Tribulus before Bed
DISCLAIMER: This article has been written for informational and educational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
With almost everyone sharing their workout photographs and reels on social media, the peer pressure to maintain a good body shape is at an all-time high.
A strict diet and strenuous exercises are the best ways to stay in shape. But if you’re looking for some extra help, then tribulus supplements can help you achieve your goal easily.
WHAT IS TRIBULUS
Tribulus terrestris is a small yellow plant mainly found in the regions of Asia, Africa, Europe, and the Middle East. However, the best kind of tribulus with the highest percentage of saponins is found in Bulgaria, Turkey, and Macedonia.
Both the root and fruit of the plant are used in Ayurveda and traditional Chinese medicine to treat a range of illnesses.
Nowadays it is being used as a supplement to increase muscle mass, improve sexual health, and for other different purposes.
HEALTH BENEFITS OF TRIBULUS
Tribulus is mainly known for its ability to increase libido and muscle mass, but it is also beneficial for your blood pressure, brain health, immune system, and sleep.
Below is a detailed description of how tribulus affects different aspects of your health and what benefits you can achieve by incorporating tribulus supplements into your daily routine.
IMPROVES ATHLETIC PERFORMANCE AND INCREASES MUSCLE MASS
Tribulus is quite popular among athletes and workout freaks. Prolonged, intense exercises affect your testosterone level negatively, and this leads to a decrease in your athletic performance.
Tribulus can increase muscle mass and muscle strength by stimulating the production of testosterone. Another way by which tribulus helps you build muscle mass is by means of repairing muscle damage. When your muscles are protected against damage, they grow stronger and bigger. Protodioscin is a kind of saponin found in tribulus. It promotes the release of nitric oxide which in turn dilates blood vessels. These dilated blood vessels supply more oxygen and nutrients rich blood to muscles and assist them in their growth.
Tribulus supplements may boost testosterone, elevate energy level and assist in increasing muscle mass. Hence, it improves your athletic performance and makes you shine among others.
INCREASES LIBIDO
According to some researchers, tribulus may boost libido in both men and women. Low levels of testosterone can affect libido. Tribulus has shown to have a positive effect on testosterone levels and thereby can improve sexual desire. Another way by which tribulus promotes sexual health is by maintaining a good blood flow in the genital region.
Good blood flow is also essential for stronger erections. Saponins in tribulus lead to an increase in nitric oxide levels in your body. Nitric oxide then dilates the blood vessels and increases the blood flow to the penis. The increased blood flow helps you achieve a stronger erection and improves your overall sexual wellbeing.
FIGHTS INSOMNIA
Tribulus helps to keep your central nervous system in equilibrium. It promotes deeper sleep which helps you to overcome fatigue from exercise. With its ability to facilitate restorative sleep it is an excellent supplement to fight sleeplessness.
ANTI-INFLAMMATORY EFFECTS
Tribulus may have anti-inflammatory effects. It is therefore helpful in managing different skin conditions like allergies, eczema, and redness.
IMPROVES IMMUNITY
Tribulus supplements have also been shown to boost immune system activity. When your immune system is healthy it prevents you from various diseases and improves your overall wellbeing.
AIDS IN DIGESTION
Tribulus have multiple positive effects on the gastrointestinal system. It can act as a mild laxative. According to some researches, saponins present in tribulus may relieve colic pain. It is also beneficial in relieving intestinal gas.
PROMOTES HEART HEALTH
Cardiovascular diseases have a high prevalence and are among the leading causes of death worldwide. Tribulus supplements may protect you from such heart diseases. It maintains a normal cholesterol level, reduces high blood pressure, and your vessels from being damaged. All these factors together keep your heart healthy and lower the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Other benefits of tribulus supplements include:
- Lowers blood pressure
- Regulate triglycerides and stimulates appetite
- Lowers blood glucose levels
- Increases urine production by acting as a diuretic
- May have antidepressants effects
- Relief pain
RECOMMENDED DOSAGE FOR TRIBULUS
The daily dose of 750 to 1200mg of tribulus is considered safe to use. Some studies have also used body weight to prescribe doses of tribulus. 4.5 to 9mg per pound or 10 to 20mg per kg is the recommended dose.
