It’s a fact that regular exercise is beneficial to our overall health and wellbeing, but it can also be taxing to our bodies. Pushing our body to its physical limits can take a toll and if we’re not careful, can lead to injuries.
Sometimes we forget the one thing that can help us become physically stronger -- recovery. Giving the muscles ample time to rest is neglected by a lot of people because if we think about it, won’t lifting weights be more helpful?
How the Body Works
It is a misconception that in order to become stronger, we need to follow a strict exercise regimen daily. But for those who are knowledgeable about the inner workings of the human body, recovery is as important as the number of reps and sets you do at the gym.
Did you know that by lifting weights, you’re actually damaging your muscles? Though minimally, your muscles tear up. The pain you feel a day or two after a workout is called Delayed Onset Muscle Soreness or DOMS. You usually experience DOMS if your workout is strenuous or you did an activity beyond what you’re usually accustomed to. There is still some debate whether muscle soreness is a sign of its growth. Avoid the pain by staying hydrated, getting a massage, and resting.
If you’re going for a sculpted physique and well-defined muscles, rest is very important in between workouts. It is also important to feed your body with the right food and supplements to help it recover better and more quickly.
Supplements for Better Recovery
Shilajit
Don’t let this tar-like substance fool you -- this is actually a popular supplement used in traditional Ayurvedic medicine because of its endurance enhancing properties. It helps keep energy at consistent levels even when it is pushed to the limit, which is essential for a pumped-up gym session. As for recovery, shilajit helps reduce inflammation. It also plays a role in helping the joints become stronger and healthier by encouraging the regulation of collagen synthesis. Some have also observed that they recover faster when they take shilajit.
Shilajit is available in a number of different forms including resin oil, tincture and powdered extract, each of which can be added to your diet simply. We recommend adding a dosage to a glass of water. Check out our range of shilajit products here.
You learn more about Shilajit here too!
Eucommia Bark Extract
The eucommia bark extract has been widely used in Chinese medicine for centuries. They believed in its ability to help the body regenerate and renew itself. Sure enough, some studies have suggested that the eucommia bark extract has a positive effect on the endocrine system as well as the kidneys.
It also helps the body deal with oxidative stress and lessens the number of free radicals in the body. As you may already know by now, too much free radicals can be harmful and increase the chances of unnecessary inflammation, affecting various organs and tissues. The bark extract is also cardioprotective and serves as a vasorelaxant. Tension on blood vessel walls is said to be reduced when eucommia bark extract is included in your daily dose of supplements, another plus when you’re actively seeking a more chiseled, toned body.
Most commonly available in a powdered extract, get yours here.
Maca Root
Over in South America, the maca root has been heralded by the people of Peru for a long time and in recent years, has caught on in the world of fitness because of its health benefits. In just one serving, the maca root can provide an insane number of amino acids. It works by helping reduce cramping and inflammation, a common side effect of a heavy workout session brought about by muscle soreness and post workout stress.
The maca root is easy to add to your daily diet too. It comes in capsule form or powder which you can easily add to your favourite morning drink. Check out our Black Maca Powder available to purchase online.
To learn more maca read our post 'Black Maca: The Superfood You Didn't Know You Needed'.
MSM Powder
As a dietary supplement, MSM powder has already been widely used to help treat different conditions and symptoms. MSM is a compound that is naturally derived from plants and animals and can also be found in the human body. It contains sulphur and is also a popular treatment option in alternative medicine. MSM powder helps reduce inflammation and even boosts the immune system to ward off infections and diseases. Learn more about what MSM Powder might be able to do for you here.
MSM powder can easily be added into beverages like water, juice and smoothies. Shop MSM Powder here.
Tumeric
Known for its anti-inflammatory properties, turmeric is packed to the brim with the antioxidant, curcumin. Curcumin, along with other antioxidants can help your body manage the inflammation that is caused by exercise. You can add it to your diet quite easily as well, the ground extract form is easily added to recipes, or even to hot water as a tea elixir!
Super Berries
You probably hear a lot about the benefits of super berries, and that’s for good reason, the list of positives is almost endless. So, of course they would make it on to the list. But what makes them great for recovery of our muscles and body after exercise?
Many berries contain an antioxidant known as polyphenels. Polyphenols help reduce damage to cells, as well as the ability of helping to reduce pain in muscles as well as the inflammation that can be caused by exercise.
In addition to this, berries also have anthocyanins which can enhance blood flow, which can improve your athletic performance, and aid in post-workout recovery.
And as if that isn’t enough, because they contain complex carbohydrates as well, your energy levels can be restored quickly!
You can eat berries fresh of course, but another simple way is to keep a powdered extract of your favourite superberry on hand - the perfect addition to smoothies! Check out our entire collection of super berries products available at Superfoods Australia right here.
The Bottomline
Pumping iron everyday doesn’t mean you’ll be having the body of your dreams in no time. The recovery process is just as important as this is the time that your muscles grow stronger and bigger. Improving your diet and adding in some superfoods will help make your journey towards a healthier, leaner, and stronger body.
Our selection of organic and natural supplements have been responsibly sourced only from the best suppliers from around the world. Get your post-workout recovery on track with Superfoods Australia today
