There is no debate that exercise is good for your mind, body, and spirit. It can help increase cardiovascular health, and muscle mass, and improve mental focus. However, a strong workout routine will naturally cause wear and tear to the body and can cause some serious damage over time. This does not mean, however, that you should ever let up or limit your workouts, but there are some extra macro and micronutrients that can help support the body, while you strive for those gains. Today I will like to discuss supplementation for those who like to leave it all behind on the gym floor.

L-Glutamine

L-Glutamine is an essential amino acid that is needed for protein synthesis and is required in large quantities by the body. It is the most abundant amino acid in the blood as well as the most metabolic functions. Working out reduces the levels of glutamine within the blood, when this occurs it has a direct effect on endurance, recovery takes longer and strength and muscle growth are reduced. Therefore supplementing with glutamine cannot only shorten your recovery time but it helps build muscle and show results faster. Beyond gains in the gym, other benefits of glutamine are that it helps boost immunity, manage blood sugar levels, and promote intestinal health.

MCT Oil

MCT oil stands for medium-chain triglyceride and is a manufactured saturated fatty acid. Yes, saturated fats have gotten a bad reputation over the years, and it is true that too much is detrimental to your health. However, humans need saturated fats for heart health, and for calcium absorption into bone, it protects the liver from being damaged by alcohol and medications and also help with healthy brain function.

MCT oil specifically has a positive effect on weight loss and weight management by keeping you satiated between meals. Beyond that MCT oil can be used as a pre-workout by increasing energy during exercise as well as preventing the post-workout crash. The body absorbs MCT oil differently and more rapidly than other fats, making it a more efficient source of energy and is less likely to be stored in fat cells.

Collagen Powder

Collagen is a naturally occurring protein that makes up one-third of all proteins in the human body. It is found in muscles, bones, skin, blood vessels, the digestive system, and tendons. Working out is great for your overall health, but does cause wear and tear to muscles and joints, collagen helps rebuild tissue when working out as well as helps repair and restore muscles, which allows for quicker recovery. Collagen supplementation can also prevent injuries by strengthening joints and ligaments, which is especially needed because as we age our body slows down its production.

Magnesium

Magnesium is an important nutrient required by the body for over 350 enzymatic reactions. It regulates body temperature, and heart function improves insulin sensitivity, and controls muscle activity, just to name a few. However, magnesium is especially important for athletes and people who train hard. Magnesium is required for the body to generate ATP (adenosine triphosphate). ATP when broken down releases energy for muscle contraction. Without adequate magnesium energy production will be limited leading to a reduction in power, causing muscle twitches, cramps, and fatigue. Magnesium will not only help with performance, but it will also help with recovery by reducing the build-up of lactic acid in the body.

We all like to see the results of our hard work in the gym, these supplements can help us reach our goals just that must faster and more efficiently.

Have a great workout!