Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids? Are you taking...?

The following definitions are taken straight from Wikpedia

Ergogenic Aid

"Ergogenic aids are any external influences which can positively affect physical or mental performance. These include mechanical aids, pharmacological aids, physiological aids, nutritional aids, and psychological aids.

Ergogenic aids may directly influence the physiological capacity of aparticular body system thereby improving performance, remove psychological constraints which impact performance, and increase the speed of recovery from training and competition."

Anabolic Steroids

Anabolic steroids, also known as anabolic-androgenic steroids or AAS,are a class of steroid hormones related to the hormone testosterone. They increase protein synthesis within cells, which results in the build up of cellular tissue (anabolism), especially in muscles. Anabolic steroids alsohave androgenic and virilizing properties, including the development and maintenance of masculine characteristics such as the growth of the vocal chords and body hair.

The word anabolic comes from the Greek: anabole, "to build up", and the word androgenic comes from the Greek: andros, "man" + genein,"to produce".

The non-medical use of this substance is controversial because of their adverse effects and their use to gain potential advantage in competitive sports. The use of anabolic steroids is banned by all major sporting bodies, including the International Olympic Committee, FIFA, UEFA, the National Hockey League, Major League Baseball, the National Basketball Association, the European Athletic Association and the National Football League. Anabolic steroids are controlled substances in many countries, including the United States (U.S.), Canada, the United Kingdom (UK), Australia, Argentina and Brazil, while in other countries, such as Mexico and Thailand, they are freely available.

In countries where the drugs are controlled, there is often a black market in which smuggled or counterfeit drugs are sold to users. The quality of such illegal drugs may be low, and contaminants may cause additional health risks.In countries where Anabolic Steroids are strictly regulated, some have called for less regulations."

So why am I bringing this to your attention. Simple, many athletes are always looking for that edge to get them to the next level. The likelihood of a soccer athlete to take anabolic steroids is slim to none.

However, in 2001, Edgar Davids, Jaap Stam and Frank de Boere tested positive for steroid use.There have been some others who have tested for performance enhancing drugs...

Perhaps an older male goalkeeper is looking to get that power advantage???
Maybe some older soccer players feel they have to compete with Rugby and Football player for size and strength. That's a discussion for another day...

If anything soccer players that are looking to put on size will tend to take protein shakes

Soccer is a power and speed game with in an aerobic setting as compared to sprinting which is mainly anaerobic.

Young soccer players will get bigger and stronger with out anabolic steroids.

There are other chemical aids out there that you should know about. The first one is Amphetimines. They are a "pep" pill sometimes known as "uppers". Taking these gives you the same reaction as having a cup of black coffee. Most common namesare Benzedrine and Dexedrine. Stay away from these!Side effects include headaches, insomnia and heart attacks just to name a few.

Also be aware of products that contain ephedrine. This drug is found in cold remedies and weight loss supplements. Ephedrine is associated with heart attack and stroke.

Creatine is naturally found in foods such as meat, chicken and fish. The challenge is that the body produces it in a limited amount. If you go back to the section on energy systems you will recall the first energy system is the phosphocreatine system. Thus the interest in creatine as a supplement.

Out of most supplements on the market creatine is the best researched. There is a book on creatine supplementation "Creatine: A Practical Guide" by Dr. Franco-Obregon sport scientist who has completed several studies at various medical schools. Perhaps this is an interest you.

Finally, caffeine is a controlled /restricted drug for athletes. Most young athletes get their caffeine"fix" through soft drinks. Generally it affects the nervous system.Most studies done on caffeine have conflicting results. When I was in University I completed three research papers on caffeine and sports performance. The information was consistent.There is an initial improvement in performance and then everything leveled off.

Both child and adolescent soccer players do not need any performance enhancement drugs to be strong, powerful and fast.

All young male and female soccer athletes need to do is follow an age appropriate strength and conditioning program and develop sound nutritional habits. This will give them the edge they need on their competition.