THE season of Lent is upon us and for many, it is a period when conscious decisions are made about what is consumed. So, as much of the religious community and population at large make decisions about what they will and will not ingest, this may be an appropriate time to consider some things that we often put into our bodies in pursuit of superior athletic performance.

These are referred to as ergogenic aids and I will be exploring the benefits they supposedly provide and risks that come with taking them.

CAFFEINE

Caffeine is a stimulant. It acts on the central nervous system and is thought to increase energy levels, improve reaction time and endurance. Caffeine is also a diuretic. The resulting loss of fluids may cause dehydration if these fluids aren’t sufficiently replaced. Other risks include insomnia and restlessness in people who have a particular sensitivity to caffeine or consume too much, especially in a short space of time.

ANABOLIC STEROIDS

Anabolic steroids are usually taken to increase muscle mass and strength. They are usually synthetically derived from testosterone. They generally are very effective, especially when taken in significant doses.

However, there are serious inherent risks. In men, sperm count may be reduced, breast enlargement may occur and there may be atrophy or shrinkage of the testicles as well as the prostate may become enlarged. In women, breasts may shrink, features may become masculinised, for example looking more muscular, increased facial hair and even a deepening of the voice. In either sexes, liver damage, cardiovascular disease and even increase in cancer cells may result.

BLOOD DOPING

Blood doping is where a blood transfusion is taken to increase a person’s volume of red blood cells in order to increase that person’s endurance. Heart failure and blood clotting are two significant risks of blood doping. Also, if the needle or blood sample is infected with diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) the person will become infected.

HUMAN GROWTH HORMONE

Other things, including human growth hormone (HGH), are used as ergogenic aids and even though it is derived from our own anterior pituitary glands, it too can be harmful. It can result in hypertension, acromegaly (swollen hands, feet and face), muscular and joint pain, and glucose intolerance.

It appears that all the ergogenic aids have the potential to do as much or more damage than good, so is it worth it? The choice is yours, but be sure to choose wisely.

Marlon Ebanks is a personal fitness instructor who has been certified by the Aerobics and Fitness Association of America since 2009.