Which Post Workout Supplements Should I Take?

A new year often provides natural motivation to focus more on caring for our bodies. If you have decided to commit to more exercise this year, you may be wondering what nutrients can support you on this journey.

Let’s look at 5 supplements that can support your body as you increase your gym time.

Electrolytes

Intense exercise and sweating can result in a loss of valuable electrolytes, which can leave you dehydrated. Electrolytes, like potassium, calcium and sodium, help your body avoid muscle cramps and regulate fluids. In order to replenish your electrolytes you can do two different things. You can incorporate unrefined natural sea salt into your diet, which will supply you with trace minerals. Secondly, you can add an electrolyte supplement, like vega sport hydrator into your routine. This can be taken before, during or after a workout and will aid your body in recovery while keeping you hydrated.

Protein

When it comes to muscle repair and growth, protein is crucial. Protein provides your muscles with the necessary building blocks to build muscle tissue. It helps fuel muscles during exercise and provides the materials your body needs to repair your muscles post-workout. We can get protein in our diet from a range of foods, so it is essential to eat a variety of plant based and animal proteins throughout the day. If you are wanting to add some additional protein post workout, try incorporating a plant or whey based protein powder, like Genestra HMB Complex. It provides essential amino acids involved in protein synthesis and beta-hydroxy beta-methylbutyrate (HMB) which regulates protein synthesis in muscle cells.  

BCAA’s

Branched Chain Amino Acids are a blend of three vital amino acids: leucine, isoleucine and valine. They are a powerful combo when it comes to exercise because they preserve muscle glycogen stores which reduces protein breakdown during exercise, but they also enhance muscle repair and recovery after working out and can prevent muscle soreness. A great way to support your body post exercise is to incorporate a BCAA supplement, like Herbaland Adult BCAA Gummies, which provide the three vital amino acids. 

Glutamine

This important amino acid can be found in protein and is used readily by the body. The body can produce its own L-glutamine, but there are certain circumstances where the body requires more than it can produce. This means that L-glutamine is a conditionally essential amino acid and must be obtained through the diet under certain circumstances like an illness or injury. Exercise increases the release of glutamine from the muscle cells and since we need glutamine to maintaining muscle mass, it is important to increase our glutamine intake post workout. We can eat glutamine rich foods or incorporate it into our diet through supplement form like, Iron Vegan Fermented L-Glutamine which can be added to a protein shake or water. This can help speed up recovery by allowing the muscles to intake carbohydrates more readily. 

Omega-3’s

As a natural anti-inflammatory, fish oil helps ease joint and muscle soreness, and is vital to the recovery process. You can obtain omega-3's in your diet by consuming various foods like, wild fish, walnuts, chia seeds and flax seeds. If you are wanting to support your body with additional omega-3's try supplementing with a fish oil or soft gel. Omega-3's in the form of oil or softgels tend to be higher in omega-3's and provide more therapeutic effects. Sealicious Active Omega-3 has the added benefit of MCT oil, Vitamin D and Astaxanthin, which support brain, eyes and heart health while also improving exercise recovery and reducing inflammation. 

Give your body the support it needs post workout for a stronger and healthier year ahead!