If you have taken a pre-workout supplement recently, it is very likely that you've experienced this itchy/tingly feeling on your skin. This sensation is called "Paresthesia", and is actually harmless at the doses pre-workouts provide. It can be quite mild at lower doses, but can also be pretty uncomfortable at higher ones. Some people enjoy this tingly feeling because it helps them to know that the supplement they've taken is working. Some people don't feel it at all. And yet others find it way too uncomfortable to cope with, either due to a higher sensitivity, dry skin, or other condition.
What is in your pre-workout that does this? And why?
Carnosyn (Beta Alanine)
Carnosyn is the brand name of an ingredient called Beta Alanine. Beta Alanine is an amino acid (non-essential) already found in our bodies. In the muscles, it forms a bond with another amino acid called histidine to form muscular Carnosine. The Carnosine works to fight off the molecules produced in the muscles that usually lead to fatigue and eventually failure. By increasing the amount of carnosine in the muscles, we increase their endurance, as well as speed up recovery. When the beta alanine binds with the nerves under the surface of our skin, they begin to fire at a faster rate which produces the tingling effect.
Niacin (Vit. B3)
Niacin, and all other components of the B-Vitamin complex - primarily work to process the food we consume. Their main function relates to the production of energy within our bodies. The tingly feeling involved with Niacin is known as a "flush". The feeling indicates that the niacin is helping to expand small blood vessels, called capillaries, near the surface of our skin.
Can I avoid this feeling?
Some people can't stand this itchy feeling and give up entirely. It can be hard to avoid it however because a large majority contain the two culprit ingredients. The best way to start using one of these supplements, is with great care. Start off small, even a half dose, and see how it makes you feel. If you begin to feel more comfortable with it, then you can increase the dose.
What is in your pre-workout that does this? And why?
Carnosyn (Beta Alanine)
Carnosyn is the brand name of an ingredient called Beta Alanine. Beta Alanine is an amino acid (non-essential) already found in our bodies. In the muscles, it forms a bond with another amino acid called histidine to form muscular Carnosine. The Carnosine works to fight off the molecules produced in the muscles that usually lead to fatigue and eventually failure. By increasing the amount of carnosine in the muscles, we increase their endurance, as well as speed up recovery. When the beta alanine binds with the nerves under the surface of our skin, they begin to fire at a faster rate which produces the tingling effect.
Niacin (Vit. B3)
Niacin, and all other components of the B-Vitamin complex - primarily work to process the food we consume. Their main function relates to the production of energy within our bodies. The tingly feeling involved with Niacin is known as a "flush". The feeling indicates that the niacin is helping to expand small blood vessels, called capillaries, near the surface of our skin.
Can I avoid this feeling?
Some people can't stand this itchy feeling and give up entirely. It can be hard to avoid it however because a large majority contain the two culprit ingredients. The best way to start using one of these supplements, is with great care. Start off small, even a half dose, and see how it makes you feel. If you begin to feel more comfortable with it, then you can increase the dose.
About the Author:
Want to find out more about the Pre-Workout Supplements, then visit Mark Robinson's site and see a list of 7 pre-workouts that won't make you itch.
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