Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you an extra edge in the gym. They can help you push harder, run faster, and lift heavier. While these supplements can be beneficial in some cases, there can also be potential side effects of pre workout that you should be aware of before taking them.
In this article, we will discuss the potential side effects of pre workouts as well as how to reduce them.
What are Pre Workouts?
Pre workout supplements are designed to increase energy levels and enhance performance during exercise. They typically contain a variety of ingredients including caffeine, creatine, amino acids, B vitamins, antioxidants, and other compounds that can increase energy levels and help with recovery.
While there are many different types of pre-workouts available on the market today, they all generally work in a similar way – by increasing blood flow to muscles during exercise, which in turn increases energy levels and performance.
Potential Side Effects
Although pre workouts have potential benefits for athletes or those looking to improve their physical performance, they can also cause adverse side effects if not used properly. Some potential side effects may include:
• Insomnia
Caffeine is one of the primary ingredients found in most pre workout supplements which can increase alertness and focus but can also lead to insomnia if taken too close to bedtime.
This is because caffeine is a stimulant that can interfere with sleep patterns if consumed too late in the day.
• Cardiovascular Effects:
Stimulants present in pre-workout supplements can increase heart rate and blood pressure. This can lead to an increased risk of cardiovascular problems such as heart attack or stroke.
It is important to speak to a doctor before taking pre-workout supplements if you have any existing heart conditions.
• Nausea
Another common side effect associated with pre workouts is nausea. This is partly due to its high caffeine content as well as the presence of other ingredients such as creatine or beta-alanine which can cause stomach discomfort when taken on an empty stomach.
• Dehydration
Pre workouts usually contain large amounts of electrolytes, which can lead to dehydration if not enough water is consumed while taking them.
It’s important to always drink plenty of water throughout the day regardless, but especially while taking pre workouts as they can easily dehydrate you if not careful.
• Headache
Some people may experience headaches after taking pre-workout supplements due to their caffeine content. Other ingredients such as taurine have also been known to cause headaches in some individuals when taken at high doses.
• Cramping
High doses of certain ingredients such as creatine or beta alanine can cause muscle cramps in some individuals. So, it’s important to be mindful of your dosage when taking these types of supplements.
How To Reduce Side Effects from Pre Workouts
Although there are potential side effects associated with taking pre-workout supplements, it doesn’t mean you have to avoid them altogether. Instead, here are a few tips on reducing any unwanted side effects:
Start off slowly
Begin by taking smaller doses of the supplement over time to see how your body responds to it before increasing the dose further.
Check the label
Make sure that all of the ingredients listed on the label are safe for consumption. Do not take any supplement that contains undeclared substances such as ephedrine or DMAA (1,3 dimethylamylamine).
Read reviews
When trying out new products, it’s always a good idea to read up on reviews from other customers who have tried them before purchasing them yourself.
This will help you determine whether or not a product is suitable for you based on its ingredients as well as other people’s experiences with it.
Don’t overdo it
Pre-workout supplements should only be taken occasionally – not every day – so as not to overload your body with too many stimulants at once.
If possible, try cycling different types of pre-workouts so that your body doesn’t become too accustomed to one type over another.
Monitor your intake
Pay attention to how much caffeine you’re consuming on a daily basis from other sources beyond pre workout supplements (e.g., coffee).
Try not to exceed 400mg per day as this could lead to adverse effects such as nervousness and restlessness.
Consider alternatives
If you are concerned about experiencing adverse side effects from taking pre workout supplements, then there are alternative ways of achieving similar results. These include eating nutrient-rich foods (whole grains & fruits) prior to exercising, which can give you natural energy boosts throughout the day without any associated negative effects!
Stay hydrated
As previously mentioned, electrolytes contained within most pre-workout drinks may lead to dehydration. So make sure you stay hydrated throughout the day by drinking plenty of water both before and after your workout sessions. Wearing pink opal help to boost your stamina which will help to enhance your workout quality.
Take breaks
If you find yourself experiencing any adverse reactions after taking your supplementation, then simply take a break for a couple of days. This help prevents any further build-up that may lead to more severe problems down the line.
Conclusion
In conclusion, although there are potential side effects associated with taking pre workout supplements, it doesn’t mean they should be avoided entirely. Simply follow these tips above when using them and remember everyone reacts differently. So listen closely when your body tells you what’s best for it!
