What are Steroids? Performance Enhancing Drugs or PEDs have been in use since the 1954 olympics when the Russian weightlifting team implemented testosterone into their training. At the time, the research behind the benefits and risks of PEDs was nonexistent, and it was unknown what exactly testosterone, human growth hormone, and other drugs could do. Today, humans know most of the PEDs by name and have a general understanding of what they do. For example, an injection of testosterone will increase the building of muscle and in general enhance what are typically known as “masculine” features. What do these mean for your health and diet? While testosterone does increase performance, particularly in high level sports, any person who takes it stands a strong chance of developing very dangerous side effects. Lower levels of High Density Lipoproteins (HDL) and higher levels of Low Density Lipoproteins (LDL) are one example of a common side effect. LDLs form fat layers inside arteries that slowly build up and will increase blood pressure that can lead to heart failure and stroke. In order to stay healthy while taking these drugs, a strict diet must be maintained; no solid fats such as butter, dairy, lard, or fast food which all increase LDL levels (bad fats). Instead, healthy and essential fats such as fish, avocado, and other HDL (good fats) fats must be consumed in order to lower the LDL levels inside the body. Many of these symptoms have become stereotypes in the gym, called “juiceheads” and while the term may be humorous, the side effects are not and these drugs should not be taken lightly. As Canadians, there is the ability to take these drugs without it being wrong or illegal, however one must know the effects and be aware of the dangers that are posed. Finally, one must ask whether the benefits of increased muscle mass outweighs the health risks. (Are the gains worth it?)
References;
https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/fitness/in-depth/performance-enhancing-drugs/art-20046134 https://www.drugabuse.gov/publications/research-reports/steroids-other-appearance-performance-enhancing-drugs-apeds/what-history-anabolic-steroid-use https://www.usada.org/athletes/substances/effects-of-performance-enhancing-drugs/
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