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All-Natural Exercise Supplements that Work


Creatine Monohydrate, Glutamine, Chia Seeds, and More

Copyright © Zachary James; All Rights Reserved; content may not be copied, rewritten, or republished without author’s written permission. Posted July 14, 2012

 

Many fitness supplements are beneficial; photo courtesy Kelly Smith


The exercise supplement market is right to assert that it is very helpful to supplement a normal diet with added amounts of certain nutrients when engaged in strenuous exercise. What they get wrong is how that should happen!

Most of the popular supplements available today are not approved by the FDA (the US government only tests medication) and contain mystery ingredients that are either synthetic or are simply labeled something like “super-insane proprietary blend”, which tells you nothing about the ingredients.

As a response, here are a few of the more well known, yet inexpensive, supplements that are available in natural and organic forms.

  • Creatine Monohydrate —

    Many people don’t realize how natural this well-beloved workout supplement is. It is found in vertebrates and is vital to the processes of ATP production, and in sending energy to muscle cells.

    Creatine is linked to rapid muscle growth and repair following exercise and is a component of hundreds of pre-workout formulas. Creatine can be found in an isolated form.

    There is a sense in which creatine supplements are synthetic, in that they are extracted from their natural environments, such as beef and fish, but the compound itself is not altered and can be considered fully natural. Look for products that advertise 100% All-Natural creatine and scan the ingredients for fillers like silicates.

  • Glutamine —

    Glutamine is the most common amino acid in our bodies. This is so because it has such an important role in so many different vital processes, such as gastro-regularity, energy production, weight loss, muscle growth, and brain function.

    This nutrient is available in organic forms, especially in natural foods such as meats, dairy, wheat, legumes, and beets, but also in powder form.

  • Protein —

    Everyone knows that protein is an essential nutrient for athletes and fitness enthusiasts to make sure that they get plenty of. But many popular protein shakes are either sugary, synthetic, or laced with unnecessary additives and fillers.

    Thankfully, there are several lines of organic, even vegan, protein shakes that meet every health specification. Made with organic brown rice protein, spirulina, and vegetable juices, Rainbow Lite, offers a great vegan product.

    Additionally, for the non-vegan, Organic Whey produces a whey protein product that comes from the milk of free-range, grass fed cattle, and is an approved organic supplement. These supplements may cost more than the standard ones, but if organic means a lot to you, then they are worth looking into.

  • Chia Seeds —

    Chia seeds have been used by the Aztec people and other Meso-Americans for millennia. These seeds of the salvia hispanica plant are rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, fiber, and natural complete protein.

    These are ideal for weight loss since making a glass of juice or tea with a tablespoon’s worth of seed can leave you feeling full for hours (it’s actually true for me and I’m a big guy!). According to “Born to Run”, Christopher McDougall’s account of the Tarahumara tribe of Mexico, the natives used this supplement to help them run long distances without tiring. Whether it does that for you or not, it is relatively inexpensive and worth your while.

  • B-Vitamins —

    B-Vitamins are essential for metabolism, energy, and creating red blood cells. They are also totally overdone in popular energy drinks, pre-workout supplements, and many vitamins.

    If a vegetarian, these vitamins can be had through whole grains, legumes, and dark leafy greens. A healthy helping of these before or after a workout can be hugely beneficial for your energy level and to boost your metabolism.

    Typically, B-vitamins comes from animal products, however, (especially in the pill form) but if meat is on your menu, then shellfish, liver, and eggs are the best sources of this nutrient.

The main thing to take away is that these supplements will help you reach your fitness goals, but always do your research with regards to ingredients and brand names. Many times, hype, promises, and high prices go hand in hand.

Have you had a positive or negative experience with any of these supplements? Got any to add? Share your experiences with our readers in the comment section below!

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About the Author:

Zachary James writes for BoxFitUK, a boxing gear site for the boxing and health enthusiast.

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