The lights of Friday night
It’s the fourth quarter and the game is tied. There is a chill in the air and the roar from the fans grows as the offensive line approaches the trenches. Time is running out and the home team has to go 90 yards to ensure they continue their playoff streak. The pigs on the front line place their hands on the ground, the receivers face their enemy, the running backs dig their feet into the turf, and the home team general places his hands under the center. What happens next is unwritten, but it is the culmination of weeks of hard work and preparation. The team mentioned above could be any team in America on any given Friday night. Each team works hard in the weight room and on the field. What could ultimately make the difference is the fuel that players put into their bodies. The shims are exactly what the home team needs to pull off that 90-yard drive.
Are the supplements safe?
The answer is simple; Yes and no. Supplements are not regulated by the FDA. The United States has approximately 30,000 supplements on the market. To achieve fast-acting results and keep costs down, some companies include ingredients in their products that may have side effects or cause long-term damage. There are numerous reports on the dark side of taking supplements, but for every negative report there is a positive report supporting their effectiveness. There are several products on the market that are tested by independent organizations. One such organization is called Informed Choice. If a product has the green Informed Choice mark of approval, you can be sure that the product does not contain substances banned by the NCAA, the Olympics, or professional athletics. If a professional athlete will be taking the product, that should reassure their confidence in the safety of that product. Finally, make sure that any product you use is from a manufacturer that has an established positive reputation within the supplement industry. The important thing is to do your research and always consult your doctor before taking any supplement. Never put anything inside your body that you don’t trust.
The Best Supplements for Soccer Players
There are several supplements that are recommended for soccer players. These supplements are protein, creatine, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, and amino acids.
protein
Nutritional research has concluded that the average American does not consume enough protein on a daily basis. Soccer players and athletes should take protein on a daily basis, especially as part of their post-workout routine. It is recommended that soccer players consume at least 25 grams of protein as part of a weight management program. Protein helps support muscles so the body can use carbohydrates and fats for energy. Protein is essential for maintaining a healthy body and building muscle mass.
creatine
When athletes hit a plateau in their training, creatine can be used to help athletes break through that glass ceiling. Creatine stimulates muscle growth to increase muscle size and strength essential for the game of soccer. Our body produces creatine naturally. However, during intense training our body will lose its natural creatine. Taking creatine before an intense workout will help the body retain the levels of creatine used to build muscle mass. To get the recommended levels of creatine naturally without supplements, an athlete would have to consume large amounts of meat before and after their workouts. That is not recommended and is not practical. Taking a creatine supplement is a viable option.
Omega-3 fatty acids
Soccer is a contact sport. Football players in any given season are going to take a beating to their bodies. Studies have shown that a soccer collision is similar to being in a car accident. Omega 3 fatty acids help the body heal faster after injuries, reduce swelling and inflammation, and lubricate joints. Omega 3 can limit the wear and tear that can occur over the duration of a football season.
Vitamin D
We naturally receive vitamin D from sunlight radiated from the sun. Today, people spend most of their time indoors, resulting in around 95% of the population being deficient in vitamin D. Vitamin D is essential to a soccer player’s diet because helps the body absorb calcium. Calcium will strengthen the bones of soccer players preventing those nasty breaks from collisions that occur on the soccer field.
probiotics
A soccer player can take all the foods and supplements he wants, but it’s just a waste of time and money if the nutrients can be properly absorbed by the body. Probiotics provide the digestive system with millions of microorganisms that help break down the foods and supplements a player puts into his body. The nutrients are then properly absorbed into the body. Probiotics amplify the body’s ability to nourish itself.
Amino acids
Amino acids are like fuel for your muscles. Protein during the digestion process is broken down into amino acids. Taking an amino acid supplement will feed your muscles helping them become leaner and stronger. Leaner muscle means a player’s body fat will burn faster, making the soccer player faster and more agile.
Where to find the best supplements for soccer players
Searching for the right supplements can be a daunting task. Walk into any grocery or health store and the shelves are packed with various brands. To find a safe and effective supplement, you will need to do your research. Experts recommend that you ask someone you trust to be an expert on the subject. It can be a doctor, a nutritionist, a personal trainer or a trainer. Once you find the right supplement, you need to follow the instructions for use for at least 30-60 days to get the full benefits of the supplement.