Tuesday, 29 July 2014

Steroids vs Supplements


     In today’s impatient world, people want everything quick and fast, even when it comes to body building, exercising, losing weight and anything else. The days of working long and hard to complete a goal are long gone, instant results are what people want. Due to this, there has been a significant rise in use of steroids and other drugs in order to build muscles and boost training. However, because of their negative impact, governments have started taking action and have asked people to refrain from using these drugs. The reduction in steroids has increased the use of a healthier component, supplements. 


ANABOLIC STEROIDS

 Steroids or anabolic steroids are artificial variants of the masculine-type hormone, testosterone.
 
It can have harmful effects. It has been prone to abuse over time. Anabolic steroids are man-made substances related to male sex hormones. Doctors use anabolic steroids to treat some hormone problems in men, delayed puberty, and muscle loss from some diseases.

      Bodybuilders and athletes often use anabolic steroids to build muscles and improve athletic performance. Using them this way is not legal or safe. Abuse of anabolic steroids has been linked with many health problems. They include
  • Acne
  • Breast growth and shrinking of testicles in men
  • Voice deepening and growth of facial hair in women
  • High blood pressure
  • Heart problems, including heart attack
  • Liver disease, including cancer
  • Kidney damage
  • Aggressive behavior

 CORTICO STEROID

But there's another type of steroid - sometimes called a corticosteroid - that treats a variety of problems. These steroids are similar to hormones that your adrenal glands make to fight stress associated with illnesses and injuries. They reduce inflammation and affect the immune system.
You may need to take corticosteroids to treat
  • Arthritis
  • Asthma
  • Autoimmune diseases such as lupus and multiple sclerosis
  • Skin conditions such as eczema and rashes
  • Some kinds of cancer
Steroids are strong medicines, and they can have side effects, including weakened bones and cataracts. Because of this, you usually take them for as short a time as possible.

SUPPLEMENTS

Supplements, also known as dietary supplement, food supplement, nutritional supplements, are pills or powders that are developed in order to provide nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, fiber, fatty acids, or amino acids, that a person may be missing during their daily diet. In some countries these are classified under foods, while in others it is known as drugs or health products. These are for use in addition to a person’s average diet and should not replace the diet in any manner.
A type of popular supplement, known as body building supplement, is a type of dietary supplement that is used by athletes and body builders. These supplements are used to enhance weight gain, promote weight loss or improve athletic performance. The most popular supplements are vitamin supplements, protein, branched-chain amino acids (BCAA), glutamine, essential fatty acids, meal replacement products, creatine, weight loss products and testosterone boosters. Dietary supplements have shown results similar to those as steroids, however eliminating the risks.
Supplements come in liquid, power, tablet and capsule form and are classified depending on their nutritional benefits. Body builders most commonly use supplements that are high in protein as it is much most helpful in creating muscles. Supplements which are the closest to anabolic steroids are Ginseng, creatine monohydrate, protein and fat-loss supplements. According to studies, though the supplements perform similar results to anabolic steroids, they are safe and have little or no side-effects. However, nutritionists and fitness experts recommend a proper diet, regular exercise and training in addition to the supplements.

SUMMARY

1. Artificial steroids or anabolic steroids are drugs intended to replenish insufficient testosterone supply in the body. Supplements are nutrient-rich products that fill in the body’s further nutritional requirements that aren’t satisfied by food alone.

2. Both steroids and supplements increase muscle mass, strength and endurance.

3. Most supplements are made from natural ingredients and are proven safe and effective. Steroids, in contrast, are derivations of the masculine-hormone testosterone and poses adverse physiological and mental effects in the long run.

4. In some countries, steroids are illegal for athletic or bodybuilding use. They are however acquired only with proper prescription and for medical purposes. Supplements are widely available in health shops and can be used without legal or medical restrictions. 

 SOURCES 

  1. http://www.differencebetween.info/difference-between-steroids-and-supplements
  2. http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/steroids.html
  3. http://www.indiasupplement.com/discuss/threads/58-Difference-Between-Steroids-and-Supplements
 

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