What to know about pre-workout powders

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Do pre-workout powders actually work? By Haley Weiss Health Reporter If you, like me, have a love/hate relationship with intense exercise, the idea that there could be a product to make your time in the gym maximally efficient probably sounds like a dream. Before I did any research, TikTok influencers had almost convinced me that the ticket was pre-workout supplements. These packaged powders typically contain at least a dozen ingredients, including amino acids, creatine, and caffeine, and are touted as a way to boost muscle function and energy. But experts told me there are a number of reasons to proceed cautiously: The ingredients might not be included at the right dosages. According to Andrew Jagim, Mayo Clinic’s director of sports medicine research, “the actual content of what’s in some of these products doesn’t always match up with what’s on the label.” It can be difficult to tell if you're consuming enough of a certain ingredient for it to be effective—or too much of others. It’s pretty easy to sneak in some sketchy stuff. Studies have repeatedly found amphetamine-like compounds in pre-workout supplements. That's one reason why the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has regularly issued warnings about such products. Some ingredients aren’t usable by the body unless you’re consuming them frequently. These need to be taken regularly—not just once a week before a fitness class—to build up to a beneficial level. READ MORE   Share This Story

What Else to Read States Consider Banning Cosmetics Containing PFAS By Lisa Rathke/AP Vermont, California, Colorado, Maryland, Oregon, and more have passed or are considering restrictions. Read More » 9 Ways to Squeeze in More Steps Every Day By Angela Haupt Stop texting the people you live with, and get (or borrow) a dog. Read More » Why Ultra-Processed Foods Are So Bad for You By Tara Law Recent research finds that highly processed food may pose health risks. Read More » How to Survive on Less Sleep By Abigail Abrams It's possible to train your body to need less sleep, some research has found. But it won't work for everyone. (Originally published in 2017.) Read More » How Perfectionism Leads to Burnout—and What You Can Do About it By Jeffrey Kluger Burnout can affect anyone, but perfectionists—with their exceedingly high standards—are hit hardest. Read More »

ONE LAST READ A psychedelics pioneer on life and death Dr. Roland Griffiths, 76, is a pioneer in psychedelic research. He's helped elucidate their power at easing end-of-life anxiety in cancer patients, in particular. When Griffiths was recently diagnosed with Stage 4 metastatic colon cancer, his research turned personal. In a conversation with David Marchese of the New York Times, he explains why he views his diagnosis with respect and even gratitude. Read More »

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