If you’ve ever participated in sports before, you know that being an athlete isn’t for the faint of heart. You must use every ounce of your being to perform and compete. Playing sports is physically and mentally demanding, and when you’re passionate about the game, it drives you to push yourself to the max. Maintaining the strength, speed, endurance, agility, and flexibility it takes to be an athlete ultimately requires you to prioritize your health and wellness.
Healthy Living Is Essential To Performance
How do some of the most successful athletes achieve greatness? They adopt healthy lifestyle practices like eating the proper nutrition, developing fitness routines, getting adequate sleep, and indulging in self-care.
Supplements For Athletes
Iron
Iron is an essential mineral that oxygenates the blood. It also plays a substantial role in cell function, hormone, and tissue development. When iron levels are low, it can lead to anemia, which comes with various complications. Some symptoms of anemia include fatigue, dizziness, headaches, temperature sensitivity, chest pains, low energy, and weakened endurance.
The average adult male should consume at least 8.7 mg daily, while women need 14.8 mg. Unfortunately, most people don’t get enough iron from their diets. Therefore, supplementing can help improve your blood oxygen levels and other bodily functions.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are a group of vitamins, minerals, and nutrients that possess positive and negative electrical charges when dissolved in water. Since the body is made up of 60% water, electrolytes regulate chemical reactions and sustain a balance between fluids inside and outside your cells.
Electrolytes are released through urination and sweat. As athletes sweat regularly, it can cause their levels to drop. Ultimately, supplements like electrolytes drink mix can help athletes get the necessary replenishment.
Calcium And Vitamin D
Calcium and vitamin d are essential for healthy bones, teeth, and muscles. They are not only vital for an athlete’s performance but are necessary to enhance muscle mass and reduce the risk of injuries like fractures and broken bones. Although these essential nutrients can be found in foods like dairy products, dark green vegetables, and fatty fish, athletes should consider increasing their intake with daily supplements.
Beetroot
Every athlete must have maximum stamina to perform well. Beetroot supplements (or juice) are one way to help. It can increase blood flow, improve lung function, and strengthen muscle contractions. Athletes that include beetroot in their diets can enhance their speed and aerobic capacity.
Creatine
Anaerobic activities like weight lifting, pilates, yoga, high-intensity interval training, circuit training, and more are standard practices in an athlete’s fitness routine. These quick and sudden movements require maximum energy and power and are instrumental in building muscle mass and improving cardiovascular health. Creatine supplements can help to maximize power while also aiding with body definition.
HBM
Beta-hydroxy beta methyl butyrate (HBM) travels through the bloodstream and breaks down amino acids called leucine, which helps to stop muscle breakdown and support muscle synthesis. HBM can give athletes more strength and enhanced body composition when taken regularly.
Protein
We can’t provide a list of supplements for athletes without bringing up protein supplements. Protein is essential for immune health and muscle growth. It also helps to prevent muscle breakdown. Since athletes require more protein than the average person, supplementation is ideal. You can find protein in many forms, including pills, capsules, dissolvable tablets, and powder.
Consult Your Doctor
While supplements have many benefits for athletes, you should always consult your doctor before purchasing them. You want to ensure that you’re taking supplements that are conducive to your well-being. Your doctor can guide dosage and use to ensure your safety.
As an athlete, your body is your instrument. You must commit to ensuring you treat it well to continue performing your best. While healthy living can enhance your well-being and performance, supplementation can assist. By incorporating the above suggestions into your diet, you’ll see a substantial improvement in your ability to maximize your potential and achieve success.