5 Muscle Building Supplements

It's hard to build muscle sometimes, or at least enough to make us satisfied. When you're at a plateau and can't seem to make any more gains, here are 5 supplements that can help. Remember that these supplements will only help in conjunction with proper Weight-training.

L-Carnitine - This is a supplement I've used to build strength and muscle in the past. Research shows it allows fats to be used as fuel in muscle tissue. It also increases the number of androgen receptors available for anabolic hormones like Testosterone to bind to. Testosterone promotes muscle-growth and regeneration. It also improves quality of life.

L-Arginine AKG - An amino acid that acts as a precursor to the chemical Nitric Oxide. Nitric Oxide increases circulation, therefore since Arginine is needed to make nitric oxide, it will ultimately increase blood flow to the muscles. Arginine also can raise Growth Hormone levels, and LH (Luteinizing Hormone).

Creatine Monohydrate/Ethyl Ester- Creatine has been popular for years among bodybuilders and I personally have noticed some significant strength increases on the supplement. Muscle mass does increase in my opinion, but creatine can also can make you feel a bit bloated. In conjunction with the other supplements listed, you can expect some nice gains however. The bloating is usually short lived anyway, although some people do get it during the whole course of Creatines use.

Tribulus Terrestris Extract - This is an herbal extract that has been shown to increase Testosterone and DHT levels. This results in strength and muscle gains. I have only used this individually, and I do like the effects, however the other three listed are above this supplement for a reason.

L-Carnosine - Another amino acid found in muscle tissue that can improve strength and recovery. However you should only use this along with creatine and carnitine as alone it yields a much lesser effect.

Citations
--> http://fitness.vpxsports.com/blog/supplement-doctor/bid/35218/L-Carnitine-and-the-Androgen-Receptor

--> http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tribulus_terrestris

--> http://www.nutritional-supplement-educational-centre.com/l-carnitine.html

--> http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/creatine.html

--> http://www.raysahelian.com/carnosine.html

--> http://www.bodybuilding.com/store/arginine.html

--> http://jco.ascopubs.org/content/28/34/5054.abstract