You have begun lifting weights to build muscles, but you want to ensure that your diet is promoting muscle gain as well. While certain supplements and drinks may claim that they can help you do this, these can cause harm to your health as well as interfere with certain medications. Talk to your doctor before taking any supplements, and ask for help designing a balanced diet that promotes muscle growth.
Read the Label
While synthetic steroids can be dangerous, the “natural” products found in health stores can be harmful as well. These substances contain ingredients that have not been chemically altered, and therefore, they can be sold as supplements, which are subjected to limited regulations by the FDA. Any kind of steroid can cause side effects like mood swings, violence, acne, baldness, sexual dysfunction, high blood pressure and liver damage, and should be avoided, unless prescribed by a licensed physician.
Multivitamin Supplement
Designing a balanced diet takes time and planning, and adding a multivitamin to your day can help ensure that you are giving your body what it needs to function properly and keep you strong. Multivitamins vary widely in the amount and types of vitamins and minerals that they contain, and you can select one according to your dietary and fitness needs. Consult with your doctor or a licensed dietitian about choosing the vitamin supplement that is right for you.
Protein Supplements
Protein is essential for your muscles, as they require this substance to both grow and repair themselves. On average, adults need 46 to 56 g protein each day, though the amount will vary according to your health, weight, fitness goals and other factors. It is possible to meet this RDA through diet alone by consuming items like lean meats, nuts, tofu and milk. However, you can also get supplemental protein in the form of shakes or meal replacement drinks, though these should be consumed in moderation and only with your doctor’s consent.
Additional Considerations
Some supplements, like protein shakes, may contain a large amount of calories, which can inhibit weight-loss efforts. However, if your goal is to bulk up and gain weight, you may be able to add these supplements into your diet. Also keep in mind that you may not need to take any supplements if you eat balanced meals that include adequate amounts of all the major food groups. Consider hiring a nutritionist to come up with a meal plan that includes fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean sources of protein.
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