However, it is advised that you consult your physician for seeking a personalized dosage according to your intended results from the tribulus supplement and underlying health conditions.
SAPONINS AND TRIBULUS
The health benefits of tribulus are attributed to chemical compounds known as saponins. Different supplements have different concentration of saponins and therefore it is advised to read the label carefully and then buy any supplement.
On average the tribulus supplements contain 45-60% saponins. If your supplement has a high concentration of saponins then you should consume it in lower doses.
SIDE EFFECTS OF TRIBULUS
The side effects of tribulus supplements are usually common. However, some patients have reported mild side effects which include:
- Stomach pain
- Diarrhea
- Cramping
PRECAUTIONARY MEASURES
Although the tribulus supplements are safe to use and no adverse effects have been reported but below mentioned are a few circumstances in which you are supposed to take some precautionary measures to avoid any unwanted situation:
- Pregnancy – According to research, tribulus supplements may interfere with the normal development of the fetus. It is therefore considered unsafe to use in pregnancy. If you still want to use the tribulus supplement then must consult your doctor before starting it.
- Breastfeeding – There is not enough information available regarding the safety of tribulus supplements in lactating women. Hence, it is advised to stay on the safer side and avoid using tribulus supplements when you are breastfeeding.
- Surgery – Tribulus may affect the blood pressure and blood sugar level of an individual. It can impart a similar effect during and after the surgery and make it difficult for the surgeon to maintain the blood pressure and blood sugar level of a patient. Therefore, it is recommended that you stop taking the tribulus supplement at least two weeks prior to any scheduled surgical procedure.
INTERACTIONS OF TRIBULUS WITH OTHER MEDICATIONS
The chemical compounds in tribulus may interact with different medicines that you might be taking for any underlying health conditions. These interactions can interfere with the therapeutic effects of drugs and can also increase their side effects.
The common interactions of tribulus are listed below:
ANTIDIABETIC DRUGS AND TRIBULUS
Antidiabetics are the drugs used by diabetic patients to keep their blood sugar levels under the recommended limit. Tribulus may also reduce the blood sugar levels in your body. Combining these two together can cause your blood sugar levels to drop to a dangerous level.
Hence, it is advised that you regularly monitor your blood sugar levels if you are taking tribulus along with antidiabetic drugs.
LITHIUM AND TRIBULUS
Tribulus may act like a diuretic. It increases sodium reabsorption and urine production. Similar to diuretics it can also increase the concentration of lithium within the body. If you consume tribulus supplements with lithium then it can increase the level of lithium to toxic levels and cause you to experience different side effects like troubled breathing, slow heartbeat confusion, and increased thirst.
If you are taking lithium then speak to your doctor before starting tribulus supplements because you might need to adjust the dose of lithium and tribulus accordingly.
ANTIHYPERTENSIVE DRUGS AND TRIBULUS
Antihypertensive drugs are those medicines which are used to treat high blood pressure. Tribulus can also lower your blood pressure. Taking tribulus supplements with antihypertensive medicines can cause your blood pressure to drop significantly. Therefore, patients are asked to regularly monitor their blood pressure and consult their healthcare provider before starting supplementation.
THE BOTTOM LINE
Tribulus is a fruit-bearing plant that has been used in traditional medicines for years. In the current era, it is popular as a workout supplement among athletes and bodybuilders. They commonly use it to increase their energy levels, improve performance and increase muscle mass.
The research work on tribulus and its potential benefits in humans is limited but it is said to have positive effects on your nervous system, digestive health, kidney functions, and immunity.
Tribulus supplements are easily available and considered safe to use with no adverse effects reported by patients. You can also use them to improve your sexual health and athletic performance and maintain a good body shape.
It is recommended that you speak to your doctor before starting tribulus supplements especially if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or taking medicines for any underlying health conditions.
Have a look at Vorst's pre-workout supplement reinforced with tribulus.
RESOURCES
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26727646/