Tag: Antioxidants
Why Use Antioxidants During a Steroid Cycle.
Antioxidants During a Steroid Cycle
Steroids are synthetic hormones designed for clinical use in the management of various chronic diseases. Anabolic-androgenic steroids, which are derivatives of the male hormone testosterone, are used by athletes in sports. The aim in such instances is to boost muscle mass, increase performance and endurance. Also, they shorten recovery time between exercises. Inappropriate use of steroids is associated with several adverse effects. To limit such outcomes, their correct use is recommended, and antioxidants can help you.
Due to a varied used and different desired outcome, patterns of use have been established; cycling, stacking, and pyramiding. Steroid cycle refers to a pattern of steroid use intending to build body mass or muscle mass. Here anabolic androgenic steroids are used in cycles of about six to twelve weeks followed by an off phase of several months. Pyramiding generally involves gradually increasing the dose of the steroids to a maximum level followed by dose reduction. Another pattern is stacking, where various steroids combinations including the addition of other supplements.
Steroids in Sports
Athletes desired outcome categorize steroids as either; bulking steroids- used to increase muscle mass, performance steroids- aimed to increase strength and endurance, cutting steroids- used to reduce weight (cut fat). Delivery routes are based and user preference and desired outcome. It can be oral, implants, injections, and cream or gels. In the body, they bind to the androgen receptors and result in molecular interactions with the cell DNA. The ultimate result is to increase protein synthesis and subsequent cell growth.
Related Article:: How Can Steroids Affect Athletes – Benefits and Side Effects of Steroids
Cycles for anabolic steroid use depend on the physical state of the user. Beginners and experienced users have different cycles. This limits the chances of developing adverse outcomes; for instance, it lowers the risk of suppressing own hormone production. Also, it enhances higher efficiency and safety. An example of a steroid cycle for beginners includes; turinabol 30-50mg/day for 9 weeks, testosterone enanthate 500mg/week for 8 weeks, and Dianabol 30-50mg/day for 6 weeks. Experienced athletes’ cycle contains a combination of steroids, for example, nandrolone decanoate +sustanon, trenbolone enanthate plus testosterone, boldenone plus testosterone enanthate.
Related Article:: 10 Steroid Cycles for Different Goals (Newbie, Bulking, Cutting, Strength)
What are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are substances or elements that inhibit or reduce cell damage due to free radicals, reactive oxygen species, and other unstable molecules that’s come about as a result of chemical reactions or physiological changes in the body. During a steroid cycle, antioxidants play a role in scavenging free radicals and other unstable compounds produced by skeletal muscles during exercise.
The roles played by these antioxidants include;
Prevent oxidative stress.
Reduce exercise-induced muscle damage.
Increase muscle endurance.
Shorten the recovery time after exercise.
Counteract neutrophil inflammatory response.
The roles listed above are discussed in detail as follows. Later I would discuss various classes and types of antioxidants available.
Antioxidants Counteract the Effect of Oxidative Stress.
Antioxidants cushion the oxidative stress sequelae. Physical exercise increases the production of reactive oxygen species, nitrogen species, free radicals, and their accumulation within the muscle mass. A sustained balance between oxidation and reduction is important in maintaining muscle physiology. These reactive oxygen species comprise; superoxide anions, hydroxyl radicals, and peroxyl radicals.
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