Nutritional supplements can be very beneficial as part of a treatment plan for optimal health. If you are an athlete looking for natural ways to enhance your performance, then supplements may be beneficial for you. Benefits of taking nutritional supplements can include building collagen and repairing muscle, just to name a few.
Here are eight natural supplements to consider. Make sure to consult with a professional like naturopathic doctor to make the perfect treatment plan for you specific needs.
1. Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Fish Oil) supplementation leads to improved cardiovascular health and function, improved lipid profiles (lower triglycerides), improved brain function and mental acuity, and it has powerful anti-inflammatory properties. Athletes and those with body composition goals should start with 3,000 mg of fish oil spread out in 2-3 servings (it only lasts in the body about 8 hours) and work toward taking up to 6,000 mg per day.
2. B-vitamins increase energy production and are neurotransmitter cofactors, so they help improve our mood, and they help us detoxify which we need after exercise. The process of building and repairing muscle depletes B-vitamins so if you’re lifting heavy or damaging your muscle tissue in your workouts or job, you need to take extra B-vitamins to help the rebuilding (strengthening) process because you are burning through them at an alarming rate. Take this supplement in the morning, as the B-12 will keep you awake.