BCAA’s – Filling the protein gaps with amino acid supplements

In bodybuilding circles, the term “amino acids” is often used casually. Most bodybuilders know that it has to do with protein. And some know if that green syrup can be taken after training. But, what are they and how are the basic components of everything related to muscles?

Amino acids are literally the building blocks of protein. They are the 20 chemicals in the body that come together to form muscle tissue. Five of these twenty are essential, or required, for muscle development, while the other fifteen are helpful but not necessary. Branched Chain Amino Acids, or BCAAs, are those three that are the main source of fuel for skeletal muscle tissue, or the muscles we like to flex in front of the mirror. Their names are leucine, valine, and isoleucine.

Complete proteins, or those foods rich in essential amino acids, should be consumed every three hours or so by those looking to gain muscle. Whey, beef, chicken, pork, eggs, milk, cheese, and fish are good sources of complete protein. Protein shakes are often the best source, even better than whole foods, because they are designed to contain the perfect balance of essential amino acids.

In addition to regular food consumption, bodybuilders can benefit from amino acid supplementation, creating a continuous anabolic environment, filling in any nutritional gaps and giving the body every possible chance to build muscle. The body cannibalizes muscle tissue during hard workouts or when protein is not available in the bloodstream, and amino acid supplementation can reverse this to some extent.

Pre-workout and post-workout time is most important for amino intake. Giving your body a reserve of these essential components provides a safety net for muscle growth and prevents muscle wasting. Sipping DURING a workout is also a good idea, if you can avoid the nausea that comes from mixing amino acids and strenuous exercise. If you step back and think about it, you’re simply keeping complete proteins in your bloodstream so they’re available when your muscles need them. It’s that simple, but commonly overlooked.

Aside from amino acid supplementation before and after training, there are sips per hour. A simple “sips” supplementation plan would involve one sip of the BCAA liquid, several times a day. If you eat lunch at noon, drink BCAAs at 1 pm and 2 pm Eat another meal at 3 pm and then take a sip at 4 pm and 5 pm. Follow this pattern throughout the day and see if you are successful. Give it a try and see if amino acid supplementation helps you address a protein deficit you might be facing that you may not even be aware of.