Discount Supplements Direct's buyers guide to sports, nutrition and bodybuilding supplements contains some usefull information on what specific supplements are designed to do and how they may help you acheive your goal quicker.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Antioxidants

Helping your body fight against damaging free radical cells that are caused from regular and strenuous exercise

Antioxidant supplements are very effective in slowing down the oxidative process and damage to oxygen within our bodies.  When we exercise our bodies undergo more stress from training and can cause oxygen radical species that are capable of causing cellular damage.  Antioxidants are produced within the body but as we get older our body’s naturally produce less of it which leads to aging and disease.  This is a key reason to have Antioxidant supplements in your daily diet-“Prevention is better than cure”.
Free radicals that are present within your body are basically hazardous molecules that damage cells which speed up the aging process and lead to disease.  If you have a constant Antioxidant supply in your diet then the Antioxidant process that takes place to neutralise free radicals will certainly help as the Antioxidants become oxidised themselves.
There are seven main types of Antioxidants that should be consumed as part of a healthy diet.  These are:

1 Lycopene
2 Beta-Carotene
3 Lutein
4 Selnium
5 Vitamin A
6 Vitamin C
7 Vitamin E

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Carbohydrate Powders

An essential source of energy during endurance sports to make you perform faster, stronger and for longer

Your body gets is energy from the three main Macronutrients that you consume in your daily diet.  Carbohydrates are your body’s main source of fuel that gives you the energy required in your sport.  Carbohydrates are also needed to maintain strength, speed, power and stamina so it is very important you have the right levels in your daily diet.  
As you consume your daily food, the carbohydrates you eat are broken down to produce Glucose which is your body’s main source of energy.  Any excess carbohydrates that we do not use are still broken down and stored as Glycogen for later use.
As your daily diets are under pressure from a hectic lifestyle and convenience food you end up consuming more carbohydrates than you use which results in excess body weight.  The recommended daily amount (RDA) for a male adult is 2500Kcal and 2000Kcal for a woman.  If you participate in exercise and sports then you will need considerably more carbohydrates or your body will have to result to getting the energy needed from your muscles and fat.
Therefore it is important that you have good quality carbohydrate supplements that can be easily converted in to energy to give you the required energy throughout the day.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to the essentials-Nitric Oxide

For a longer lasting muscle pump, increased strength and power for the ultimate workout-the bodybuilders secret growth weapon

Nitric Oxide or NO2 is currently one of the latest most popular supplements to take training to a higher level.  Nitric oxide is a must on every athletes supplement diet who wants to be at the top of their sport.  Nitric Oxide can develop stamina and strength whilst maintaining that pumped up feeling we love for much longer whilst being well know to aid fat burning to give you more defined muscles.  You will get a great sense of feeling motivated and stronger after your workouts as Nitric Oxide makes the brain and body feel like they are much more powerful and stronger together.
Nitric Oxide supplements work by dilating the blood vessels within your body.  This then releases more blood and adipose tissue which causes the muscles to dilate.  It also helps by removing waste products from our muscles which we tend to get during any form of exercise.  
Nitric Oxide will give you that “Pumped” feeling we all love after exercise for much longer.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Pre Workout and Recovery

Fuel up before your workout to perform longer, prevent fatigue andavoid injuries

Exercising effectively will require your body to have the right nutrients before and after your workout.  Having the right fuel inside your body can drastically affect the amount of time you can exercise for and at what level.  
Pre Workout
As different activities last different lengths of time it is important to scale up your supplements to give you the stamina to perform at a high level for the full amount.  Although we get most of our energy from Carbohydrates within the foods that we eat, they just can not deliver the valuable energy needed during exercise given from sports supplements.  You can choose your supplements to suit your desired length of exercise and intensity by referring to the GI.  This is the Glycemic Index which is the measure of the effects of carbohydrates on blood glucose levels which is the body’s primary source of energy.  Supplements with a high GI index are ideal for explosive activities like weight lifting, rowing, rugby, football, sprinting etc that require high levels of energy for a shorter period.  Supplements with a low GI deliver a slower release of energy for far longer periods and are more suitable to running, triathlons, cycling, mountaineering etc.  Some pre workout supplements are combined with nutrients to stimulate your muscles which result in larger muscle growth and improved recovery.  Pre workout supplements range from powders mixed with water or milk to instant gels and ready made drinks.
Post Workout
After your workout or exercise your body will be craving the required nutrients to recover without injury.  It is important that you take advantage of this “window of opportunity” straight after your workout.  This means if you can get the right nutrients in to your body straight away then your body will acquire larger gains and much quicker.  There are typically three main post workout drinks that you should look at after your training.  These are:
Isotonic- Isotonic drinks are carefully balanced to give the same concentration as your     body’s own liquids that diminish during exercise.  They contain a similar amount of Electrolytes and Carbohydrates which are absorbed much faster than water which makes them essential to refuelling and rehydration.
Hypotonic- Hypotonic drinks are a diluted version of Isotonic and contain less carbohydrate electrolyte solutions than your body fluids.  These drinks are rapidly absorbed by your body and are more effective for rehydrating.
Hypertonic- Hypertonic drinks have a much higher concentrate of carbohydrates and is more suited to refuelling the body during lengthy activities.  By having a higher concentration of carbohydrate they allow the body to have a constant stream of energy.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Testosterone Support

