KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- Healthy joints, muscles, and bones can be supported using supplements that include calcium and magnesium, vitamin D and protein
- B-complex vitamins can help turn your food into energy so that you stay energized throughout your workout
The benefits of maintaining an active lifestyle are huge. Nearly every aspect of your health – from your ability to focus, to your ability to fall asleep at night – can be improved with regular physical activity
However, whether you’re an avid daily exerciser or a weekend warrior, you need to support your body with the right nutrition and supplements. The quality of your energy, mobility, flexibility, bone health, and muscle growth depends greatly on the nutrients you are putting into your body.
Let’s look at some of the most important supplements to help support your active lifestyle |
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Other ways to maintain your energy |
Make sure you’re getting enough natural sunlight: Natural sunlight is the strongest factor that affects the circadian rhythm, or sleep-wake cycle. Found in the brain, the pineal gland processes information regarding natural light and darkness, then relays that information to the body through melatonin. Melatonin – the hormone that promotes sleep – is released naturally as sunlight lessens later in the day Limit your caffeine intake: Although it’s tempting to reach for that extra cup of coffee in the afternoon, the jolt of energy caffeine gives you could lead to a crash once it wears off leaving you feeling more tired than before. Try drinking a glass of water instead. Start the day with protein: Protein-rich foods in the morning can help to keep you energized throughout the day. Start your day with eggs, oatmeal, or a chocolate or vanilla SolgarⓇ Grass Fed Whey to GoⓇ Protein shake. |
Often, people don’t think about their joints until they are experiencing discomfort. But being proactive in caring for your joints will ensure that you can continue doing the activities you love and enjoy.
SolgarⓇ No.7 is another great way to support your active lifestyle. This unique blend combines UC-II collagen and turmeric with other bioactive nutrients such as Ester-CⓇ, boswellia, white willow bark, black pepper, and ginger root.
Other ways to support your joints |
Warm-up before exercise: Warming up before exercising gets your blood pumping and warms up your joints, which helps prevent injury. Dynamic stretches or low-impact exercises like cycling are a great way to warm-up. Eat a balanced diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is key to maintaining happy joints. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon or other fatty fish, can help to regulate the production of signalling molecules that can affect your joints. Mindful breathing: When doing resistance exercises or strenuous physical activity, don’t forget to focus on breathing. A rule of thumb is to exhale during the most challenging part of the movement and inhale during the easier portion. |
Supplements for muscles
Even if your main fitness goal is not to gain a lot of muscle, it is still important to look after the health of your muscles. You have more than 600 muscles in your body, and proper care prevents them from tearing or getting strained. Strong muscles also help keep your joints in place.
Protein is one of the most important supplements for muscle health. Increased protein intake contributes to greater strength and muscle mass gain when coupled with resistance training and allows for greater muscle mass preservation when you are not working out and a nutritious diet
SolgarⓇ Grass Fed Whey to GoⓇ Protein Powder is formulated with a unique blend of whey protein isolate and whey protein concentrate sourced from grass-fed New Zealand cows. We use cross-flow microfiltration to optimize amino acid availability and absorption so that your muscles use the protein to its full effectiveness. Available in chocolate and vanilla flavours.
Other ways to help your muscles |
Warm-up before exercise: Warming up before exercising gets your blood pumping and warms up your joints, which helps prevent injury. Dynamic stretches or low-impact exercises like cycling are a great way to warm-up. Eat a balanced diet: Maintaining a healthy diet is key to maintaining happy joints. Eating foods rich in omega-3 fatty acids, such as walnuts, flaxseed, salmon or other fatty fish, can help to regulate the production of signalling molecules that can affect your joints. |
Supporting healthy bones is extremely important. In addition to help building healthy bones, it becomes equally as important to maintain their health over time. Thankfully, there are supplements that can help maintain bone health and keep you doing the physical activity you enjoy.
Calcium is a mineral found in many foods. Almost all of the body’s calcium is contained in bones and teeth, where it supports their structure and hardness.
As you age, the efficiency of your calcium absorption from your digestive tract may decrease. You will usually find magnesium in calcium supplements because magnesium plays a role in the regulation of calcium transport and is essential for bone mineralization.
SolgarⓇ Calcium Magnesium Plus Zinc offers 1000 mg of calcium and 400 mg of magnesium per serving to help support healthy bones. It also contains zinc, a trace mineral that plays a role in the synthesis of collagen in bone tissue.
Other ways to help build & maintain strong bones |
Get enough vitamin D: Vitamin D, also known as the sunshine vitamin, plays a key role in helping your body absorb calcium. The sun is the primary source of vitamin D, but taking a vitamin D supplement, is also a great option – especially during the colder winter months. Eat lots of vegetables: Vegetables provide many of the vitamins and minerals needed to maintain healthy bones. They’re also a great source of vitamin C, which may help support collagen formation that contributes to joint and bone flexibility. |
The bottom line
No matter how you like to do it, staying active is a crucial part of holistic health.
Supporting energy production and taking care of your joints, muscles, and bones by eating a balanced diet, exercising and adequate nutrient intake allows you to continue doing the physical activity you love.
Disclaimer:
Food supplements should not be used instead of a varied balanced diet & healthy lifestyle.
For references, click here.