Unlocking Hulk Mode: 5 Best Muscle Growth Supplements
Are you looking for the best supplements to help you unlock Hulk mode? Do you want to maximize your muscle growth and strength? If so, then you have come to the right place.
In this article, we will take a look at five of the best muscle growth supplements that can help you reach your goals. From whey protein powder to pre-workouts, these supplements are designed to give your body the nutrients needed to build muscle mass and increase strength.
So read on and find out which supplement is right for you!
Why Nutrition is Important for Muscle Growth?
Eating a balanced diet is key for increasing muscle size and maintaining a good health.
Consuming the right nutrients not only power up your physical activity but also help keep your body strong enough to build and repair muscle tissue.
According to board-certified physician Nicholas Anastasio, M.D., of Orthopedics and Joint Replacement at Mercy in Baltimore, “Your muscle tissue can only grow if it has the appropriate building blocks”.
The requirements for the growth of muscle tissue can be met by a nutritious diet that provides a variety of nutrients and the right number of calories.
Apart from this, research shows that taking certain supplements can assist in the building of muscle mass and enhance performance.
These 5 supplements, in particular, have been recommended by experts to help you achieve your ideal body shape:
- Whey Protein Powder
- Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
- Creatine Monohydrate
- Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
- Beta-Alanine
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Whey Protein Powder
One of the most common types of protein powder, whey protein powder is highly recommended by nutritionists for promoting muscle building.
Dr. Anastasio states that this type of protein is a complete one as it houses all nine essential amino acids and is very easy to digest.
Therefore, it’s an ideal choice for those looking to gain muscle growth as it provides the necessary fuel.
Whey protein has been shown in studies to promote muscle protein synthesis and decrease muscle protein breakdown, which, when ingested at sufficient levels, leads to a positive gain in muscle mass.
The suggested daily protein intake is 0.36 grams of protein for every pound of body weight.
Up to 0.45 grams per pound of body weight per day is advised if you consistently strength train. You may help your body get the protein it needs each day for muscle growth by mixing a scoop of whey protein powder into your drinks or smoothies.
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Beta-Hydroxy-Beta-Methylbutyrate (HMB)
The International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) reports that beta-hydroxy-beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) can aid in boosting skeletal muscle growth, strength, and power when administered in conjunction with exercise.
People who are new to fitness and elderly persons can benefit the most from it.
“HMB is a metabolite of leucine, which means we get it in small amounts through foods that are high in leucine,” explains Abbie E. Smith-Ryan, the scientific adviser for Create Wellness, a company that manufactures all-natural creatine monohydrate supplements.
The most sufficient quantity of HMB is 3 grams daily, however typical diets often contain 0.5 to 1 gram of HMB daily.
Despite the low conversion rate of whole meals to HMB, eating more animal products can help the body produce more HMB.
HMB supplements, which come in both powder and capsule form, are typically highly efficient.
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Creatine Monohydrate
According to research, those who engage in quick-duration, high-intensity resistance exercises may benefit from taking supplements of creatine monohydrate.
Dr. Anastasio notes that while the body produces a little amount of creatine naturally and it may be found in some meals like red meat and fish, it’s normally only present in small quantities, which is why creatine supplementation is widely used.
He continues, “Creatine is typically sold as a powder that dissolves easily in any beverage, like coffee, juice, or water.”
When taking creatine supplements, a person usually starts with a loading phase where they take in more over a short period of time to quickly saturate their muscles.
The maintenance phase comes after the loading phase.
A loading phase which usually lasts five to seven days, is recommended to be supplemented with 0.3 grams of creatine per kilogram of body weight each day.
The maintenance phase, which can last anywhere between four and ten weeks, is then advised to be supplemented with 0.03 grams of creatine per kilogram of body weight each day.
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Essential Amino Acids (EAAs)
Dr. Anastasio explains that amino acids serve as the basis for protein synthesis.
“Your body converts the protein you eat into the amino acids that make up that protein. Then, to rebuild and develop muscle tissue, these amino acids serve as the building blocks.
Nine of the 22 amino acids—of which there is a total—are regarded as essential because the body cannot synthesize them on its own.
Dr. Smith-Ryan notes that as a result, essential amino acids (EAAs) must be consumed as supplements or through food sources such as poultry, beef, dairy products, and eggs.
According to the International Society of Sports Nutrition, 6-12g of Essential Amino Acids (EAAs) before and/or after your exercise session are enough to stimulate muscle protein synthesis. Though, higher doses of 10-12g may be found more effective.
EAA is typically consumed in either capsule or powder form. The latter can be added to water or other drinks to create a flavored beverage.
This makes it very easy and convenient for people to include in their daily diet.
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Beta-Alanine
Beta-alanine, an amino acid known for its ability to elevate carnosine levels in the body, serves as a valuable antioxidant and enhances muscle performance.
Carnosine plays a crucial role in muscle contraction and delays the onset of exhaustion during physical activity, ultimately improving exercise capacity and overall performance.
Dr. Anastasio’s research suggests that incorporating beta-alanine supplementation may enhance maximum lifting performance, as indicated by the one-repetition maximum (one-rep max).
Furthermore, other studies have established a correlation between beta-alanine and increased lean muscle mass.
It is worth noting that while beta-alanine does not function as a conventional weight gain supplement, its ability to facilitate more intense training can lead to an increase in lean body mass.
While beta-alanine is considered a non-essential amino acid, meaning that the body can synthesize it naturally, studies indicate that supplementing with a daily dosage of 4 to 6 grams can have advantageous effects for individuals aiming to improve their exercise performance.
Beta-alanine is readily available in the market, commonly sold in the form of tablets or powders.
By adopting a comprehensive approach to diet, training, and recovery, coupled with a thoughtful selection of suitable supplements, substantial progress can be achieved in the pursuit of muscle growth.
However, it is crucial to prioritize safety and consult with a healthcare professional before incorporating any new supplement regimen into your routine.
This step will ensure that the chosen product is suitable and safe for your individual needs and circumstances.