1) The document discusses various methods baseball players have used to gain a competitive edge, such as taking anabolic steroids which can have long-lasting health effects. 2) It also describes creatine as a potentially safer alternative that builds muscle in a healthier way than steroids, though it still carries some risks. 3) Finally, the document proposes using the glycemic index to enhance performance through strategic carbohydrate intake as the safest and most effective long-term method without negative health effects.

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Dondrei Hubbard
Ms. Tillery
English Literature
28 October 2011
Getting the Edge
Baseball, as a major sport thrives off of competition and being superior at it. To ensure
superiority,players are willing to go to drastic measures such as using steroids. Steroids in
baseball started in the 1980’s and have become a problem over time Some baseball players have
come to the conclusion that it will boost their performance level and give them an edge over the
competition. Athletes use the steroids’ anabolic effect to help the body retain dietary protein,
which aids in the development of muscles, and increase muscle mass (anabolic steroids).
Although, it may give a competitive edge over time, the side effects of overuse and misuse are
long lasting. . Anabolic steroids are synthetic drugs that mimic the naturally occurring hormones
in the human body, such as, testosterone and dihydrotestosterone. Testosterone’s anabolic effect
helps the body retain dietary protein, which aids in the development of muscles (anabolic
steroids).These hormones play a key role in human growth and development. The synthetic
version of these hormones (steroids) were discovered in the 1930’s and have been used to treat
growth issues in children, chronic wasting conditions (i.e. Cancer, AIDS), and improper use of
the synthetic steroid, increases the amount of steroids in the body, unnaturally doubling the
hormone. With the body already producing anabolic testosterone, the Anabolic steroids that are
taken in by baseball players are unnaturally doubling the hormone. This may lead to unhealthy
effects on the athlete’s body. As Dr. Wadler says, “Some are visible to the naked eye and some
are internal, others are psychical. With unsupervised steroid use, the effects can be irreversible or

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undetected until it is too late” (Anabolic Steroids). Anabolic steroids can be taken in two ways. It
can be taken orally or be injected. The injections are broken down into different categories, those
that are very long-lasting and those that do not last as long. Recent studies show that use has
shifted to the shorter-lasting, water-soluble injections (Anabolic Steroids).
The effects of steroid use can be irreversible or undetected until it is too late. The risks
players’ are taking by choosing to use steroids can cause serious health issues and can adversely
affect the athlete in a way not intended.Physical side effects include; reduced sperm count, the
development of breast, shrinking of the testicles, and difficulty or pain while urinating (Anabolic
Steroids). Long-time steroid users show the classic characteristics of addiction. The users come
to crave these steroids, which leads to steroid abuse. The behavioral effects of long-term steroid
users show the classic characteristics of addiction. Recent evidence suggests that long-time
steroid users and steroid abusers show the classic characteristics of addiction (anabolic steroids).
The users come to crave these steroids, which leads to abusing the product. Also, Behavioral
effects are shown to be severe moods swings (Anabolic Steroids). The users come to crave these
steroids, which leads to steroid abuse. They can experience severe moods swings, depression,
high irritability (also known as “roid” rage) followed by feelings of being invincible to their
surroundings. These mood swings are can be dangerous for the users of steroids as well as
individuals the individuals that are around them when the mood swings occur. Athletes continue
to seek out these performance enhancing drugs, even though they are illegal and have many
negative effects, athletes continue to use steroids as a means to achieve the edge over the
competition.
Anabolic steroids are an easy but dangerous fix to issues that can be fixed in a more
healthy way, and may even lead to long term benefits. There is a substance called

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Creatine.Creatine is a safer substance used by athletes to gain a competitive edge.Creatine
supplements are popular with body builders and competitive athletes like Baseball players
(Creatine). It is thought to help muscle build in a more healthy way rather than using steroids.
Therefore, it is not 100 percent proven that creatine helps in user’s performance but, studies has
shown that if it does work, that it usually helps people under the age of 20 with short exercises
like weight lifting. Studies show that exercises that involve endurance, creatine does not seem to
help performance levels yet, again, it is not 100 percent (creatine). Creatine is an amino acid that
is usually found in food such as meat or fish. It is also a naturally occurring substance, made in
the liver, kidneys and pancreas, whichhelp supply energy to cells, primarily muscles. They are
amino acids that have the ability to increase muscles stores, and potentially give muscles the
ability to re-synthesize these amino acids to meet increased energy demands. Although, this
substancehas not been shown to improve performance, it has similar results to anabolic steroids.
In clinical studies of people with heart failure or heart disease that took creatine with additional
medical care, were able to increase the amount of exercise they could do before using creatine.
With the addition of medications, creatine helps to increasebody weight and muscle strength.
Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease patients have been positively affected with the
availability of creatine. Many player’shave chosencreatine as a better option than
steroids.Creatine used together with a high protein diet can produce the same results, without the
harmful side effects of steroids. Creatine does come with effects but, not all are bad. It has shown
to help people with disease. In clinical studies of people with heart failure or Heart Disease that
took Creatine with the additional medical care, were able to increase the amount of exercise they
could do before coming in with heart issues (Creatine). With the addition of usual medications,
the creatine helps the increasing of body weight and muscle strength. To add, people who have

