3 Supplements You Aren't Taking BUT Should Be! (Not Sponsored*)

GAMMA-AMINOBUTYMC ACID (GABA)

 Actually classified as a neurotransmitter, studies show that GABA increases the body's sleeping cycle; and getting a good night's sleep can lead to more energy and higher levels of concentration throughout the day. In addition, it reduces blood pressure and anxiety. Five grams can stimulate the release of growth hormone within 30 minutes of ingestion.

DOSAGE: 2-10g per day before workouts and/or before bed on an empty stomach

GABA is a neurotransmitter found throughout the central nervous system.  It is shown to increase the sleep cycle and supports energy and concentration.

GABA helps prevent restlessness, irritability and anxiety caused by the over-firing of nerve cells. Promotes calmness.

500 mg to 10 grams per day before workouts and/or at bedtime on an empty stomach.

GLYCOCYAMINE

Glycocyamine increases the production of creatine in the body. It is an immediate precursor of creatine and is transported to the liver and kidneys, where it is converted to creatine in the presence of betaine. Glycocyamine also appears to enhance glucose and creatine uptake by muscle cells. One caveat is the risk factor involved with it. Studies reveal that it can increase homocysteine-a protein associated with heart disease.

1-1.5g twice a day, plus 2-3g of betaine or a product containing betaine, dimethylgtycine, or S-adenosyl-L-methionine (SAMe)

Collagen Hydrolysate

Collagen hydrolysate is a digestable from of collagen protein. Throughout it's history it has been used as a cartilage support product. It is also recommended to support other connective tissues as well, including hair, skin and nails.

According to Flex Magazine:

"One study on osteoarthritis patients reported that those taking collagen had significant pain reduction and could reduce their use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. Collagen hydrolysate also stimulates the synthesis of type II collagen in cartilage."

Try 1 to 10 grams per day for 12 weeks.

References:
Hydrolyzed collagen on Wikipedia

Citrulline Malate

Citrulline is converted to arginine in the body. Taking citrulline increases nitric oxide levels better than taking arginine. Citrulline also removes ammonia from the body increasing endurance and delaying muscle fatigue.

According to Flex Magazine:
"Citrulline malate elevates muscle ATP by 35% during exercise and increases the rate of creatine phosphate resynthesis by 20%."

Take 3-6g of L-citrulline or citrulline malate 30-60 minutes before workouts

Cinnamon Extract

Cinnamon which has been in use for thousands of years contains hydroxychalone. This active ingredient imitates the effects of insulin. You know how powerful insulin is as an anabolic hormone.

Cinnamon aids insulin in driving nutrients including carbohydrates and amino acids into muscle cells. The benefit of this is that less carbohydrates will end up being stored as body fat.

Try taking 100-250mg with meals daily and post-workout with creatine.

Look for the trademarked cinnamon extract CinnulinPF.

GREEN-TEA EXTRACT

Green tea is full of catechins, powerfull compounds that include epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). EGCG is the ingredient responsible for the tea's fatburning.

EGCG's has the ability to inhibit an enzyme that breaks down norepinephrine, the neurotransmitter involved in regulating metabolic rate and fat burning.

Green tea also is a antioxidant that supports general wellness within the body.

Look for a standardized extract containing EGCG and take 500mg 1 to 3 times daily before meals.