FOR THE TIRED PEOPLE: Some new research about Chronic + ADHD(inattentive) related fatigue, and BCAAs
[DISCLAIMER // I AM NOT A DOCTOR. I AM NOT A MEDICAL PRACTITIONER. I AM NOT A DIETICIAN. I'm just a big tired nerd with way too much time on my hands who likes science. I am however, sharing this because this could potentially help others and BCAAs are already safe for human consumption, widely used and easily accessible. If you are uncertain about adding BCAAs to your diet please talk to your doctor first. There are also some medications which interact negatively with BCAA's. Do your research. Also generally be careful about taking medical advice from the internet! ]
I was going to post about something else but I went down the rabbit hole of explaining this study I read and decided that no, this needed it's own thing or it's gonna be a mile long.
So in one of my usual weekly fatigue breakdowns where I was scraping the internet for any kind of information that might point out something I've SURELY missed to explain why I feel the way I do, I stumbled across this study published last year (2022) -
[ The relationship between central fatigue and Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder of the inattentive type ]
The TL;DR on the paper - our previous assumptions about the tryptophan-serotonin system might be wrong (tryptophan being the precursor for a bunch of stuff, including melatonin which is the sleepy chemical - aka why people say drink warm milk before bed to help sleep, that's tryptophan) what was previously assumed was reducing tryptophan = bad because it could affect serotonin production.
Testing in rats (so grain of salt here) indicated that higher levels of tryptophan =/= higher levels of serotonin and when reducing the level of free tryptophan in the bloodstream it returned to baseline. High levels of tryptophan were associated with fatigue and inattention, and rats on a tryptophan deficient diet by contrast took longer to reach a state of exhaustion. I'm skipping over a bunch of stuff but basically - research is now pointing to both Chronic Fatigue and ADHD related fatigue being related to Central Nervous System Fatigue which up until now, has only really been associated with the fatigue athletes experience when exercising really hard (now just picture me doing jack shit and feeling like that every day. Yeah). I've only just stared to see bits and pieces pop up about this recently but nothing in relation to this tryptophan study.
Anyway, the thing about BCAAs: BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids) are currently used to reduce the uptake of tryptophan in the brain for better performance in athletes, help with reduction of exercise fatigue (CNS fatigue) and muscle building. You can pretty easily find BCAA's added to protein-shakes or in it's own kind of supplement. It also occurs naturally in some foods (Beef, Chicken, Eggs, Lentils, Chickpeas, Brown Rice etc.) so it is absolutely safe to consume. It's also generally fairly affordable (especially compared to the lengthy process of treatment + medications that might not even work and you have to keep changing them, yes I am talking from personal experience).
Again, this is all very new and absolutely needs so much more research because up until now, no one has really been sure what causes Chronic Fatigue Syndrome, but tests have shown that those suffering CFS demonstrate similar activation of their muscles as fatigued athletes - as in they could activate them but not to their full capacity. This connection is only considered 'possible' and it might take a good few years before we can say anything with certainty.
But as an extremely tired bitch who is extremely tired of being extremely fucking tired, I am sharing this because it's easy to get, safe, and affordable and if you're like me you're about ready to try anything. And it's not another goddamn pill (I'm on 14 a day).
Also for the ADHDers specifically: protein rich diets are usually advised for us because it helps with the metabolism of stimulants, and can help with softening medication crashes when they wear off. So adding a protein shake with BCAAs to your morning routine might be a good idea. Or just any protein shake in general.
There can be side effects to taking BCAAs, but it is considered rare and this depends entirely on the person. Cross check existing medications, talk to your doc etc. if you are not 100% certain adding BCAAs to your diet is possible. Stay safe peeps.
If you're looking to take your nutrition to the next level to boost the effect of your workouts, you might consider using supplements.
I created a short list of the most popular fitness supplements that will help fuel and optimize your performance. You can also read about my personal experience with them.
So let's get started on finding out which supplements are right for you!
1. Protein Powders
One of the most popular supplements for athletes, protein powders provide your body with a steady source of muscle-building protein. They're perfect for those looking to increase their muscle mass or recover faster from intense workouts. Protein powders contain whey.
Protein powders are a fast and low-calorie option to ingest more protein. Remember that a sufficient protein intake is crucial for seeing changes in your body composition. The recommended daily protein intake varies wildly depending on the source, so I suggest tracking your intake and adjusting the amount of protein according to the body changes you observe.
I've been using protein powders from My Protein for several years now. There are tons of flavors to choose from. They also offer vegetarian and vegan protein powders. I mix protein powders with water to get a protein shake, but you can also use milk or plant milk.
2. BCAAs
Branched-chain amino acids are essential for muscle growth and energy. BCAAs provide your body with the essential building blocks it needs to repair and build muscle.
I personally saw no difference when I used BCAAs before my workouts, but a lot of people include them in their routine.
3. Pre-Workouts
Pre-workout supplements are designed to give you a boost of energy before your workout. They contain ingredients such as caffeine and other stimulants that help increase your mental focus and physical performance.
As much as I love to optimize my workouts, I am not a coffee drinker so the caffeine in pre-workouts made me jittery and nervous. But many people with a tolerance to caffeine swear by pre-workout supplements as they find they increase their energy and strength.
4. Creatine
Creatine is a popular supplement for athletes looking to improve strength and power. It's been scientifically proven to increase muscle growth, power output, and muscle recovery.
I highly recommend creatine, which is one of the best researched supplements on the market. I find that it improves my performance by about 10%. I currently take 3 grams of creatine per day.
5. Multivitamins
While all of these supplements are important for optimizing physical performance, multivitamins are sometimes essential for overall health and wellness. They help fill in the gaps of any nutrition deficiencies (eg. if you exclude a certain food group), giving you the energy and nutrients you need to stay healthy.
Before taking any multivitamins, I recommend getting a blood panel done to figure out if you actually have vitamin deficiencies. You might consider taking only a specific vitamin instead of a general multivitamin supplement.
Conclusion
Overall, supplements can be a great way to optimize your physical performance and get the most out of your workouts. However, it is important to do your research before starting any supplement regimen as there are potential risks associated with taking too much or not enough.
Additionally, monitoring your progress and tracking what you eat will help ensure that you're getting all the nutrients you need for optimal health. Ultimately, if used correctly, supplements can give you an edge in achieving your fitness goals- so don't forget them!
BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) offer numerous benefits, including reduced muscle soreness, enhanced recovery, and decreased exercise fatigue. They support muscle growth by promoting protein synthesis and may help prevent muscle breakdown during intense workouts. Additionally, BCAAs can improve endurance and mental focus, making them a valuable addition to any fitness routine.
BCAA, or Branched-Chain Amino Acids, are essential nutrients that help build muscle, reduce fatigue, and support recovery after exercise. They consist of three amino acids: leucine, isoleucine, and valine. Our bodies can't produce BCAAs, so we need to get them from food or supplements. They are especially useful for athletes or anyone trying to gain muscle or improve their workout performance. Taking BCAA supplements before or after workouts can boost energy, reduce muscle soreness, and promote quicker recovery, helping you train harder and longer.
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