Workout Supplements

[Jamkid]

Hi,

So as of Monday, I am starting a new diet and workout routine but before starting, I want to know if there any interactions or negative implications from using certain supplements.

These include-

Whey Protein
Glut amine
Fish Oil
BCAA
L Carnitine
Casein Protein


Thanks for your help!

[buginme2]

Well, the one supplement that people use working out that is a no no is creatine.  That's because many HIV meds adversely affect the kidneys (such as Truvada among others) and taking creatine can throw off the blood test that measures kidney function (the creatinine test).

I've read somewhere not to take glutamine either but I don't remember why. 

Protein is generally safe in moderation (I drink a muscle milk after I workout) however to much protein can hurt your liver (which liver disease is the number one comorbidity for those with HIV) and your kidneys.

I workout every day and the most I use for a supplement is a muscle milk.  Most of them just make for expensive pee. 

I would definitely caution against those testosterone pills or "natural steroids".  Many have been shown to be extremely harmful and can leave to quick liver failure.

[elf]

Too much glutamine affects the performance of your brain, misuse can cause mental and emotional problems (since by deamination, glutamine transforms itself into glutamate, an excitatory neurotransmitter).

I preferred taurine over glutamine.

[Delby]

Well, the one supplement that people use working out that is a no no is creatine.  That's because many HIV meds adversely affect the kidneys (such as Truvada among others) and taking creatine can throw off the blood test that measures kidney function (the creatinine test).

I'm sorry but this isn't true. I workout 5 times/week and take whey isolate (no fillers, additives etc), glutamine and creatine. Creatine is absolutely fine to take for cycles of about 3 months and then give your body a break. If you have issues with your kidneys, then of course do not take creatine. But if you don't then you will be ok. I used to be on Atripla and now i'm on Complera and creatine has not affected any of my bloods.

That said, please advise your Dr before you start on creatine as he may want to monitor you every 3 months to make sure all is ok. If you are going to take creatine, then go for 'Creapure' which is the very purest brand out there.

Delby

[Jamestown]

I agree with the taurine!

[okchan]

cheese is a great workout "supplement". especially cottage cheese. anyway , moderation and variety is key

[YinYogaGuy]

as with anything - think "clean" - we're already forced (most of us) to throw handfuls of pills (chemicals) down our throats every day in order to stay alive or so they say - so I personally make sure everything else is as free as it can be from stuff like artificial flavors, colors, and fake sugars which workout stuff is full of typically

also - whey and casein come from milk - these days theres tons of plant based proteins out there that probably are gentler on our bodies

as for everything on your list - listen to your body - it tells us stuff all the time and you, living in that body know your body better than anyone else - so listen

[mecch]

I agree with your intent for the most part, yin yoga, except for the casual stereotype that "most of us" are obliged to swallow "handfuls of pills" everyday to stay alive.

As my antivirals are 3 pills a day. And lots of HIV+ have 1 pill total. And that is really it.... Not handfuls.