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MMA Supplements and steroids have always been thoughtful conversation in the Martial Arts Circuit. Though the rigorous physical ordeal naturally requires more planned nutrition than usual, yet there is a risk that some MMA supplements may get branded in the prohibited anabolic steroid category. Steroid scandals have raised a few controversies too. Since steroids like anavar, winstrol, primobolan metabolize fast and they travel in and out of the body often, the main concern among fighters should be to choose the MMA supplements that do not contain the prohibited ingredients, especially before an imminent fight.
The steroid testing categories of MMA have quite standard specifications. After the 2007 Sean Sherk and Hermes Franca steroid controversy ( Sherk defeated Franca, but both were claimed positive for steroids), UFC president Dana White had this to say to ESPN the magazine about the MMA steroid testings, ” Combat sports – MMA and Boxing-really have the best steroid testing in sports. Every time we compete, we are tested by the government. You can’t get more serious about it than that.” It was in this interview that White also responded to the allegations that fighters have to take steroids to prepare for the fight despite an injury. White’s reply to ESPN magazine was “… Nobody is ever forced to fight. I can go down the list and tell you 50 guys who’ve pulled out of a fight because of an injury.”
Therefore, this article tries to present a list of food supplements and enhanced nutrition for MMA fighters that can help cope up with the schedule. However, always remember that unaccounted amount of growth hormones and food supplements along with prescription drugs can be a lethal dose for an athlete. The common Food supplements that are designed to assist the athlete are nitric oxide, Multivitamin, Glutamine, Whey protein, Creatine, Green Tea and Beta Alanine.
o Nitric oxide: Nitric oxide or NO causes vasodilation of blood vessels so that an increase blood supply is made available to the pumped up muscles. In not only MMA but also this compound has even found useful application in delicate medical applications of Diabetes management and in pediatric cares of infant pulmonary vascular ailments. Nitric Oxide has been in fact a veteran in athletic and medical circuits. It was named the molecule of the year by the Science magazine way back in 1992.
Nitric oxide can assist in the physical schedule by several applications. Apart from enhancing the blood flow, nitric oxide can assist by easing muscle stress, releasing adrenaline and by activating the macropghages of the natural immune system. These macrophages helps in faster healing of the body by actively cleaning the dead cell debris in the blood stream.
o Whey protein and Glutamine are protein supplements that assist the body when there is a high protein demand of the body due to the physical training.
o Creatine helps by enhancing the ATP generation capacities of the muscle cells.
o Multi-vitamins are again helpful to meet the body’s increased nutrition needs.
o Powerful herbal antioxidants like green tea helps in inhibiting the free radicals and help the body to feel more replenished.
o Beta alanine performs as a pre-runner of carnosine synthesis in the muscles. Carnosine acts as a buffering agent, delaying the probability of a muscle failure onset.
Another herbal component has also felt its presence in the form of medical marijuana. Nick Diaz, Diego Sanchez, Starnes all have been the hippies of MMA. Although Diaz has faced the ire of lawmakers over his marijuana use and has parted ways with UFC, yet he has been consistent in weed support. In a 2009 interview, Diaz said marijuana helps him be more ‘consistent’ about everything and that he likes “… the idea of being able to fight my way out of something.”
