Workout and fitness have become growing industries now, and there have been dietary additions to them. Yes, we are talking about supplements which have been the common tale of the sports industry for quite some time now.
Stepping out from the controversies of harmful steroids, athletes are introducing fitness freaks to supplements. So, what are these supplements?
Supplements, in general, help you enhance your food intake. For example, nutrient supplements help you to balance the vitamins and minerals in your body, especially if you follow a vegan diet. Similarly, workout supplements help one to get the enhanced energy to complete a regime without excessive fatigue.
What Is A Difference Between Stimulant & Non-Stimulant Workout Supplements
Now, when it comes to workout supplements, there are mainly two types. You get stimulating supplements and non-stimulating supplements.
The main difference between the two is that supplements that are stimulating are mostly caffeinated, and the ones which are not caffeine are non-stimulating. Caffeine is the main ingredient that is responsible for the boost of energy in workout supplements, especially if you indulge in some vigorous exercise routine.
It blocks the brain’s adenosine receptors and keeps the neurotransmitter adenosine low. Moreover, adenosine regulates our sleep patterns and makes us feel drowsy in the morning or when we are tired.
Once that is blocked, you start feeling refreshed, ready, and energized.
Non-stimulating supplements, on the other hand, are not responsible for the extreme energy which caffeine gives. Rather it helps to keep you alert by increasing the blood flow in the body.
When Should You Use Non-Stimulant Supplements
There are situations and lifestyles which can dictate when you should take each of these supplements. So, here is when you should be talking about non-stimulant preworkouts and other supplements.
- If you are going through a caffeine withdrawal due to extreme addiction, and you just want to be alert when you work out.
- You are allergic to caffeinated drinks but want the goodness of workout supplements to help you.
- You are pregnant and want to switch to everything decaf.
- You are a lactating mother, and extreme amounts of caffeine can change the consistency and nutritional properties of the milk. You don’t mess with that since it is a staple for your baby.
- Some metabolize caffeine at a tortoise’s rate. This means they will have less blocking of adenosine receptors which makes you alert, and more headache, jitters, restlessness, dizziness, nausea, and anxiety. This is when the caffeine in the system has more bad effects than good.
When Should You Use The Stimulant Supplements
Now that we have gotten out of the way of the reason why you shouldn’t go for the non-stim supplements, here are the reasons why you should opt for the stim supplements.
- If you are an early riser and like to wake yourself up with a good workout regime, then a stimulating supplement should be your go-to. The caffeine will help to boost your strength and even wake you up. Simple alertness will not do when you are not even able to open your eyes properly. You need caffeine stimulation.
- Generally speaking, if you have a high caffeine tolerance from years of consumption, the non stem supplement won’t do any good. If your exercise includes muscle growth, you will need caffeine-stimulated supplements.
- If you metabolize coffee quickly and find your self energized after just one cup without the annoying headache or jitters, then stim supplements should be your workout companion.
In order to ensure you do not consume too much coffee, you can mix it with other non caffeinated drinks rather than just having it with water. This will neutralize the effect and give you the needed energy boost.
Choose Wisely!
Now that you know the key differences between the two, you should choose wisely upon your supplement. Yes, a stimulant workout supplement might give you a tempting offer, but your diet and exercise routine have to go hand in hand.
Plus, this amount of extreme caffeine consumption might not be right for your body if you are not burning them through energy-consuming exercise.
If you are a lactating mother or pregnant, stimulant supplements are a big no-no for you.
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