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The Best Strength Gaining Supplements

While there is no substitute for working out and eating a healthy, balanced diet, there are some strength-building supplements that can be beneficial. Look for those that assist your body's natural ability to build muscle through exercise. Avoid supplements that are illegal or not natural. They can pose a serious threat to your health.

  1. Protein

    • Adequate protein is essential to building muscle. Protein contains the amino acids that actually create the fibers that build muscle. Bodybuilding.com recommends using a protein powder to increase your protein intake when you are trying to build muscle mass. A protein milkshake immediately before or after a workout can increase your results because it is absorbed into your system more rapidly.

    Creatine

    • Creatine is produced in our bodies and is important to muscle function. It plays an essential role in converting food to energy. While some creatine is provided in our diet and some is created naturally within the body, creatine supplementation is widely practiced by athletes and body builders. According to WebMD, most people start by supplementing about 10 to 30 grams of creatine daily and maintain their results with a daily dose of 2 to 5 grams.

    Glutamine

    • The amino acid glutamine helps build strength by speeding up your body's ability to recover after a workout. During workouts, muscle is partially broken down, then repairs itself. In most cases the body makes enough glutamine on its own. However, the University of Maryland Medical Center suggests that you may need a glutamine supplement when you work out frequently. UMMC suggests that 500 mg taken one to three times daily is considered safe for most people.

    Nitric Oxide

    • Nitric oxide can improve strength because it helps increase blood flow throughout the body. When blood flow is increased, nutrients and oxygen are more efficiently distributed to the muscles. In addition to this, research in the Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition suggests that it may improve a person's exercise abilities. This means more endurance for workouts and quicker recovery.

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