Recently, there has been a lot of chatter about the use of anabolic steroids by athletes. Of course, supplements are not as new as throughout the years. Athletes and sportspeople constantly use steroids as a performance booster. However, it seems as if the recent media coverage about good old steroids has made people believe that using these steroids can help them get overnight results.
While steroids have solid results in improving performance and multiplying muscle growth, there are also some steroids side effects. However, there are also some safe alternatives to steroids for people with low testosterone levels. Using safer options for restoring testosterone levels or improving performance helps you get positive results while avoiding side effects. Some of these safe alternatives to steroids are detailed here.
- L-Arginine
Created from the amino acid L-arginine, L-arginine is a natural nitric oxide booster that has been proven to increase testosterone production. Elaborating on testosterone production, creating more testosterone in your body means more muscle growth and more strength. Recently studies were conducted to ascertain the benefits of L-arginine usage. The results suggest that L-arginine is capable of improving testosterone levels and inhibiting muscle damage during recovery.
- Vitamin D
Also called “the sunshine vitamin,” Vitamin D is a steroid hormone that helps regulate testosterone production in your body. Recently, studies have shown that Vitamin D can also increase muscle growth and prevent muscle damage. So vitamin D can help boost your testosterone levels and maintain muscle density while working out at the gym.
- L-Arginine/Magnesium
Using a combination of these two would be beneficial for boosting testosterone levels and improving performance and muscle recovery. In addition, taking L-Arginine and Magnesium helps raise the plasma concentrations of L-arginine to the normal range, which can be done by consuming multiple doses of this amino acid.
- Tribulus
This supplement is made from various plants that help improve your testosterone levels while building up your muscles. A recent study suggests that Tribulus may positively affect testosterone increases and muscle growth. The research also suggests that Tribulus may have the ability to block the aromatization of testosterone into estrogen.
Other than these, there are also other natural ways of raising testosterone levels, such as consuming proper amounts of protein, iron, and zinc along with adequate amounts of vitamin B1, B6, and C.
Common Side Effects of Taking Steroids
During the bodybuilding phase, there are few steroids side effects such as faster than normal hair loss, deepened voice, and body hair growth. The majority of athletes are now turning to safer options because of these side effects of steroid consumption. Some of these side effects of anabolic steroid consumption include:
- Major changes in liver damage
- High blood pressure
- Hair loss or increased hair growth on the body
- Acne breakout
Other than these, there are also some other side effects associated with steroid consumption. However, these side effects can be addressed and countered by taking a good steroid alternative such as L Arginine, which would help in reducing the side effects of steroid consumption.
How to Combat Side Effects of Steroids?
While it is said that steroids are used to increase performance and muscle growth, they do have certain effects on your body. The most commonly experienced side effects of using steroids include accelerated heart rate, enlarged prostate gland, impotence, dizziness, and nausea. Thus, steroids should be used with caution, and one must not take the risk of taking them for too long to avoid any unwanted .results. Safe steroid alternatives are considered best for people with low testosterone levels, muscle loss, or someone just looking to replace lost strength from aging or illness.
