Energy Supplements
By David MaretHouse - Master Fitness Trainer, Owner of MaretHouse Fitness & Co-owner of JD Max Fitness
Many people use energy supplements for reasons ranging from wanting an extra boost through their workout to helping them study for a test or prepare a last minute presentation or project. Unfortunately, the main ingredient of most energy drinks and supplements, caffeine, can have many negative side effects when they contain much higher doses than what is normally recommended.
The recommended intake of caffeine is to not exceed 300 milligrams per day, which translates to approximately 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Most energy supplements have what is called a proprietary matrix, which consists of a number of different chemicals, usually including caffeine. The trick behind these proprietary matrixes is that they have a total amount for all chemical included, but they do not list the individual amount of each chemical. Many of the supplements that use these matrixes actually have their caffeine content at 300 milligrams per serving, with as many as 2 to 4 servings per bottle. Now that is a lot of caffeine!
Caffeine in excess doses can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, a fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches, calcium loss leading to osteoporosis, and in extreme cases, miscarriage and even death. A caffeine overdose is not an easy feat; however, a lethal dose of caffeine is more than 10 grams, which is equivalent to drinking 80 to 100 cups of coffee consecutively. Certain medications and supplements can intensify the potency and effects of caffeine, which can lessen the dose needed to experience negative side effects.
A great alternative to caffeine as an energy booster is a vitamin B complex. You can find this formula in both liquid and pill form at just about any supplement store or pharmacy section in a grocery store. B vitamins are water soluble so you are not at risk of building up toxic levels in the body. A vitamin B complex help by giving the user more energy, alertness and is not accompanied with the many negative side effects as found with caffeine.
Obviously, the best way to fight fatigue is to get enough rest and eat a well balanced diet, but if you feel like you need an extra boost to get you through the day, or workout, try to stick with your cup of coffee or reach for a vitamin B complex pill or shot.
We at MaretHouse Fitness love to help our community. Our staff is dedicated to your health and wellbeing. If you have any fitness or wellness related questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Send an email to info@marethouse.com and we will reply to your question within 48 hours. I may even post your questions and our reply in the upcoming issue of AYC in my fitness and wellness section.
By David MaretHouse - Master Fitness Trainer, Owner of MaretHouse Fitness & Co-owner of JD Max Fitness
Many people use energy supplements for reasons ranging from wanting an extra boost through their workout to helping them study for a test or prepare a last minute presentation or project. Unfortunately, the main ingredient of most energy drinks and supplements, caffeine, can have many negative side effects when they contain much higher doses than what is normally recommended.
The recommended intake of caffeine is to not exceed 300 milligrams per day, which translates to approximately 2 to 3 cups of coffee. Most energy supplements have what is called a proprietary matrix, which consists of a number of different chemicals, usually including caffeine. The trick behind these proprietary matrixes is that they have a total amount for all chemical included, but they do not list the individual amount of each chemical. Many of the supplements that use these matrixes actually have their caffeine content at 300 milligrams per serving, with as many as 2 to 4 servings per bottle. Now that is a lot of caffeine!
Caffeine in excess doses can cause insomnia, nervousness, anxiety, irritability, nausea or other gastrointestinal problems, a fast or irregular heartbeat, headaches, calcium loss leading to osteoporosis, and in extreme cases, miscarriage and even death. A caffeine overdose is not an easy feat; however, a lethal dose of caffeine is more than 10 grams, which is equivalent to drinking 80 to 100 cups of coffee consecutively. Certain medications and supplements can intensify the potency and effects of caffeine, which can lessen the dose needed to experience negative side effects.
A great alternative to caffeine as an energy booster is a vitamin B complex. You can find this formula in both liquid and pill form at just about any supplement store or pharmacy section in a grocery store. B vitamins are water soluble so you are not at risk of building up toxic levels in the body. A vitamin B complex help by giving the user more energy, alertness and is not accompanied with the many negative side effects as found with caffeine.
Obviously, the best way to fight fatigue is to get enough rest and eat a well balanced diet, but if you feel like you need an extra boost to get you through the day, or workout, try to stick with your cup of coffee or reach for a vitamin B complex pill or shot.
We at MaretHouse Fitness love to help our community. Our staff is dedicated to your health and wellbeing. If you have any fitness or wellness related questions, do not hesitate to contact us. Send an email to info@marethouse.com and we will reply to your question within 48 hours. I may even post your questions and our reply in the upcoming issue of AYC in my fitness and wellness section.
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