5 Reasons You Need to Use Muscle Recovery Supplements

In 2020 the global sports nutrition market size reached a value of $10.7 billion.

There are countless different types of supplements on the market, and there is a lot of disagreement in terms of the overall effects of different products.

Muscle recovery supplements are very popular amongst professional athletes and hobbyists alike, but what do they actually do, and how can they help you?

Keep reading for an overview of 5 of the main benefits of muscle recovery supplements.

What Are Muscle Recovery Supplements?

As the name suggests, the main purpose is muscle recovery. Not all supplements are the same, however.

All types of exercise take a toll on the body, and if you are looking to make progress your nutrition must meet your needs. These needs vary from person to person and will depend on the type and intensity of exercise carried out.

People commonly use carbohydrate and protein-rich foods to replenish protein and glycogen stores after a workout. This includes products such as protein bars, electrolyte supplements, and protein drinks.

Other vitamins that can often help with recovery include:

• Magnesium
• Potassium
• Chloride
• B vitamins

Figuring Out Your Supplements

There are a huge number of supplements on the market, and they have different effects on the body. To determine what supplements are best for you there are a number of factors you first need to think about.

Your Goals

Your type of workout may play a part here.

If you are sweating a lot then rehydration and electrolyte replacement will be essential. A high-quality protein shake is ideal after a typical gym session as it will help with recovery and refueling. For more muscle-building recovery creatine or BCAAs can be helpful.

Type of Supplement

At a basic level, protein-heavy foods and water/sports drinks can be sufficient. For more intense workouts shakes are well suited.

Beyond this supplements are also available as powders or liquids which are perfect for mixing with water. Some supplements also come as capsules for a more convenient solution.

Quality and Ingredients

With the number of supplements available there is naturally a large range in the quality of products. Some cheaper supplements may even contain ingredients that can even be detrimental to your health.

You should always do sufficient research on a product before purchasing. It is usually possible to find evidence of the effect of certain supplements, and this can give you an idea of whether or not you should use them.

We also recommend speaking to your health care provider before trying any new supplements. They will be able to give you a much better idea of whether or not it is suitable for you.

1. Muscle Growth and Maintenance

Perhaps the most common reason people use muscle recovery supplements is for muscular growth. Almost everyone who goes to the gym wants their muscles to grow in both size and strength, and supplements help speed this up.

Protein shakes are perhaps the most popular choice for a post-workout supplement. Whey protein is the most well-known, but other options such as soy, pea, and hemp are available to meet the needs of those with allergies or certain dietary requirements.

Branch Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are another common choice for muscle building. They help prevent muscle breakdown which results in less soreness after a high-intensity workout.

2. Boost Metabolic Rate

Your metabolism is the rate at which your body converts food and drinks into energy. This is something that naturally slows with age, so as time goes by you will want to keep it in mind.

Your metabolism involves a process that combined food and liquids with oxygen after consumption, generating energy for your body to run on. Physical activity burns calories and therefore helps speed up your metabolism.

Protein in your diet also provides a boost as it has a higher TEF (thermic effect on food) than fats or carbohydrates.

3. Overall Performance

One of the main reasons for training is to improve performance. This can be in terms of lifting heavier each time you g to the gym, or it can mean improving in a certain sport through various types of training.

Deer antler velvet is a natural adaptogen. It restores homeostasis by helping in different areas where needed. People use it for several reasons, such as increasing endurance, recovery time, aerobic capacity, and overall muscular strength.

Chinese medicine has made use of deer antler velvet for over 2,000 years. There are many known deer antler velvet benefits such as reduced blood pressure, improved blood circulation, and improvement in joint mobility.

4. Maintain a Healthy Weight

Carbohydrates are known to make people feel more full after eating, but proteins are actually more effective. As athletes are constantly burning fuel, taking in a lot of protein can help keep hunger levels at a reasonable level.

This in turn can keep calorie intake down, which is a large focus of many athletes. Lower body fat is especially beneficial to endurance athletes such as long-distance runners.

Several studies have shown that using protein shakes can help with weight loss.

5. Healing Acceleration

One of the biggest hindrances an athlete can face is injury. Not only can an injury cause a lot of pain, but it can also affect your ability to train for long periods. Not being able to train leads to muscle loss and puts you out of practice.

Protein helps with muscle and tissue development, and in turn, can help speed up your recovery from an injury. This also means that having a sufficient protein intake can help prevent injuries in the first place.

Choosing the Right Supplements

There is a lot to think about when it comes to muscle recovery supplements, and the most beneficial options come down to your lifestyle.

The best thing to do is figure out your goals and do your research to find your best options.

For more articles on health and fitness, check out some of our other blogs.