What are the best supplements to help reduce injury?
What are the best supplements to help reduce injury?
Supplements are widely used by ourselves to help increase specific vitamins, minerals or other elements in our body that we might be deficient in.
Often, a chronic lack of a specific vitamin or substance can cause an imbalance in our system which if not addressed might lead to an injury. For example an iron deficiency has the potential to cause increased levels of fatigue and tiredness, and a deficiency of B12 can cause neurological issues and problems.
Firstly it’s important to identify which vitamins and supplements we require more of. This can be achieved through taking a blood test which can accurately identify the areas that need improving.
Here below are 3 vitamins/supplements most people benefit from to help reduce injury and maintain a pain free healthy lifestyle.
1. Vitamin D
Vitamin D serves an equally important function because it helps your body absorb the calcium found in the foods you eat. Together with calcium, it plays an instrumental role in recovery from a bone injury
Also, getting enough vitamin D may increase the chances of a good recovery after surgery. For instance, studies have found that good vitamin D status can enhance strength recovery following an anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery
Few foods naturally contain vitamin D, but your body can make vitamin D from exposure to the sun.
Those who live in northern climates or spend a limited amount of time outdoors may require supplements to get enough vitamin D.
2.
Creatine is a substance naturally found in meat, poultry, and fish.
It helps your body produce energy during heavy lifting or high intensity exercise. The human body can also produce about 1 gram of it per day
Creatine has become a popular supplement commonly used to increase muscle mass and improve performance in various sports
Interestingly, it may also help you recover from an injury.
One older study reported that creatine supplements enhanced the gain of muscle mass and strength lost during a 2-week immobilization period more than a placebo
Personally Creatine is awesome for improving performance but can be useful in helping injury recovery too.
3. Vitamin C
Vitamin C plays a vital role in the growth and maintenance of your bodily tissues, including the important connective tissue collagen which aids in your body's healing process.
Vitamin C also contributes to protein metabolism, which is essential for rebuilding tissues in your body such as muscle after a tough workout. Finally, vitamin C helps with your immune system to prevent illness, which can delay peak performance.
Research on vitamin C has demonstrated a pain-reducing effect and lowered inflammation post-workout. However, a meta-analysis of several such studies indicates that there may not be as much of an effect as previously thought. More research may be needed to say for certain whether vitamin C has any noticeable effects on pain and inflammation management post-workout.
To conclude vitamins and supplements can give your body that extra help in limiting your chemical stresses that could lead injury and should be considered when taking a full body approach to your health and wellbeing.