Long term supplement usage

Supps that should and shouldn't be cycled

The supplement industry is flooded with a surplus of products - with so many choices, one common question is should supplements be cycled? It's a logical question but opinions do vary. This is article is aimed to advise always seek medical advice and consult your GP before using any supplement.

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Adrenal fatigue:

Very common question and presumption is adrenal fatigue. Now it's not impossible just highly improbable unless you are a triathlete training hours on end. You are most like experiencing induced stress related issues which makes one feel tired and constantly lethargic. Mental health is the ultimate health so don't always assume the worst.

Now it's not impossible just highly improbable unless you are a triathlete training hours on end.

Creatine monohydrate is dangerous.

Too much water is dangerous, it's all about dosage. Most don't consider other real life factors such as hydration or lack of. Hydration is often overlooked but in general if you are using creatine or any stimulant always consume more water than you usually water to not cause any damage or strain to your kidneys. Always keep creatine monohydrate to a 5g dosage. Always keep in mind all that you use, check your pre workout and post workout and ensure it does or doesn't contain additional creatine monohydrate.

Always keep creatine monohydrate to a 5g dosage. Always keep in mind all that you use, check your pre workout and post workout and ensure it does or doesn't contain additional creatine monohydrate.

Whey protein is dangerous.

Okay alot like the above, again too much of anything isn't good. Whey protein is there to help you reach your protein macro nutrient goals. Whey protein in general is being alot less demonized by incorporating it into baby formulas but that means pricing goes up as demand continues to soars. It's always advisable to know how much you are taking, of course food is king but whey protein has many advantages in itself -

- Digests quickly

-Convenient

-Immunity

-Improves recovery

Again dosage and usage depends on the individual but around 40/80g a day seems to be a good fit for me personally.

Pre workouts are dangerous

They certainly can be, this is true. Especially if you use too much and suffer from hypertension and heart related issues.... Let's not forget those who suffer from stress, anxiety and depression and if they are on medication. Pre workouts aren't the blame but the individuals who misuse them and cry wolf. It's advisable to stick to half a dosing and build your way up to a full serving. Rather be safe than sorry. Once you get the groove you will truly understand the true benefits of pre workouts and the knowledge you can attain from gauging them according to dosing and ingredients etc.

Nootropics are a luxury

Look anything can be considered a luxury, if I go and by woolies full cream milk someone would consider that a "luxury". But truly from a mental health standpoint there's no doubt about it... Your mental health is priceless. If you have ever suffered any mental issues you know that it's more important than anything else. Depression is a social taboo it seems that kills millions a year and if there is backing that certain compounds may help improve mood and help fight anxiety, cope with stress more efficiently and aid the fight against depression. So do compounds known as nootropics or even adaptogens need to be cycled? Simply no, If used the way intended.

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What SHOULD be cycled.

This again is a clear indicator of personal preference through trail and error.

Pre workouts/fat burners/stimulants

Now in general stimulants don't HAVE to be cycled but knowing how many are dependant on stimulants such as caffeine, it's advisable to take a brief break from all forms of stimulants for a 7/14 days. This helps with effectiveness of stimulants, if you've been on pre workouts or stimulants for months on end you know that that same pre that hit you hard at first doesn't hit as hard months later. Alternatively you can take weekends off stimulants to keep pres/stimulants kicking as good as they should be. Your body does gain a tolerance to stims so cycle them.

Tip

Take a 7/14day break off stimulants atleast 2/3 times annually additionally you can take a weekend break too, to keep the effectiveness of them stims.

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What SHOULD NOT be cycled

Multivitamins/vitamins/omega 3

Many foods don't contain the nutrients they once did, supplementing with additional vitamins or multivitamins is key to overall health, mental health, heart health, immunity and longevity. Dosing of course varies and deficiencies are individualized.

Whey protein

As mentioned in the FAQ, this is utilized to help reach and obtain your protein goals. No need to cycle this.

Creatine monohydrate

As mentioned above, if you take the right dose and remain adequately hydrated there is nothing wrong with using creatine monohydrate daily. With multiple benefits including brain health and increases in strength and performance this is a must. 5g daily.

Carbohydrate powders

Provide fuel and restoring lost glycogen levels (post workout) although many opt for actual food for their post workout needs there is no denying its importance to endurance athletes. This is safe to use indefinitely.

Adaptogens / stim free nootropics /pump formulas/stim free pre workouts

These have all grown in popularity and increased usage worldwide as the versatility and curiosity continue to tempt many. These all have their place and all are worth the extra money especially adaptogens and nootropics. But if you are stim sensitive or need a stim break a stim free pre workout offer a great alternative without any jitters or stimulants. Dosing and compounds again are individualized. There are many options and compounds out especially in the nootropic&adaptogen realms so stay tuned for upcoming articles when I delve into the more.

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Take home notes

So apart from stimulants everything (more or less) can be used daily unless specified by your local GP or by the product label.

Having common sense and listening to your body is a sure fire way to know exactly what should or shouldn't be cycled, just don't over think things and always stick within your budget.