Makes your muscles bigger by putting your body in to an anabolic growth state-increase your testosterone to grow bigger

Testosterone helps your muscles during strenuous exercise which undergo micro traumas and micro tears.  Your muscles will tear during exercise which is perfectly normal and painless.  Your body then sets out to repair these torn muscles from your food sources.  Your muscle will repair bigger and stronger to avoid them being torn again.  This is why you constantly have to shock your body by lifting heavier weights and training harder.  This can take your body quite a long time to recover and repair so you should to use Testosterone Boosters as a supplement in your diet.
Testosterone is a vital hormone and without it your body would not be able to build muscle or even grow.  Your body will also lose muscle mass if it doesn’t have normal levels of Testosterone along with a weaker immune system.  We do recommend supplementing your diet with Testosterone to provide your body with a constant supply that is needed to repair micro tears within your muscles.  This will then allow your muscles to grow stronger and bigger much more rapidly.
The Two most common types of Testosterone supplements are Tribulus Terrestris and Zinc Monomethionine Aspartate or ZMA as it’s most commonly known.

Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestis increases testosterone levels and promotes protein synthesis within the body.  Tribulus Terrestris works by stimulating the Luteinising hormone.  This hormone stimulates the testes to secrete the male sex hormone testosterone which is the vital hormone for muscle and body growth.  Tribulus Terrestis is also known as a remedy for impotence and to increase the Libido.  Tribulus Terrestis is a fantastic supplement for building new muscle fast.

ZMA
ZMA is a combination of the minerals Zinc, Magnesium and Vitamin B6.  Zinc is an essential mineral as it is well known for aiding Cell Replication and Protein Generation.  Magnesium is another essential mineral that is used for hundreds of reactions within the body; typically these are fat metabolism and protein metabolism along with the formation of the energy producing ATP.  Vitamin B6 is essential for energy metabolism, Haemoglobin synthesis and the nervous function.  Haemoglobin Synthesis is the production of the protein that allows blood to carry oxygen around the body.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Vitamins and Minerals

The vital nutrients and minerals that your body requires daily to stay fit and healthy

Although the human body requires only small amounts of vitamins and minerals every day we should not for get the important role they play.  Vitamins and minerals provide your body with the important ingredients that it needs to function properly.  Protein, Carbohydrates and fats ( Macronutrients ) do not provide these essential vitamins or minerals ( Micronutrients ).
Vitamins regulate our body’s chemical transactions.  There are two types, water soluble ( easily dissolved in water ) vitamins and fat soluble ( Absorbed with the help of fats) vitamins.  Fat soluble vitamins consist of vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and vitamin K, whilst vitamin B and vitamin C are known as water soluble.  Vitamins B and C play an important role in energy metabolism, the production of protein that allows blood to carry oxygen and the nervous system while vitamin K plays a vital role in helping your blood to clot.  Your body can only produce a few vitamins from within the body therefore it is important for you to supplement your daily diet with these vitamins.
There are also eight major minerals required by your body.  Unlike vitamins these are required in much larger amounts.  The eight major minerals are

1 Calcium
Calcium plays a major role in healthy bones and teeth along with blood clotting and muscle contractions.

2 Sodium
Sodium controls the body’s water mineral balance.

3 Potassium
Potassium helps in maintaining the body’s internal environment.

4 Sulphur
Sulphur also helps in maintaining the body’s internal environment.

5 Sodium Chloride
Sodium Chloride is associated with controlling the body’s mineral balance.

6 Chlorine
Chlorine is also associated with controlling the body’s mineral balance.

7 Phosphorus
Phosphorus creates energy within your body.

8 Magnesium
Magnesium along with Phosphorus aid in the functions of Calcium which are essential components of blood.

Along with the eight major minerals required daily, these other micro minerals should be considered as part of your healthy diet

