Steroids vs Supplements

As controversies and legal intervention have swelled up regarding the use of steroids for body-building and athletic purposes, alternatives have been made available to satisfy the demand of the fitness-conscious market. Nowadays, a wide array of body-building supplements is easily available in health stores. Although most of these supplements have no approved therapeutic claims, they are deemed rather effective and safe as opposed to steroids.

Steroids or anabolic steroids are artificial variants of the masculine-type hormone, testosterone. These drugs are originally intended to treat medical conditions involving musculoskeletal growth, inflammation of body parts, and reproductive dysfunction. They are often administered by ingestion, injection or topical application. Despite the steroid’s remarkable contribution in medicine, it has been prone to abuse over time. Some body-builders and athletes have been speculated to have used the drug for its distinctive protein synthesis capacity, particularly for the purpose of increasing muscle mass and improving strength and endurance to gain advantage in their respective fields. Over the years, lawful prohibition has been appropriated to the issue. Furthermore, high dosages and prolonged use of steroids pose long-term side-effects both physiologically and mentally. It can weaken the immune system and may potentially cause liver damage and even cancer. It eventually limits the body’s natural capacity to produce the much-needed hormone and may eventually entail premature termination of skeletal and muscular growth. Psychologically, it is most likely to result in uninhibited aggression, depression, rapid mood swings, and irritation. Excessive anabolic steroids may cause the male testes to shrink, reducing sperm count, and the female’s menstrual cycle to go out of track. Weight gain, hair loss, skin problems are just some of the most conspicuous effects.

Conversely, supplements are a mixture of nutrients and natural ingredients that aim to increase compound levels in the body, which isn’t attained by mere food-consumption. Body-building supplements somehow adhere to the main goals of anabolic steroids ‘“ that is to increase muscle mass, strength and endurance- but with less health risks. Most supplements in the market deliver noticeable results without the drawbacks of the infamous, and needless to say illegal, anabolic steroids. Supplements come in a variety of forms such as powdered, tablet and capsule. They are as well classified depending on the nutritional benefits. Closest to the effects drawn from anabolic steroids are those of Ginseng, creatine monohydrate, protein and fat-loss supplements. Ginseng provides necessary compounds to alleviate the fatigue associated with prolonged activity, increasing energy and endurance. Creatine monohydrate chiefly promotes muscle mass development. Protein supplements, commonly in powder form, contain amino acids crucial in accelerated muscle recovery and growth. Fat-loss supplements, on the other hand, expedite burning of unnecessary fat to then increase lean muscle mass. Clinical studies have shown that most bodybuilding supplements, especially Creatine, Amino Acids, L-Glutamine, Methoxyisoflavone and Ecdysterone, and Nitric Oxidecan are safe despite efficient anabolic-like results. However, nutritionists and fitness experts alike recommend proper diet, regular exercise and physical training for these supplements to reach their optimum potentials.

Summary

1. Artificial steroids or anabolic steroids are drugs intended to replenish insufficient testosterone supply in the body. Supplements are nutrient-rich products that fill in the body’s further nutritional requirements that aren’t satisfied by food alone.

2. Both steroids and supplements increase muscle mass, strength and endurance.

3. Most supplements are made from natural ingredients and are proven safe and effective. Steroids, in contrast, are derivations of the masculine-hormone testosterone and poses adverse physiological and mental effects in the long run.

4. In some countries, steroids are illegal for athletic or bodybuilding use. They are however acquired only with proper prescription and for medical purposes. Supplements are widely available in health shops and can be used without legal or medical restrictions.