A Bodybuilder's Guide to Protecting the Liver
Bodybuilders become bodybuilders because they always want to be the biggest man in the room. This can be achieved, but this often will result in the abuse of the largest organ they have in their body- the liver. Due to the intense nature of the training with food, vitamins, supplements, and steroids, the liver can really get a work out. Therefore, it is necessary for bodybuilders to take a few extra precautions in order to keep their liver as healthy as possible.
Every good bodybuilder knows that a healthy liver is needed in order to build muscle and take off fat. The liver has many functions; these include processing toxins and handling protein and fat transformation. If a liver is healthy, it will burn through fat and let the proteins do their part in the muscle building process. If a liver is weak or damaged due to being doused in toxins, the easy tasks for the liver suddenly become very hard to complete.
Steroids that need to be ingested can be hard on the liver. Usually the supplements, vitamins and minerals you take will also require that the liver work harder. There are a huge number of athletes that are unaware of this and down many pills a day without concern of liver damage. This is horrible for the liver's future. Steroids are something that needs to be cycled while the blood work is carefully monitored.
To keep the liver functioning as well as possible, there are some easy things that everyone can take part in. You should try to avoid alcohol and tobacco; this is because the liver metabolizes these two potentially dangerous substances. It's good to get enough sleep, the immune system and the liver work together when healthy to create a synergistic effect. This is a tough one for bodybuilders, but it is very important to not take in too many proteins. Taking more than 400-500 grams of protein a day is way too much, and needs to be avoided by bodybuilders and everyone else. Lack of exercise will also contribute to damaging the liver.
Some people are shocked to discover that supplements are a useful tool for helping the liver recover. Many companies have dedicated whole product lines to defending the liver. Most of these supplements are meant to be taken while taking other supplements for bodybuilding to aid in the process of gaining muscle.
The liver has to be one of the most incredible organs in the human body. Much that has been mentioned makes the liver seem weak, but it does repair itself from the majority of reversible damage. Bodybuilders and any others who might be using steroids should be very careful with their liver, and liver enzyme checks from a doctor should be part of the annual routine. Keeping your liver healthy now will keep your body going in the future.
About the Author:
Dane Fletcher is the world-wide authority on bodybuilding and steroids. He has coached countless athletes all over the world. To read more of his work, please visit either http://www.BodybuildingToday.com or http://www.SteroidsToday.com
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