I recently came across a thread on Twitter about the negative effects of taking pre-workout supplements and fat burners. Heart disease and cardiac arrest. “Everyone, please don’t panic. #heart attack It’s happening all over India. After talking to a lot of people, I’ve come to the conclusion that try to limit alcohol, smoking, junk (food), and cut out caffeine. If you’re a gym goer, avoid pre-workouts and fat burners. Take care and enjoy! Lose weight,” writes entrepreneur and trade analyst Nisit Shaw.
please don’t panic #heart attack Events happening all over India. I’ve talked to a lot of people to try to limit alcohol, smoking, junk, and quit caffeine. Take care and enjoy!lose weight
— Nishit Shaw (@NishitShawHere) December 4, 2022
He added that “Indian coffee is simple, instant, low caffeine, and ready to drink,” but “the problem is energy drinks, pre-workouts, and more.
But is there any truth to that claim? We reached out to experts to understand the relationship between pre-workout supplements, energy drinks, and heart health.
Do you have a link?
According to Dr. Zainaurabeddin Hamduree, Cardiothoracic Surgeon at Mathena Hospital in Mumbai, many patients with no medical history are showing up at cardiologists’ doors for medical help. “They are not elderly people who may have obvious risk factors. Heart disease, such as diabetes and obesity. In fact, these are young adults who are physically healthy and are often introduced to us after experiencing high blood pressure or other heart-related problems with no apparent cause.
Of these, many consume protein shakes, energy bars, or sports drinks, Dr. Hamdulay said. healthline.com — Improves workout performance in terms of energy and endurance. Agreeing with this, Anam Golandaz, a clinical dietitian at Mumbai’s Massena Hospital, adds that those who “want to reach their training goals even faster” make use of various training supplements to achieve their goals. “Such supplements contain a variety of ingredients, including amino acids, B vitamins, caffeine, creatine, and artificial sweeteners, each of which plays a specific role in enhancing performance.” said Golandaz. indianexpress.com.
However, caffeine is one of the main ingredients in most pre-workout supplements because it “increases strength and reduces fatigue during exercise”. They contain over 200 milligrams of caffeine, equivalent to two cups of coffee, but these high-caffeine beverages can cause nausea, insomnia, and atrial fibrillation, which can cause irregular heartbeats (arrhythmias). It can cause a potentially serious heart condition known as
Furthermore, “Very high levels of caffeine and amino acids can also lead to heart palpitations, diarrhea, nausea, high blood pressure and joint-related problems,” noted a 2014-World Health Organization (WHO) study. It was published. front line of public health In extreme cases, it can “cause heart failure and death.”
But it’s not just caffeine. Another popular ingredient in many pre-workout supplements is creatine. Creatine is known to increase lean body mass and muscle strength during exercise. “However, high creatine intake can cause bloating, digestive problems, water retention, weight gain, and can also affect heart health.
moreover, artificial sweetener Or sugar alcohols added to pre-workout supplements to boost flavor, making it imperative for diabetics to pay attention. It can be difficult to keep track of, and you can very easily suffer heart-related side effects if you’re not careful,” Golandaz warned. It’s important to discuss your pre-workout and workout plan with your healthcare provider beforehand, as it varies from person to person.
Pay a little more attention to your pre-workout drinks and supplements (Source: Getty Images/Thinkstock)
Dr. Hamdulay further noted that pre-workout supplements, like many other dietary supplements, are not strictly regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While it may yield fitness results, it can be detrimental to your overall health.
Because these formulations are not regulated by the FDA, manufacturers do not need to follow federally approved guidelines for safe dosage or content, says Nitin Kumar Rajput, PhD, Senior Consultant CTVS, Minimally Invasive Cardiac Specialist, Narayana Institute of Cardiac Sciences, Bangalore) said: , emphasizes that while improving energy levels, it also increases hypertension, arrhythmia, and potentially heart attack risk in patients with severe coronary artery disease.
Consuming them before exercise “may exacerbate your risk because physical activity increases cardiovascular demands,” Dr Rajput said. “For example, one hour before aerobic exercise. It has been suggested that consuming 200 to 300 mg of caffeine may further increase the risk of decreased endothelial cell function in healthy individuals, as demonstrated by reduced myocardial blood flow,” he added. .
there is more
A new pre-workout trend that is causing concern is consuming “dry scoops,” or pre-workout powders that are high in caffeine without dilution to enhance their effectiveness.caffeine It is a vasoconstrictor. That is, it constricts blood vessels and reduces blood flow to muscles. It is also a diuretic, causing urination and dehydration. It can be very dangerous,” he noted Dr. Hamdulay.
Some energy drinks also contain compounds similar to ephedrine, a central nervous system stimulant used to treat respiratory disorders that are even more potent than caffeine. Dr. Hamdulay added that the risk could be even higher.
What can I do to help?
Experts say replacing workout supplements with real food is ideal. dietary protein Sauces include chicken, milk, dairy, chickpeas, eggs, fish, lentils, milk, peas, and soybeans,” says Golandaz, noting that moderation is key and that “a wide variety of vegetables are included. It’s important to have fruits and other foods that naturally boost energy and promote productive training.
Cardiologist Dr. Pankaj Ramesh Batra agrees, saying a healthy heart requires minerals and vitamins such as magnesium, omega-3 fatty acids, L-carnitine and coenzyme Q10. He added that high-fiber foods, garlic, fish oil and green tea can act as antioxidants. rice field.
They were unanimous in saying that supplements should always be taken after consulting an expert, and that they should choose those made from natural ingredients such as green tea and beetroot, which are “much safer alternatives.” “It’s important for anyone wanting to try a pre-workout supplement to take it up to its maximum dose, especially if it contains stimulants,” says Dr. Rajput.
Dr. Hamdulay argued that the type of exercise you do is equally important. Lifting heavy objects without following proper breathing techniques can cause your blood pressure to spike. blood pressureThis increases the risk of negative cardiovascular events over time, he said.
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