1 Copper
2 Iron
3 Manganese
4 Cobalt
5 Molybdenum
6 Iodine
7 Chromium
8 Selenium

9 Fluorine
Large quantities of these minerals are not required but are still equally as important of a healthy and balanced diet.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers guide to supplements-Well Being

Taking care of your body everyday so you can look good and feel great whilst staying fit and healthy

In today’s busy world we all struggle to find the time to eat a balanced diet and exercise the right amount.  When we don’t eat a healthy balanced diet or exercise enough our immune systems suffer along with muscle shrinkage, excess fat and no motivation.
Your body requires a huge amount of different nutrients daily which are vital to your immune system, digestive system, joints, muscles, skin and general growth.  If you regularly exercise or participate in sports then your body will demand a greater amount of nutrients than usual.   
There are a few supplements that we can use to help our well being
Glutamine based supplements- Glutamine is the most common Amino Acid found in our muscle tissue and plasma.  Glutamine is essential for maintaining our immune systems and especially helps when we are training at high levels of intensity.  Glutamine can help prevent illnesses and injuries caused during training.
Joint and muscle care- Joint care supplements are important to protect your joints from the strains on the body during sport.  They also help with muscle tissue staying healthy and allowing the joints to have more support within your body which results in fewer injuries.
Digestive supplements- Supplements containing Digestive Enzymes help the digestive system allowing nutrients to be absorbed more easily.  Products containing Probiotics are also popular with helping the digestive system.  These products can really help if you suffer from bloating, stomach pains and indigestion after eating meals.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers quick guide to supplements-Amino Acids

The essential Building Blocks of Life

There are nine essential Amino Acids which must be obtained as part of your daily diet.  As the human body does not produce Amino Acids naturally they must come from our daily intake of food.  These consist of

1 Histidine

Histidine is an essential daily Amino Acid for the production of healthy red and white blood cells.  Histidine can also be transferred into the neurotransmitter histidine.  This is effective for an immune response.

2 Isoleucine

The Amino Acid Isoleucine is needed daily to help deliver where proteins and enzymes go to around the body.

3 Leucine

Leucine helps with regulating healthy blood sugar levels in the body.  It also allows the body to grow and repair muscle tissue, skin, wound healing and bones much easier.

4 Lysine

Lysine works in a similar way to Leucine and aids the repair of torn muscles, and the growth of healthy skin, wound healing and bones.

5 Methionine

Methionine is very important in daily muscle growth.  It helps to reform protein strands which aid protein synthesis.

6 Valine

Valine works along side Methionine in helping with daily muscle growth.

7 Phenylalanine

Phenylalanine is an essential Amino Acid in that it plays a key role in the production of collagen.  This can help suppress your appetite.  Phenylalanine is also essential for helping brain functions like memory loss and learning.

8 Threonine

Threonine helps promote normal growth in the body by maintaining the proper balance of protein.

9 Tryptophan

Tryptophan is an important Amino Acid as it produces Neurotransmitter Serotonin.  Controlling Anger, Appetite, Mood, Sleep, Metabolism and Body Temperature are all controlled by Serotonin.

The other twelve main non essential Amino Acids can be produced within the body.  Although they are considered less important they should be considered as part of your healthy diet as supplementing them can enhance your body functions.  The twelve main non essential Amino Acids are

1 Alanine

Protein Synthesis is the production of new proteins and Alanine is important in helping with this. Alanine is also involved with the Amino Acid Tryptophan, one of the essential nine Amino Acids.

2 Arginine

Arginine is one of the more complex Amino Acids as it is often found in enzyme activities and protein.  The secretion of Insulin controls healthy blood sugar levels and Glucagon is the hormone that is involved in carbohydrate metabolism.  Arginie plays a key role in the secretion process as well as growth hormones.  Arginine is also used to produce collagen fibres which are very effective in aiding the injury rehabilitation process.  

3 Asparagine

Asparagine coincides with Aspartic Acid playing an important role in treating fatigue and depression.

4 Aspartic Acid

The muscles in our bodies are strengthened with the synthesis of proteins; Aspartic Acid plays a key role in this process.  Aspartic Acid is very important in the metabolism and construction of other Amino Acids.

