Did you know that in the United States, supplements are not regulated? In fact, the FDA works with an assumption that the supplements will not cause any harm. With an exception, until they are proven to do so. Therefore, in today’s world where lack of energy is a common complaint, the markets are flooded with energizing supplements. Then be it in a liquid form or pill, derived from either chemical such as caffeine or herbal extracts. This tempting quick fix is certainly beneficial only if used in moderation. Taking it in excess and that to repeatedly do have side effects you need to be aware of. Are you?
Here, take a look at the list of these side effects. If you are suffering from either one of them, book an appointment with your doctor today. Better late than never.
Table of Contents
Dehydration
Yet another well-known side effect of consuming energy supplements is dehydration. Some of the ingredients work to do it on purpose, while others when consumed in high doses. Two such well-known ingredients of energizing supplements which lead to this condition on purpose are caffeine and creatine. They both are diuretics, meaning they cause a person to urinate more frequently than usual to reduce the amount of water in the body.
Additionally, creatine causes the water in the body to draw into the muscle tissues giving an appearance of larger muscle mass. This retention of water in the muscle further increases risk of dehydration as the water from other parts of the body is drawn away. Thus, it’s one of the reasons why it is highly recommended to consume water throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty.
Diarrhea
Diarrhea usually comes with an influx of different yet specific ingredients. And, that as a matter of fact is more dependent on how a person’s body reacts to it. Some ingredients used in the products can have a laxative effect with a sensitive system. This can end up with you going to the toilet fairly quickly after consuming a high dose of energizing supplement. To name a few such ingredients you need to start looking out for sodium bicarbonate, taurine, magnesium, yohimbine, caffeine, and creatine. Though, apart from this issue, it also comes down to how the product is used.
This raises another important aspect of how much water is required to mix up with the pre-workout supplement to not let a paste form in the gut. Anyone? Usually, 8 ounces is enough to form the paste which starts to pull water from the body to get digested, flooding the intestinal cavity. This ends up creating a situation like diarrhea. Luckily, this problem can be resolved by adding more water to the mix. So, the next time you pick up a different product and find following the directions on the label had you running, add more water to the supplement.
Insomnia
Of all the ingredients, caffeine is usually found in abundance in energizing supplements. After all, it’s the world’s most popular drug. Not only it is the main ingredient in coffee and tea, but also of sodas and energy drinks. Since it gives us a boost when in need, especially during the workout by activating epinephrine and norepinephrine in the body. But, if consumed at night, it may cause you to lay in bed and stare your ceiling.
The half-life of caffeine is typically 3-5 hours, yet it differs due to the ability of the population to metabolize it. In case you have a slow metabolism, try to clear it out of your system as quickly a possible to avoid a sleepless night situation. Lack of sleep often results in problems such as exhaustion, lack of focus, and even anxiety the following day in some individuals. So, before you get your hands on another supplement, do take a look at its label.
Headaches
Headaches are usually associated with energy supplements that contain large amounts of caffeine, in addition to insomnia. Excessive consumption of it, be it in any form makes a person dependent on it forcing the individual to use more to achieve higher energy levels whenever desired. Abusive use of caffeine, therefore, often leads to headaches, especially when tried to stop using it for even a little while.
On the other hand, some pre-workout energy supplements contain ingredients in the form of arginine, citrulline malate, or beta-alanine which promote vasodilation. It’s the pump that everyone strives for. However, it is one of the reasons that can cause headaches due to expansion of blood vessels throughout the body. Side effects of HGH energizer may be similar only if consumed in higher doses. To refrain from it lower the dosage and increase the intensity of the workout.
High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is something a person can have even without using any form of energizing supplement. Often people do not realize how a simple act of high-intensity exercises or short duration exercises increase the blood pressure. Even when the blood pressure level can go back to normal, during that time frame without using energizing supplements can become elevated. So, in case you are already aware of your blood pressure conditions, it is rather advisable to stay away from the pre-workout energizing supplements that contain stimulants.
Now, you might be wondering if each and every supplement contains those stimulants. The answer to your question is yes! That’s the very basic nature of ingredients in the supplements then be it caffeine, creatine or any other. They can cause a dramatic increase in the blood pressure levels. Therefore, it is highly recommended to consult a doctor before starting an exercise program or using pre-workout energizing supplements. However, if you still wish to continue to look for supplements that don’t have stimulants, look for the ones that are mildly dosed.
Prickly Sensations
Tingly or prickly sensations throughout the body are one of the many side effects of energizing supplements. Since every person is different from another, it depends completely on their sensitivity to certain ingredients found in the supplements. However, there isn’t much to be worried about its side effect. Most of the energizing supplements which contain ingredients such as niacin, beta-alanine, or vitamin B3 is likely to experience this sensation.
Whereas, some supplements specifically include a high dose of niacin just for this very reason. To make a person feel something after taking the supplement. The high dose of this stimulation also leads to a flushing effect on the skin where it gets all red and blotchy, and sometimes even itchy if one have hives. Despite having a harmless effect due to the reaction within the nervous system if you do not want this side effect to affect you, it is recommended that you stay away from supplements with those ingredients. Therefore, pay close attention to the ingredients mentioned on the label and find a product with lower doses.
Other side effects caused due to these energy supplements include anxiety and dizziness. If you tend to experience any of these symptoms, do make sure to stop consuming the supplement you are consuming. Book an appointment with your doctor today. In case you have any questions for us, do feel free to ask. Stay healthy, stay safe!
