilding?
As a reaction to the mainstream bodybuilding culture, natural bodybuilding arose. Still, the goal is to gain muscles naturally, without using performance-enhancing chemicals like anabolic steroids.
In the past, natural bodybuilding didn’t involve supplements. The reality is that amino acids, the primary building block of most sports nutrition supplements, are readily available in foods. As a result, some may claim that consuming meals high in glutamine or creatine may prohibit you from competing in natural bodybuilding competitions. There’s no way this could work.
According to some natural bodybuilders, the use of these substances isn’t normal or healthy. On the other hand, most bodybuilders think that being a natural bodybuilder simply means abstaining from any illegal, prohibited, or performance-enhancing chemicals, such as anabolic steroids, growth hormones, and SARMs. You click here to get more information about natural supplements for bodybuilding.
A Natural Bodybuilder relies upon what?
As a WADA-approved natural bodybuilder, you depend only on your diet, training, and supplement regimen to compete in the sport. The World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) offers a list of banned drugs for athletes in all sports. The list includes hormone and metabolic modulators, beta-2 agonists, peptides, beta-blockers, and cannabinoids, added to the list each year.
Of course, preparation for a bodybuilding competition is influenced by the bodybuilding federation hosting the event. Every organization has its own set of rules and regulations.
Top Natural Bodybuilding Supplements
Branched Chain Amino Acids
Isoleucine, leucine, and valine are the three necessary amino acids that make up the branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs). Some protein-rich foods, including meat, dairy, and eggs, include BCAAs. Supplements are also available.
BCAAs have been found to help muscle development by increasing protein synthesis in the muscles (i.e., creating new muscle tissue). Athletes and bodybuilders may also benefit from their ability to lessen post-exercise muscular pain, which can help them remain on track with their workout routines.
Whey Protein Isolate
Muscle development needs enough protein intake. Amino acids, which make up protein, drive muscle protein synthesis, which is another name for the process of developing muscle. As a result of its fast amino acid delivery, whey protein isolate has been demonstrated to boost muscle building more effectively than other types of protein.
Natural bodybuilders need a lot of protein in their diets to keep their bodies in peak condition (I.e., burning body fat and building more muscle mass). As a result, isolate is a more pure type of protein for increasing lean muscle growth, with fewer carbs, fats, and added sugars than whey protein.
Creatine
Muscle development and athletic performance may be aided by supplementing with creatine, which is naturally abundant in many cells, particularly in skeletal muscles. It has been found in tests to improve physical performance, muscle mass growth, and the relief of signs of fatigue during exercises.
Creatine is also recognized as one of the most secure sports supplements on the market. The International Society of Sports Nutrition has shown that preventing exercise-related injuries using creatine is safe and effective. In addition, there is no scientific proof that creatine has any detrimental side effects whether used for short or extended periods by physically active individuals. You may notice an increase in your urination frequency, but this is only a sign that the creatine is doing its job of drawing water into muscle tissue.
Is Megadosing in Natural Supplements Effective?
A healthy diet rich in a range of foods is the most superb method for an athlete to reach peak performance in sports. Unfortunately, many young athletes utilize Performance Enhancing Substances to improve their fitness. Many of these medications are either ineffective or have substantial adverse effects.
Whey Protein Supplements – Whey protein is widely available in supermarkets. It is one of the most essential proteins in milk.
- Because whey protein products are not regulated by the FDA, there is no guarantee that they are what they claim to be.
- They may include other compounds, including harmful pollutants such as heavy metals.
- They are pricey.
Protein may be increased in the diet by consuming high-protein foods such as lean meats, poultry, fish, egg whites, low-fat Greek yogurt, and Low-fat milk.
CreatineSupplements- Creatine is a chemical that is primarily stored in muscles. It provides fast energy to muscular cells.
- The most common adverse effect is water weight increase, which gives the athlete the illusion of being larger, enhancing the athlete’s sense of a good result.
- Because beef eaters’ muscles are “completely loaded” with creatine, taking a creatine supplement is pointless.
It is produced naturally by our bodies. It may also be found in meat.
Research has indicated that there is a slight performance improvement. It can aid with brief, high-intensity workouts, but the actual performance boost is just approximately 3-5%. This is far less than the 30% increase obtained with supervised resistance exercise.
BCAA Supplements – BCAAs are safe, and many experts believe that taking them regularly (daily) boosts their potency.
- Excessive usage, however, might have harmful consequences, as with any drug or medication. Increased insulin resistance, tiredness, lack of coordination, nausea, and headaches are all possible adverse effects of excessive BCAA use.
- Pre- and post-surgical patients should refrain from taking BCAAs since they may influence blood sugar levels.
BCAAs have been demonstrated to assist in maintaining muscle mass and enhance fat reduction when used in combination with a calorie-restricted diet, according to research.
Taking BCAAs regularly boosts their efficacy while also ensuring their safety.
Up to 20 grams per day in divided doses is a typical BCAA dosage for muscle growth. When using BCAAs for muscle-building purposes, your doctor will tell you how much to take each day.
The BCAAS are present in animal proteins. If you’re not a vegan, you can quickly get them by including meat, fish, eggs, and milk in your regular diet.
Natural Bodybuilding: Is It Safe?
The attention isn’t only on the participants’ outward look and competition performance and their overall health, physical fitness, and mental state when it comes to natural bodybuilding.
Strict rules and regulations prevent bodybuilders from using performance-enhancing drugs during competitions. To ensure that every natural bodybuilder follows the sport’s official aims and criteria, they must also submit to lie detector tests in addition to urine samples.
Those who fail or refuse to submit to drug testing are banned from all competitions for years in certain situations. In the end, the sport’s reputation must be preserved and natural bodybuilding must stay safe.
