What is Beta-Alanine and Reasons to Use It as an Athlete

Achieving optimal performance as an athlete is vital, but it requires time and effort. However, your body may be a limiting factor with issues such as muscle fatigue, low endurance levels, etc. Fortunately, some supplements can fast-track your athletic goals towards more strength and better performance. One of the ideal supplements is beta-alanine. 

What is beta-alanine? 

Beta-alanine is an amino acid in your body. Unlike other amino acids, beta-alanine is considered non-essential as it does not synthesize proteins. Beta-alanine synthesizes carnosine, which is stored in the muscles and brain to reduce muscle fatigue. It has many uses and a variety of reasons an athlete should use it.

Reasons to use beta-alanine 

  1. To increase muscle carnosine content 

When you introduce beta-alanine supplements in your muscle, they produce carnosine. The carnosine buffers the increase in acidity that happens when exercising. The amount of carnosine will depend on the amount of beta-alanine in your body. The more beta-alanine you’ll have, the more concentration of carnosine you’ll have. 

  1. To increase workout volume 

The main benefit of beta-alanine is prolonging the time to exhaustion. You’ll be able to work out or run for longer distances before feeling tired or taking breaks. The more workouts you do will result in better performance as an athlete.

  1. To improve endurance & Peak performance 

Supplementing with beta-alanine delays muscle fatigue and increases exercise endurance and peak capacity of athletic performance. You’ll be able to run faster and for more distances without feeling exhausted. 

  1. To delay muscle fatigue

Your body might fail to supply enough oxygen during intense exercise. Your muscles will have to rely mainly on the anaerobic energy system for energy supply. However, without oxygen, the glucose will convert into lactic acid. The acid dissociates into hydrogen ions, lowering the tissues’ PH and making them more acidic. The results are fatigue and slowing of exercise performance.

Using beta-alanine will buffer the elevation of hydrogen ions, reducing fatigue for your athletic performance. You’ll be able to do your intense exercise for a more extended period.

  1. To improve strength 

Beta-alanine supplements give an athlete more strength and energy. Your body will have more carnosine, which assists your body match the energy needed for your best athletic performance.

  1. To reduce mental fatigue

Using the beta-alanine supplement will enhance your mental focus. You will have better mental and cognitive clarity, which will help in reducing mental fatigue.  

  1. To improve your athletic performance

Beta-alanine delays fatigue and increases your endurance and time to exhaustion. With such benefits, your athletic performance will undoubtedly grow to optimal levels.

  1. Beta-alanine may have antioxidant and anti-ageing properties

Though the primary purpose of beta-alanine supplements is not to look younger, it wouldn’t hurt if it does that. It helps produce carnosine and may act as an antioxidant in neutralizing free radicals. The radicals support the immune system and reduce the effect of oxidative stress on your body.

Also, carnosine can elevate nitric oxide production, increasing cell oxygen and nutrient delivery. With more nutrients and oxygen, you’ll have great supple skin, which helps preserve youthfulness and delays the onset of ageing.

Conclusion 

Beta-alanine is an ideal supplement among athletes. This is due to its ability to enhance performance while maintaining overall health benefits. The supplements are legitimate and helps you utilize your full potential.

 

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