Mr. Fish 
For over a year now, I've been taking a weight-training supplement called N.O. Xplode. I can definitely tell a difference when I work out; I have more energy and can lift heavier weights.
The problem is that most supplements, including N.O. Xplode have not been FDA (U.S. Food and Drug Administration) approved, so there's a chance I'm hurting myself more in the long run. Whenever I take it I have to work out because I have so much pent-up energy, and I can feel my blood pumping.
There have been some side effects though. One is the occasional severe headache. The drink contains a lot of caffeine and I’m just assuming my body is suffering from withdrawal because I only get them on days I don't work out. Also, as soon as I take it, it becomes an instant laxative. In a way it’s nice because it cleans out my system before I work out.
Some people I know drink coffee or an energy drink before going to the gym.
I feel like I've become too reliant on this stuff, which is $60 a bottle and could be causing damage to my heart and liver. But at least I have biceps!
Would you ever take supplements or any kind of pill to help you workout? Do you think non-FDA approved drugs can be safe? Why or why not?
Comments (13)
wow! i would rather be healthy in the long run then be muscular now. i would take something that is FDA approved because that way, you know whether it is safe or not.
FDA doesn't approve or evaluate food suplements and digestive aids, as far as I know. They don't approve herbs and spices either.
Know what you're taking! With the internet at our fingertips there's no good excuse to NOT KNOW. Then it's up to you. Do you really think adding this stuff is what makes you stronger? Wouldn't you get as good or better results if you forgot about how much weight you were shifting around and concentrated on the movements?
There are pros and cons to everything. It is the same thing as a coffee drinker drinking 3+ cups a day and when they don't they get a headache..exactly what you said
and the FDA doesn't approve the BEST things
http://www.janethull.com/askdrhull/article.php?id=048
I would personally be reluctant about taking things like that, especially on a regular basis. I will do the occasional energy drink when I've been sleep deprived and have a lot of stuff to do, but that's probably just once every couple of weeks (yes, that may be too often).
However, I wouldn't put all my faith in the FDA either. While it's nice to have their approval on some things, I'm glad not EVERYTHING has to get their approval. Individuals should have the choice on these types of things. If they want to take the risk, then by all means its their choice. But nobody is making them do it.
the FDA is kind of in a lot of trouble lately for their interesting methods of approving and not approving things, so i kind of take the FDA's track record into account when thinking about supplements.
you can find information about herbs from the German government & EU because they have rated some herbs as safe, unsafe, etc. to help people decide what to use. also, pubmed and other health journals/sites often have information on different supplement ingredients & their effects. i also look at the traditional use of herbs...if the herb has been used a certain way for 400 hundred years without bad side effects, well then, it probably won't hurt me to take it.
personally, i'm more worried about counterfeiting & adulterating of supplements and herbs with dangerous plants & chemicals. when a lot of brands of supplements & herbs are tested they turn out not to be what they claim they are!
I do not take anything like that - and never will. Too often we find out 5 years after they have been really popular that they cause major damage! ITs just not worth the risk.
And if your body is going through such ups and downs when you are taking it, isnt that a sign that it is severly affecting your body?
Not all supplements are bad. But before taking one you should really talk to your doctor. Have them do baseline labwork. Then monitor you regularly as you are taking it. That way if something is going horribly wrong, you can catch it before it kills or disables you!
Just because the FDA approves something doesn't mean it's necessarily good for you, either. They've screwed up many times in that regard.
I take some supplements that are not approved as well..but I don't feel like they will hurt me later. If you feel like you should stop taking them ,then stop...it is your body ...
I did once and never again. It made me feel very sick.
@methodElevated@xanga - I was just about to point that out. The FDA's not exactly THAT much more trustworthy.
It's fine to take things that aren't FDA approved, because just like stuff that's been approved by them...you should be educated about it, about what's in it and what it does (as far as how it interacts with your system that is)...and surf the opinions of alot of people. Not just those who made it and those who're competing with them.
I don't take supplements, because I prefer to just adjust my diet for what I need. (I'm not big on drugs in general. No matter WHO is peddling them. I prefer herbs, because they've been around forever and you know what to expect without any surprises in the foreseeable future)
I take CLA. I used to take it every day but now I am down to only a couple of capsules left, so I am only taking it on days when I have to eat out to help keep my abs in tip top shape.
Side effects? I have noticed it can have a laxative effect if I take the recommended 4 capsules a day.
I have heard many benefits from Tonalin CLA, but I have also read some kind of scary articles about it on the web.
I will most likely end up not taking it when this bottle is completely gone. But I do like how it enhances the work I do I my abs with exercise.
My Brother use N.O. xplod and has for a little while and i haven't notice him complaining about anything from it, and he's still not dead so it can't be that bad... haha. the guy he orginally got it off (a marine) has used it for even longer and he, also, is still kicking, so i dont think theres that much bad with it, unless you abuse it and don't use it proply.
http://www.t-nation.com/free_online_article/sports_body_training_performance_bodybuilding_supplements/the_no2arginine_scam