supplements for working out a bad idea?

[wolverines13]

 I was wondering if I could get some advice from anyone who is into working out. Before my anxiety started about 6 months ago I was working out alot, maybe 5 or 6 times a week and I would always take a protein shake after my workout and sometimes I would take creatine or NO xplode. Now that my anxiety is better I want to start working out again but I'm not sure if I should avoid the supplements. I know I def need to avoid no xplode or something similar because it's a pretty big stimulant. I was thinking that if I took 100% protein and 100% creatine I should be fine since these are in your body already. Does anyone take these with no side effects? I do not want to jeopardize my progress by taking these if they make me feel worse. Any opinions would be appreciated.

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

I'd recommend starting exercising again and getting back into a routine before adding the supplements and when you're ready to add don't go overboard, go slow because this way you can monitor if they are affecting your anxiety. The only thing I do after working out is drink a big glass of Emergen-C because it replaces electrolytes and other stuff lost through sweat. Plus it def has helped keep me from getting sick 

[tinam7]

I do take supplements but that's because I'm old and doubt everything is working as before, not because I work out. Why would working out require anything special? Keeping hydrated....sure. It's the one time I like drinking water, in the gym or at home.

Emergen-C is potent Vit C. I take it if I think my usual supplements are not keeping the invaders under control. Otherwise I take 1000-1500 in pill form. This is just my own regimen, not a doctor's suggestion. I had an outbreak of shingles which to me was an indicator that my immune system was no longer what it was. Once the shingles were under control I turned to Vit C. There has been no recurrence.

[Perfectly_Imperfect]

I've had shingles too, twice before and I'm only 28 

Emergen-C is more than just vitamin C - it has 1,000 mg of vitamin C, 7 B vitamins for energy & electrolytes ... but some of the flavors taste like *** ... the orange is the only flavor I can drink without wanting to vomit. I also take other vitamins and supplements as well, my combo seems to be helping

[HeWhoListens]

I have been into serious athletics all my life. All protein powders from vegetable sources have MSG in them as an unavoidable part of processing. This is not good for the nervous system.

As an athlete we tend to subscribe that more is better and we need a boost from supplements. Many premier athletes and much research has shown that supplements are worthless at best and can actually be harmful. It just came out in the news that calcium supplements can increase the risk of a heart attack by more than 30%.

If you are after growth hormone the most effective way to boost it is to have profound relaxing sleep by relaxing the body with skilled relaxation. Stages 3 & 4 are critical for this. Many psyche drugs alter or eliminate these stages – especially benzos. These are also the stages where we produce most of our neurotransmitters.

I used to run for Nike and Reebok years ago and their trainers no longer advocate supplements. What is hot now is eating a varied diet of whole foods that are not processed – supplements can not replace food – especially pure foods.

And doing relaxing exercise – even the NFL has embraced Yoga.

[tinam7]

Thank you HWL for sharing your knowledge and experience. It is what I believe but have nothing to back it up.

Shingles tend to occur in old people because their immune system weakens. So you, PI, want to boost your immune system. Vit C surely helps as do many foods. I found a nice little book that I've enjoyed titled, "The Top 100 Immunity Boosters" by Charlotte Haigh. You may be able to get it from your library. Has nice recipes too.

I have this great belief in the mind-body connection which exercise can help a great deal to reduce anxiety, depression, etc. So maybe we can share what we mean by workout and thereby encourage each other in our daily efforts. Jack LaLanne said he devoted 2 hours every day to his routine. On a good day I might meet that challenge, but one hour or even a half hour is very good.

[kuddles]

The protein and creatine are very unlikely to cause any problems, but as you already said other supplements are far more suspect because they usually have active ingredients either similar to or more potent then caffiene so not a great idea if you have anxiety.

[HeWhoListens]

Lets face it none of us are world class athletes that need that last 1% edge. Having a normal healthy body that is at peace is the real goal.

Most of the body building and store athletic supplements are all marketing hype. If you want to see a bunch of crippled burnt out people look at x-football players and a lot of  other athletes that pushed their bodies to the extreme.

[GreenThumb]

My two cents - a lot of supplements and protein powders etc. have artificial sweeteners added, and those can also be an anxiety trigger for many people.