5 Carnitine

To generate metabolic Lipids need to be broken down.  To do this, fatty acids need to be transported from the Cytosol and Cytoplasm cells to the Mitochondria.  Carnitine is required in living cells for the transportation of the fatty acids.  Carnatine is an Amino Acid that is created from the more essential Amino Acids like Methionine and Lysine.

6 Cysteine

To avoid damage to the body from Tobacco and Alcohol use, white blood cells need to be stimulated.  Cysteine is an Amino Acid that detoxifies harmful chemicals like those found in Alcohol and Tobacco.

7 Glutamine

Glutamine is an important Amino Acid which is important in immune function and cellular metabolism that stimulates brain activity.  It is also needed for concentration and brain memory.

8 Glutamic Acid

Glutamic Acid can be used as a fuel for the brain and is also effective in the production of new proteins.  Glutamic Acid is also used to produce the Amino Acid Glutamine.

9 Glycine

Glycine is the second most common Amino Acid regularly found in proteins and, it is the simplest one.  Glycine aids the manufacturing of other Amino Acids and produces Glucagon.  Glucagon is used to mobilise energy which we store for use.  The sugar cravings we get can also be calmed by Glycine.

10 Proline

Proline is one of the more major Amino Acids as it plays an important part in protein collagen, which builds up the connective tissue that supports and binds other major tissues around our bodies.

11 Serine

Serine’s role is used to help with tissue growth, the immune system and fat metabolism

12 Tyrosine

Tyrosine is needed as it makes Serotonin, Norepinephrine, Dopamine and Epinephrine.  These all work together to help with mood.  The lack in Tyrosine has been associated with depression.  Melanin which is the pigment responsible for hair and skin colour is aided by the production of Tyrosine.   Tyrosine also helps with pain relief aiding the synthesis of Enkephalines.  For a healthy function of body organs, Tyrosine is responsible for making and regulating hormones.  These include Thyroid, Adrenal and Pituitary glands.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers quick guide to supplements-Creatine Monohydrate

Gives you pure explosive power when needed to allow you to perform stronger and for longer

Creatine or Creatine Monohydrate as it is sometimes called has been labelled as one of the best diet supplements for any athletes who want to put on additional muscle mass during training.  It’s not surprising that nearly everyone today who undergoes strenuous training takes Creatine as a first choice of supplement.    
Although Creatine is found naturally in the body, when we undergo serious exercise like jumping, lifting weights, running fast our Creatine stores depletes rapidly as the body uses it for energy.  The maximum time Creatine lasts is only a maximum of 10 seconds.  The body then has to wait up to 1 minute for the stores to replenish.  This is the reason we can not sprint for long or perform lots of reps when lifting weights.  Once the Creatine runs out we can not keep going until it is replenished.  To make muscles contract effectively they require high levels of the chemical ATP (Adenosine Tri Phosphate).  Creatine Monohydrate contains high levels of the chemical ATP as well as being an important source for Amino Acids.  If you use Creatine before and after training it allows the body to keep on going through strenuous activity much longer as Creatine levels are there waiting.
Creatine is used to boost energy levels, particularly towards the end of a workout.  It is perfectly safe and healthy and has no side effects.  It is available in several forms, Creatine Monohydrate, Creatine Complexes, Creatine Ethyl Ester and Creatine Serum.  They are available as powder and liquid form.  Liquids are believed to have a much faster absorption rate and last longer than powders.  Creatine Monohydrate is the best tasting and flexible form of Creatine available.  Creatine is also found in red meats.
Creatine Monohydrate causes muscles to absorb water from surrounding tissues very easily and gives immediate bulk of muscles.  Creatine Monohydrate is easily broken down in to ATP.  ATP is the most useful fuel for exercise as ATP is stored in the muscle cells ready for use on demand.
By supplementing your diet with Creatine you can guarantee to have better longer workouts with more muscle growth.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers quick guide to supplements-Fat Reduction and Fat Burners

Loose that excess weight, tone up and look great.

