As someone with extensive research in the matter and studied various supplementation benefits / risks, here are my two cents:
I'm against any/all supplements, including Steroids. The problem starts from things as basic as MultiVitamins, to BCAA, to Creatine, to finally anabolic steroids, hormones, and pre-cursors. We are conditioned and marketed in a way that makes us look for short cuts to results, and shun anyone who doesn't use supplements because we are using them. But there are a few things to consider.
- Are you at such a high level of conditioning, size, and strength that the only thing left to do is manipulate your hormones? Many people get on the Steroid / Supplements bandwagon in hopes to bypass the hard work and time it takes to build a physique worth having. I would understand the mindset of someone that has reached sub-8% bodyfat, maximum strength, and competing in powerlifting or bodybuilding as their life's mission, deciding to take steroids to go to the "next level". But a common gym goer, wanna-be fighter, or average person that is usually below optimal physical conditions is not a candidate for Steroids.
- Many Supplements/Steroids are NOT FDA approved or ethically tested.
To avoid costs and being exposed, supplement companies do not test their products or attain approvals, by purchasing them you are agreeing to the risk you are taking. Aside from the obvious illegality issues, almost 90% of supplements and hormones out there are not tested and can have drastic effects on your immune system (not forgetting to mention your health). The sad truth is that many men take supplements because they think it is the norm for gym-goers and athletes, thinking it will advance their game / body. While it may very well help them lift more, burn more fat, etc, what they don't pay attention to are the long term irreversible effects it will have on your immune system. If you are not a top level athlete, monitored by a team of coaches and doctors, then don't play with things you do not understand. Many steroid users and supplement users (consuming them over 3-5 years) face various physical and internal complications that they convince themselves are not related to supplements. Examples of side effects are: Liver complications, Kidney Stones, IgE increase, developing allergies, food intolerances, Leaky Gut Syndrome, Yeast Overgrowth in Intestinal tracts, Hormonal Imbalance, Urticaria / Hives, poor insulin sensitivity and dependance on supplements... These are just a few of the very real potential effects of supplements.
- Hypertrophy applies to ALL muscles, this includes your Heart Muscle.
When you consume creatine, whey protein, GH, Steroids, and any muscle altering supplements you MUST understand that it does not target your biceps, pecs, delts, legs, and lats alone... These supplements create a rapid growth environment for any and all Muscles in the body, some of which you do NOT want to overgrow. One of those muscles is your heart. When the heart absorbs pure whey protein, pumps blood that is unnaturally high in Iron/Minerals, and is in a state of hypertrophy due to the training under these conditions, it begins to grow. As the heart grows, your heart pumps harder and raises blood pressure, also wearing and tearing all connecting arteries. This leads to heart palpitations, increased blood pressure, and ultimately heart failure.
I know that all the above is not what many want to hear, and I'm sorry to be 'that person'. I hope that by writing this I can help just one person avoid the fate that many unfortunately walk themselves into by trusting supplement companies who are only developing heavily branded products to fatten their pockets and with no concern for your health. This is a highly lucrative industry and I don't care who tells you they care about their customers and are organic / healthy.. It's all bullshit. What else will they say? "We are chemically created to get you results, without regard for the future"? That isn't a strong slogan.
Think deeply about what goes into your body. When you are 60+, muscles don't matter, power is relative, and your bench press doesn't mean shit. You want to be able to walk right, piss without needing a nap afterwards, and enjoy life.
Eat right, train right, stay flexible and take care of your body, it's the only place you have to live in.
Zeid
