Nutritional Supplements for Runners

Sunnier days are here, marking spring’s arrival and slush-free runs. Strapping on running shoes and hitting the trails, track or treadmill can be liberating. Whether you’re training for a race, shaping up for summer or jogging to erase the day’s stresses – every once in a while, we can push our bodies a little too hard. Shin splints, muscle soreness or general aches and pains are part of the running game. While rest is absolutely essential for recovery, you can make it less painful by incorporating some key nutrients.

Magnesium
More than 300 biological processes occurring in the body require magnesium. The body uses magnesium for essential cellular functions such as producing energy, maintaining normal nerve and muscle function, heart rhythm, immunity and bone health. Research shows that having even a marginal magnesium deficiency is detrimental to achieving peak exercise performance and exacerbates the negative consequences due to strenuous exercise.

Magnesium plays a crucial role in muscle function and can help to alleviate muscle cramps by helping muscles relax. For runners, this means that magnesium can help prevent muscle cramps and improve muscle function during runs. Studies have shown that magnesium can also help to reduce muscle soreness post-exercise. It should be noted that excessive sweating can also cause magnesium loss.

AOR’s Magnesium Synergy is specially formulated with complementary vitamins, minerals and amino acids to enhance the absorption of magnesium into the cells. It can easily be added to water or juice for a pleasant-tasting, nutrient-rich drink for extra energy during a run or post-workout to replenish depleted magnesium stores.

L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is an amino acid that is found naturally in the body and is essential for the proper functioning of many different bodily processes. It can help runners enhance performance and aid in recovery. As a critical component of muscle tissue, it is required for the synthesis of new muscle proteins. Thus, it can help to prevent muscle breakdown during intense exercise, which can lead to faster recovery times and increased endurance.

Additionally, L-glutamine is known to play a role in immune function, and runners are especially susceptible to weakened immune systems due to the physical stress of training and competing. By supplementing with L-glutamine, runners may be able to bolster their immune systems and reduce the risk of illness or infection.

Finally, L-glutamine has been shown to improve gastrointestinal health, which can be important for runners who experience gastrointestinal distress during long runs or races. By reducing inflammation and promoting the growth of healthy gut bacteria, L-glutamine may help to prevent these issues and improve overall digestion and absorption of nutrients.

AOR offers both L-Glutamine powder and L-Glutamine capsules depending on your preference.

Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA)
Palmitoylethanolamide (PEA) is a naturally occurring fatty acid amide that is produced by the body in response to inflammation and pain. It has been studied for over 80 years for its potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic properties. For runners who experience post-run pain, PEA can be a helpful ally.

PEA has been found to inhibit the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, which can lead to decreased inflammation in the body. This can help to reduce pain and swelling, which can be especially beneficial for runners who experience post-run soreness or injuries. PEA has also been shown to activate the body’s natural pain-relieving pathways, particularly the endocannabinoid system. This can help to reduce the perception of pain, which can allow runners to push through discomfort and perform better.

PEA has been found to promote tissue repair and regeneration, which can help to speed up recovery from injuries and strenuous exercise. This can allow runners to bounce back more quickly from tough workouts and races.

AOR’s P.E.A.k Pain Relief is a revolutionary pain maintenance solution containing PEA. This comprehensive and unique formula combines PEA with Univestin™ which has been clinically proven to provide relief from joint discomfort and swelling associated with osteoarthritis. Additionally, it contains Boswellia, quercetin, and magnesium – all known to address inflammation, muscle relaxation and the perception of pain.

ExtrAORdinary Quality. Canadian Made.
Headquartered in Calgary, Advanced Orthomolecular Research (AOR) has manufactured scientifically backed, therapeutic-grade natural health products since 1991. Serving Canadians, this premium nutritional supplement formulator collaborates alongside universities and research institutions worldwide to further knowledge in support of natural health ingredients and their efficacy.

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