We all have fat around our bodies, and with today’s hectic lifestyle and commitments it’s no wonder that we seem to be storing more of it.  It’s increasingly hard to have a healthy and balanced diet these days.  Basically it all comes down to daily calorie intake.  A male adult should consume around 2500 calories and a female adult around 2000 calories a day.  Any more than this and you would be expected to gain weight, even if you exercise.  You don’t really get much help either with the vast amount of convenience food available to fill your hunger during your daily hectic life.  If the body does not need fat for energy it will simply store it.
There are 3 types of people when it comes to body fat.  These are:
1 Ectomorph- This is a person who has little body fat and little muscle definition.
2 Mesomorph- This is a person who has little body fat but larger muscle definition.
3 Endomorph- This person has high quantities of body fat with lower muscle quantity.
In order to reduce fat we can supplement our diets with Fat Reducing Supplements.  These are specifically designed to suppress our appetite and increase calorie expenditure without losing muscle.  In order to reduce fat your body needs to turn fat back in to energy.  This is done by the Amino Acid Carnitine.  Cartinine transports fat in to energy and are found in many fat reducing supplements.  
The alternative is to use supplements known as Thermogenics.  These stimulate the burning of fat within the body.  Thermogenics strip away fat from your body by increasing your metabolism and the capabilities of breaking down calories.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers quick guide to supplements-Protein

The all important muscle growth food-without Protein you simply just wont grow

Protein is an essential ingredient in anyone’s daily diet.  Protein is included in most daily foods that you eat.  Protein is essential for building muscle, increasing strength/ stamina; reduce body fat whilst maintaining muscle tone and definition.  A lack of protein will make your body breakdown muscle to convert it to energy.  A lack of protein will also result in a weak immune system, muscle loss, low energy levels and slow recovery.  This means you must increase the amount of protein usually consumed daily if you want to build muscle and strength.  
Whilst eggs, chicken, beef, tuna, soya and dairy products offer good levels of protein, they don’t offer the high levels that your body may require.  Therefore you need to look at supplementing your diet.  You can do this with simple powders or with ready made drink products.  These offer very high levels of the purest protein, allowing them to be digested easily and absorbed very quickly in to your body after exercise and throughout your day.  Protein supplements are also usually far easier and cost effective than foods containing high levels of protein.  The most popular are powder forms that are simply mixed with water or milk.  Protein powders taste great and offer the convenience of being able to put the powder and milk/ water in to a cup with a lid on and shake it for a few seconds to mix it.  This allows you to easily take them to work, the gym, the office or wherever you go and include them as part of your daily diet.  Ready made protein drinks are also very convenient as no mixing is required and can be drunk straight from the bottle/ carton.  
When participating in exercise or sports, the demand on the human body for greater levels of protein increases.  There are four main types of proteins available.  These are Whey, Whey Isolate, Cassein and Multi Blend.  
Cassein protein and Multi Blend proteins operate by releasing protein and Amino Acids slowly in to the body.  It is essential for you to have a constant supply of Amino Acids and Proteins throughout your day.  Cassein Protein enters the blood stream and has very little impact on protein synthesis whilst having a very powerful effect when it comes to suppressing protein breakdown.
Whey Protein and Whey Protein Isolate are the fast digesting proteins.  These proteins do not last as long in the body but they do play a huge part when it comes to producing new muscle tissue and the increase of muscle strength.  It does this through increasing protein synthesis.
As you can see protein is one of the most essential supplements to take if you undergo physical activities.  You should ensure your body is supplied with the right protein and the amount of protein at all times if you require muscle and strength to perform.

Discount Supplements Direct buyers quick guide to the essentials-Energy, Stamina and Endurance

Giving you the power to perform stronger, faster and for longer-the ultimate in performance enhancement

To perform in any sport you need energy.  If you don’t have enough energy then there is no way you can perform a sport successfully.  Supplementing your sport and diet with energy boosting supplements will give you the staying power needed to perform at the top with high levels of energy and long lasting capabilities.
The body mostly uses Glucose as a primary energy source.  Most energy performance supplements contain Glucose which is a sugar.  Glucose can be consumed from carbohydrates but is best absorbed from a pure form in the way of supplements.  Other main ingredients contained in most energy supplements are Fructose, Dextose and Galactose.  These are all Monosacharides and are used easily within the body as they are classed as one unit.  Some products use Dissacharides such as Maltodextrin which is effective for longer lasting, slower and consistant energy supply as it is harder to break down within the body.

Energy performance supplements are used before exercise to provide the body with the stored energy it will need during an intense workout.  Supplements can be used during exercise to top up energy levels in the form of a simple liquid or gel.  Energy performance supplements are also used to aid recovery and prolong fatigue.

Therefore to perform exercise and sports harder and for longer you will need to supplement your sport with energy performance supplements.

We hope this guide answers any questions about the sports, bodybuilding and nutrition supplements that we sell.  If you do have any questions about sports, bodybuilding and nutrition supplements then please do not hesitate to contact us where we will get back to you as soon as possible

The Discount Supplements Direct team