What Is a PED?

We live in a world where winning is everything and because of that athletes are looking for a competitive edge. Countless hours in the gym, film sessions and preparation are just a few ways to gain that advantage; and you can’t forget nutrition. If done right, properly fueling for your sport alone can give you a leg up on the competition. Unfortunately, some athletes feel the need to use performance enhancing drugs (PEDs) and supplements to gain an advantage.

What exactly is a PED? It is defined as any substance taken in non-pharmacologic doses specifically for purposes of improving sports performance. The more common ones that you hear about are anabolic steroids like testosterone, human growth hormone, creatine and ephedrine.

Creatine is a commonly used supplement that is available over the counter. It helps give energy to muscle and assists with muscle recovery. It can also be used to help increase training loads for those trying to gain and build muscle quickly. While generally safe if used properly, creatine does have a number of side effects including weight gain from water retention, nausea, diarrhea and muscle cramping.

While some PEDs do increase performance for athletes, it’s usually at a costly price. The side effects often outweigh the benefits and can affect various body systems including the liver, heart, reproductive tract, and skin. PEDs can also have a major impact on mental health. PEDs are readily available at health food stores, local gyms, on the internet. However, the main issue with nutritional supplements is that most of them are not regulated by the FDA and it is difficult to know what is exactly in the substance. For this reason, you can’t always trust what you are reading off of the ingredient label.

Signs That a Young Athlete Is Using PEDs

Know that signs and symptoms of PED usage can vary depending on what substances are being used, but there are general symptoms that can be seen. Symptoms include:

• Drastic change in appearance, behavior or mood
• Skin changes such as acne can be seen with the use of anabolic steroids

The best way to create an advantage over the competition is through proper training and a well-balanced diet. Every athlete is built differently and needs will vary greatly from one individual to the next. Your physician or sports dietician is the best source of information to help you determine what is needed for peak athletic performance. Working with a certified strength and conditioning coach can also make sure you are getting the most out of your workouts.

Want to become a better athlete the right way? Check out our articles on nutrition and training.