Working Out with Supplement or Regular Food - Essay Example

There are three main kinds of supplements that may be of help during a workout provided that they are taken in the right amounts; hormonal supplements, energy supplements, and nutritional supplements (Klerck). Hormonal supplements include supplements that boost the levels of testosterone or growth hormone in the body. Some examples of energy supplements are caffeine and creatine. They are known as energy supplements because they give a boost to the bodily systems. Nutritional supplements like whey protein and fish oils play a role in remodeling as the muscles repair after the workout.

            The benefits or usefulness of supplements for a workout cannot be entirely denied. Both testosterone and growth hormone plays an important role in muscle building. While caffeine increases blood flow to the muscles, creatine facilitates the production of adenine triphosphate in the body that is its main energy source. On the other hand, nutritional supplements reduce inflammation caused by the breakage of muscles during the workout and strengthen the membranes of cells in the body, thus facilitating recovery and repair of muscles. Supplements do provide an individual with the promised benefits when taken in the right amount and as prescribed by the trainer. However, in their attempt to maximize the results in a very short span of time, many people tend to overconsume the supplements and this adversely affects their health (“Thinking of taking”).

Dieticians and doctors do not underestimate the power of a balanced and nutritious diet in providing an individual with the benefits traditionally claimed by the supplement manufacturers; Although supplements do play a cardinal role in muscle building, “But [people] could get the same benefits from introducing high-protein foods to their diet as snacks or adding them to their normal meals to enhance the protein content. Although protein shakes are convenient, not all of them are suitable to be used as a meal replacement, because they don't have all the vitamins and nutrients that a balanced meal would contain” (Govindji cited in “Bodybuilding and sports”). A balanced diet, high in protein can help the muscles grow and become strong; “No matter what the muscle heads in the gym or the advertising in the muscle magazines "report," you will grow tremendously just fine by eating, as long as it’s the nutrition your body needs” (Laws).

            To conclude, people take supplements because they affect the internal bodily mechanisms in ways that are favorable for muscle building. Supplements are helpful for achieving the desired bodily effects as a result of workout; though they need to be taken with precaution. It is safer to rely on a natural diet that is rich in nutrients and is balanced. Achieving the desired results from taking supplements requires careful administration.