This article will provide you with a greater understanding of what on-cycle support is and why it’s a necessity when using hardcore muscle-building compounds. The article will conclude by recommending 4 effective on-cycle support supplements that can protect your health and combat the potential side effects.
On-Cycle Support vs Post-Cycle Support?
First of all, on-cycle support supplements are designed to be taken whilst using hardcore muscle-building compounds. For example, if you are running a hardcore compound for 8 weeks, you should take your on-cycle support supplement(s) during the same time frame. This makes them distinctly different to post-cycle therapy (PCT) supplements, which must be taken once you’ve finished your cycle.
Secondly, on-cycle support supplements are formulated to protect your health and combat the more immediate side effects associated with hardcore muscle-building compounds. Whereas PCT supplements are generally formulated to address the hormonal disharmony that may occur once the cycle has finished.
Why is On-Cycle Support Important?
When it comes to using hardcore compounds, there is a risk-to-reward ratio to consider. Supplements that fall under the unnatural category generally are associated with accelerated strength and muscle gains, but also with some adverse health implications, with severity depending on the compound, cycle length and dosage.
On-cycle support supplements are specifically formulated to address any health problems that occur whilst running a compound. Some hardcore muscle-building compounds can cause liver damage and negatively impact blood pressure and cholesterol, just to name a few. Therefore, on-cycle support should be seen as a necessity, not a luxury.
Types Of On-Cycle Support Supplements
On-cycle support supplements often contain different ingredients and dosages, but almost all of them are designed to address the adverse health implications associated with taking methylated compounds. Compounds that are methylated block the breakdown process, making them poisonous to the liver. However, whilst liver health is generally the focus of on-cycle support supplements, the kidneys and cardiovascular system can also be negatively affected and need to be looked after. Consequently, a good on-cycle support supplement or stack should help protect internal organs and heart health.
5 Effective On-Cycle Support Supplements
If you’re running a cycle, it is highly recommended to use an on-cycle support supplement that protects the liver, other organs, and cardiovascular system, as well as one that maintains regular bodily functions.
German Pharma - TUDCA
Tauroursodeoxycholic acid, also known as TUDCA, is a naturally occurring compound that is made within the liver but can be synthetically manufactured for supplementary purposes.
TUDCA is primarily used to aid liver health and bile function and is commonly used by bodybuilders whilst on-cycle. It is often promoted as the best liver protection as it;
- Treats bile acid buildup in the liver, also known as cholestasis
- Has an important role in the regeneration of liver cells
- Has protective properties for other organs, including kidneys
It plays a critical role in assisting digestive pathways and detoxification of the gut and liver (1). It also prevents viruses from entering and replicating in the body (2), improves cognitive function (3), and promotes fat loss (4).
Ultimately, hardcore compounds put your liver under a great deal of stress and can cause damage, due to a build-up of toxins. TUDCA can prevent this build-up and promote bile flow, and fight against liver damage (5). 500-1000mg is recommended when used as cycle support.
Pure Labs - Cycle Shield
Cycle Shield is formulated to deliver complete on-cycle support. It contains a blend of antioxidants, vitamins and herbs. Cycle Shield has protective qualities in regards to liver health, prostate and blood pressure support. Overall, Cycle Shield helps;
- Protect and repair liver cells
- Support prostate health
- Reduce inflammation.
- Aid blood pressure
- Help regulate cholesterol
Cycle Shield can be described as an all-in-one cycle support supplement. It contains Milk Thistle, Calcium, Saw Palmetto Extract, Grape Seed Extract and Celery Seed Extract. These ingredients are supported by clinical research to aid liver health (6), support prostate health (7), reduce blood pressure (8, 9) and promote healthy cholesterol levels (10).
German Pharma - Milk Thistle
Milk Thistle is a plant that is native to Mediterranean countries. Its active ingredient is an antioxidant compound called Silymarin, which is taken from its seeds. Milk Thistle is typically used to treat liver-related illnesses, such as cirrhosis. But it is also suggested to help prevent and treat high cholesterol, blood sugar, diabetes, and gallbladder problems. Milk Thistle is used as on-cycle support as it may;
- Help Support Liver Function
- Reduce Cholesterol
- Reduce Acne
Research shows that people with liver diseases who supplement with milk thistle, experience significant improvements in liver function (11). Additionally, milk thistle may help those with liver damage from industrial toxins (12). It also decreases acne lesions (13) which is a side effect associated with hardcore compounds.
PNI Active - Heart Health
Although PNI Active Heart Health should not be used in isolation for on-cycle support, it can help support your cardiovascular more so than the previous supplements mentioned. Hardcore compounds can elevate cholesterol and blood pressure levels, and this supplement helps combat exactly that. PNI Active Heart Health is designed to;
- Promote Healthy Cholesterol Levels
- Lower Blood Pressure
This natural supplement contains two medicinal herbs, Red Yeast Rice standardised for Monacolin K and Odourless Garlic 200:1. Clinical research has shown these ingredients to decrease blood cholesterol (14) and blood pressure (15), and reduce your risk of a cardiac event (16).
On-Cycle Support Supplements: Take Home Message
Using hardcore compounds can cause side effects. Whilst on-cycle you can experience liver and kidney damage, along with an increase in blood pressure & cholesterol. Therefore it is important to use on-cycle support supplements. There are natural supplements that have been shown to support liver, kidney and cardiovascular health. We recommend using Cycle Shield at a minimum as it is an all-in-one on-cycle support supplement, but we advise combining this with TUDCA and Heart Health to strengthen your protection.
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