Sedqa advises steroid users

There has been lots of international publicity in recent years about the illegal use of anabolic steroids, especially by professional athletes and weight lifters.

Athletes use steroids because they promote muscle growth. These drugs mimic the effects of the male hormone testosterone. But bulking up on steroids can have very serious and unhealthy consequences. Too much of the drug can damage the liver to the point of jaundice (disease marked by yellowness of skin) or liver failure.

Steroid use has also been linked to increasing several risk factors for cardiovascular disease, including elevating blood pressure. For a man using steroids, it can decrease the size of the testes, reduce sperm production and result in a diminished sex drive. In women, steroids can disrupt the menstrual cycle, create problems in ovulation, and cause masculine features. All of these side effects are reversible if the person stops taking steroids.

Some women find that a few of these effects, like extra facial hair or a deeper voice, never go away. Another problem with steroids is that its use can change behaviour, making a person more aggressive.

Athletes are always looking for ways to improve their performance, but unfortunately many athletes want to improve so much that they'll try almost anything.

First of all, no food, drug, or nutrient quickly increases speed or performance. Athletes are easy prey for unscrupulous companies selling nutrients, foods, or drugs that promise miraculous improvement. As if this isn't bad enough, some athletes may also listen to inaccurate advice and may avoid eating some foods that really are nutritious. You can build muscle with diet and exercise. Although it takes a little longer, you're not risking your health.

None of the 14 known vitamins supply energy. Some vitamins do help the body use energy. However, these vitamins are easily supplied by an athlete's normal diet. Megadoses of vitamins won't give you more energy or improve your endurance. If you consume more vitamin C or B vitamins than your body needs, they are simply flushed out in your urine. If you consume more vitamins A and D than you need, they are stored in your fat. Too much of these vitamins can be poisonous. Be careful with them, read labels, when used correctly they are safe.
For further advice consult your doctor.