Whether you are just getting into athletics or an experienced athlete, there may come a time when the issue of natural weight gainers vs. steroids is a topic of interest. Many athletes, regardless of ability, choose to take supplements t help gain weight, increase strength and increase muscle mass. Natural supplements are legal and easily obtainable, while steroids are illegal and largely frowned upon.
Athletes in Europe and Russia to increase their strength first used steroids in the 50s. The use of the steroids was noticed after the athletes began to shatter numerous weight lifting records. By 1964, all the top steroids were on the market, and it was known that the extra testosterone from the steroids is what caused the increase in performance.
It is now illegal to purchase, sell and use steroids. Along with problems with the law, the use of steroids creates many harmful (some fatal) side effects. Some of the side effects are: water retention, acne, increased aggression, hypertension, cardiovascular disease, impotence, and a severe liver disease called Jaundice. There are many different types of steroids along with different ways to take them. A popular and widely used steroid type is the anabolic steroid, referring to muscle building. Anabolic steroids are taken orally or injected, typically in cycles of weeks or months rather than continuously. Many users often combine several different types of steroids to maximize their effectiveness while minimizing negative effects.
The more natural, legal, less harmful route to gain increased performance is to take natural supplements. There have been no noted harmful side effects from natural supplements. Protein and amino acids are among the most nutritional supplements taken by athletes. Ingesting carbohydrates with protein prior to or following exercise may reduce catabolism, promote glycogen resynthesis or promote a more anabolic hormonal environment.