Post-cycle therapy is a crucial phase for athletes and bodybuilders. The main goal of PCT is to get the individual’s testosterone production back on track and effectively fight the withdrawal symptoms after a cycle of performance-enhancing supplements.
Without post-cycle therapy, athletes might start suffering from low libido, disturbed sleep, anxiety, headaches, nausea, and depression. Thankfully, there are quite a few natural products that can help the body recover during these challenging times.
Ashwagandha
Ashwagandha is an Ayurvedic remedy that may help increase testosterone levels which is incredibly important for those who have just stopped using anabolic-androgenic steroids and going through post cycle therapy. Ashwagandha is also known for helping with reducing stress and anxiety. Some studies suggest that ashwagandha can even reduce symptoms of depression in certain populations. Moreover, the natural remedy is known for promoting restful sleep.
Fenugreek
Fenugreek is another herb that has been known for its healing properties for centuries. It is a natural aromatase inhibitor and is said to be responsible for converting testosterone into estrogen. Fenugreek slows down this process which helps athletes maintain a higher testosterone level. As a result, those who choose to take the natural remedy would be less likely to experience the loss of muscle mass, as well as low energy and motivation.
Tribulus Terrestris
Tribulus Terrestris is a traditional herbal remedy known for its ability to suppress aromatase activity, which may help support higher testosterone levels. It is commonly used to improve libido and physical performance. Additionally, Tribulus may have antidepressant and anti-inflammatory properties, making it beneficial for both mood enhancement and recovery.
Tongkat Ali
Just like the herbs mentioned above, tongkat ali effectively treats low testosterone levels. Furthermore, the natural product contains quassinoids that can help reduce fatigue and improve endurance. By the way, there are studies that suggest that tongkat ali may lower stress hormones and improve mood.
Last but certainly not least, the natural ingredient contains various antioxidants that can fight cellular damage caused by free radicals.
Milk Thistle
Steroids can cause a wide range of negative effects on the liver. These can include benign adenoma, acute cholestatic syndrome, and chronical vascular injury. Milk thistle is a supplement that will help support liver health naturally. Its main ingredient, silymarin, is an effective antioxidant that protects the liver from damage caused by free radicals and toxins.
The herb is not a magic pill, and it won’t restore liver health in such severe situations as during leukemia treatment, for example. With that being said, it does do a good job of protecting liver cells during PCT.
ZMA
This natural mineral supplement is a combination of zinc, magnesium, and vitamin B6. Zinc is an essential mineral that is necessary for the function of over 300 enzymes in the human’s body. It helps keep the immune system strong, accelerates wound healing, decreases inflammation, and may reduce the symptoms of acne.
Magnesium is also involved in hundreds of different reactions in the body but is mostly known for supporting better sleep, preventing migraine attacks, and combating depression. Furthermore, the mineral may help support healthy blood sugar levels by enhancing insulin sensitivity (high blood sugar can be one of the side effects of steroids). Finally, vitamin B6 helps regulate sleep quality and duration.
Why Are Natural PCT Products Better?
There are quite a few reasons why health-conscious individuals might want to opt for natural supplements when undergoing PCT.
- Health benefits
The natural ingredients mentioned in the article have a wide range of various health benefits. So, during the recovery process, the individual might also be getting an immunity boost or another post-cycle therapy ‘bonus’.
Moreover, with natural products, athletes would typically have fewer unwanted side effects to worry about.
For comparison, some of the most common side effects of the use of clomid include blind spots, enlarged male breast tissue, pelvic pain, and even testicular tumors. And one of the worst side effects of taking such a supplement as ashwagandha is an upset stomach.
So, overall, natural solutions are a better option for your long-term health.
- Effectiveness
Many individuals don’t realize it, but natural products can be just as useful as synthetic compounds. The rich compositions of natural PCT supplements do a great job of balancing hormones and assisting in the recovery process in other ways.
- Environmental friendliness
During the production of synthetic drugs, gigantic volumes of chemical waste are produced. And though the development of herbal medicines and other natural solutions still has a negative impact on our environment, the effects are typically not as destructive. The cultivation of natural ingredients helps support biodiversity and improve soil health, and if chemical herbicides are not used, the ecological footprint gets reduced even more.
To sum up, natural ingredients for PCT are a lot more than simply ‘effective’. They typically have more health benefits and fewer side effects. That’s why opting for a natural solution might be a better option for the majority of individuals undergoing post-cycle therapy.