Recover faster and be ready for more.
As already said in my previous post , any exercise is a stress to your body. Your organism has to deal with some degree with inflammation after your daily training routine. Stress and inflammation go hand-in-hand, and the balance is critical. Not enough stress and you don’t improve; too much inflammation and you won’t recover for your next session. If you ever woke up without being able to walk properly due to an overall muscle soreness, you know what I am talking about.
Luckily, There are several supplements that modulate such inflammatory response so your muscles can heal properly. I am not talking about OTC anti-inflammatories. I am allergic so I don’t take them at all… ever. The supplements you will find below can decrease inflammation without the side-effects of conventional drugs. You can find each of them in capsules, in most pharmacies or health stores.
Fish Oil. That fish oil is good for you is old news. What you did not know is that it can also help your training. Omega-3s in fish oils can curb an exaggerated inflammatory response through a variety of different mechanisms. There is a lot of scientific data about it, so if you are curious, just drop me a line that I’ll tell you more.
Garlic. 1,2-DT (1,2-vinyldithiin) is the name of the compound in garlic that can fight inflammation. Even if you already eat a lot of it, I’d assume you don’t eat them raw. The process of cooking might destroy some chemicals that would be nice to have. Thus, get the capsules.
Bromelain. It is an extract from pineapples that contain chemicals know to have anti-inflammatory effects. It can also help with joint pain. I wonder if just eating the fruit would also be beneficial so I often eat them too.
Curcumin. Turmeric comes from the root of the Curcuma longa plant. Curcumin is the main pharmacological agent in turmeric. It has been used in Eastern medicine for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, which are now recognized by Western medicine as well. Its effects have been compared to Ibuprofen and other known drugs. Again, the tastiest way to have it is as a nice curry over rice. But if you are not into Indian food, go for the capsules.
You will know these supplements are working for you if you are training just the same, but being a lot less sore the day after. I hope it helps!