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Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) and took Creatine have increased in muscle
mass, muscle strength, and endurance (Creatine). Users improved their overall health status by
using this. Also, Muscular Dystrophy and Parkinson’s disease have been positively affected with
the availability of Creatine. Individuals who have Muscular Dystrophy may lack Creatine in their
muscle cells. This results in muscle weakness but, with creatine it shows a small improvement in
the person’s muscle strength (Creatine). In Parkinson’s Disease Creatine has shown to help with
exercise ability and endurance. Although, the precautions of Creatine are weight gain, muscle
cramps, dizziness, liver dysfunction and kidney damage.
An even healthier way to enhance performance is using the Glycemic Index (GI) along
with their training schedule. The glycemic index is a measure of the effects of carbohydrates on
blood sugar levels and how high and how fast the blood glucose level rises and how quickly the
body responds by returning the blood glucose level to normal. Foods that break down quickly
during digestion and release glucose rapidly into the bloodstream have a high GI. Conversely,
foods that breakdown more slowly, releasing glucose gradually have a low GI. Using the
glycemic index is an effective tool to use as you train because it aids in the collection of acids
and sugar in muscles so the athlete has more playing time with less pain, more endurance, which
ultimately leads to better performance.There are a few simple rules to using the glycemic index.
First, research suggests consuming low glycemic (i.e. Yogurt, Most Fruits, and Beans) foods
before training. Scientists and coaches believe that eating low Glycemic meals before a high
endurance game helps fill your muscles with sugar (Glycemic index). The slow release of
glucose into the blood stream, allows blood glucose levels to remain stable and it gives the body
time to collect the sugar in the muscles for when it is time to play or train. During training,
consuming foods and liquids with a medium glycemic index (Gatorade, Sweet Potato, and

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Whole Grain Bread) will promote carbohydrate usage and therefore help the athlete maintain
blood glucose levels and maintain their energy during games and training. After training, foods
and drinks with a high glycemic index (Cereal, Rice, and Pasta) should be consumed in order to
promote rapid glycogen repletion and rapid recovery.By utilizing the glycemic index, as a
method to enhance performance, athletes can safely and effectively increase endurance to give
themselves the edge they need. “It is lifestyle change, and the athlete must be conscious of the
foods they are consuming and when they consume them.This option is not as easy as the other
two, but could have long term healthy effects for most individuals. Using glycemic index over
many years has shown to significantly lower the risk to develop type 2 diabetes, coronary heart
disease, and macular degeneration (vision loss). It is also used to help individuals with diabetes
regulate insulin levels, and many weight loss programs. As the competitiveness of sports rises, it
is most important to ensure that coaches and others make sure to find ways for athletes to gain
experience and performance with ways that keep the player’s health in line. The GI is effective,
as well as healthier than other options athletes and players may use to try and boost their
performance levels. It might not have the drastic effect like other products, like steroids, but over
all, it does work.
In conclusion, there are many options players have to boost up their performance,
strength and endurance, but all come with different effects and outcomes that may negatively
affect health. Anabolic steroids are very unhealthy for the user’s body and have overwhelming
side effects that take place from them. They are dangerous and risky, but athletes become willing
to do anything for that certain boost for the game even though it is not smart option. creatine
helps give the boost players look for in a healthier form rather than taking anabolic steroids. It is
also good for some types of diseases. Creatine, with the addition of normal medication for the

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disease, helps with health and muscle strength the body might lose during these certain illnesses
and over time help the person get cured increasingly well. Unfortunately, creatine does have a
few precautions to its abilities that should not be overlooked. Overall, using theglycemic index
thehealthiest option. The goal of the GI is to get natural sugars to go in the muscles over the
course of a few meals and give that certain boost that most players strive for. It also, helps
players be able to play longer without having the pain that would usually occur with the time
played. Glycemic Index is the most natural way to. Overall, each option has its pro and cons.
Every athlete should take responsibility and research what option would be best fit the goal that
is to be accomplished. Going with the quick fix, may have a devastating impact on your future.