Looking to put together a preferred set of supplements that are for the naturals out there any suggestions and input?
Carbo-hit
Pro Milk Basic Protein
That is all I currently use and am seeing great results while I am bulking along with the increased calories and olive oil shooters with meals.
I am just finding it hard to sort through most of the hype sales pitches and promises that most (if not all) supplements claim to offer.
You are correct to be skeptical of supplements claims. Save your money. Most supplements are priced as if they are pharmaceuticals. They are not, and a fancy label and hype doesnt equate with better gains.
I wouldnt waste my time with a carbohydrate formula. In my teens I used Twinlabs Carbo Fuel and it certainly was a healthful product and Im glad I used it then(late 80's) but I wouldnt pay that much for it now, knowing what I do.
Some supplements that are helpful: Multivitamin with high levels of b-1 and b-2: This will enhance work output at the level of the mitochondria and prevent basic deficiencies. Look for a multivit that is in excess of the 100% RDA which is the basic levels to prevent disease. At the other level, Animal Paks while a solid supplement have too many pills to swallow. You dont need this type of nutrient intake unless you are in a heavy duty construction job and working all day everyday.
D3: Vitamin D3 has been shown to increase exercise performance, vo2 max specifically, augment hormonal profiles, and benefit general health. Cheap, and effective. 5000 units a day.
Fish Oil: Salmon oil omega oil supplements ease inflammation of arteries and the body in general. 1000 units(1 capsule) daily.
MSM(methylsulfonyl methane): Sold as a joint health supplement. Stops inflammation and pain in joints. Additionally good for digestive health. Shown to rid the body of Giardia without antibiotics in weeks, if this is needed. Promotes calmness and ease of stress mentally.
Creatine Monohydrate: The most extensively studied creatine. Shown to benefit mind and body. Long term studies show health in the kidneys. Dont be fooled by high priced products. You can buy Body Fortress 400 gm creatine monohydrate at walmart for $12. Take 5 grams per day, 1 teaspoon, in water immediately before lifting. If nausea is ever a problem, play some chess, this helps to alleviate it.
Tea: Simple black tea has been shown to prevent illness and stop muscle soreness. There are numerous studies to support this. Yerba Mate is also an excellent energy booster that eases depression. Einstein was a fan of Yerba Mate. Teavana and David's Tea are excellent sources of this cheap healthful way to stay hydrated.
Additionally, because you live in Texas, you could grow your own tea: Ilex Vomitoria, or black tea. It is another form of Yerba Mate that can be grown in Texas, not many people know of it, but it has the most caffeine of any plant on the plant in its leaves, even more than coffee. Plant a tree in your yard, and wham, instant tea for harvest.
Whey Protein: Pretty much everywhere. Cheap and effective. The next best protein to whey is whole eggs. Beef was formerly very attractive largely because of the creatine it contains. Given that creatine is available in powder, the need for beef goes away. Plus, beef has a lower absorbability than fish for muscle building. Something to consider.
Save your money and dont believe all the so called products that work. Most dont have repeated studies to support their claims. And yes, you can buy all these supplements at Walmart. I use all these products. Some may argue that I would be repping far in excess of the 265 lbs I rep on the bench press, and the 395 on the deadlift for reps, but my argument is 1)if I press 1000 lbs(it that were even a possibility) would I pay my mortgage faster and retire earlier, and 2)would I get paid several million dollars to lift a little more? The answer is no to both. So there really is no evidence anywhere to support the claims that these supplement companies make. People think that because something is priced more expensively it will work better. "A fool and his money are soon parted," is my response to that claim.
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