According to research, over 86% of Americans currently take a daily nutritional supplement, yet only 21% of them have a confirmed vitamin deficiency. While this may seem confusing, the reason is that you should not wait until you have a deficiency to start taking supplements, as this will negatively impact your health. Many supplements are for the sole purpose of adding the nourishment you need to reach your health and fitness goals.
There are many reasons to take post-workout supplements, such as reducing muscle soreness, improving strength and stamina, and, of course, rebuilding the muscles. The only question is, what are the best post-workout supplements, how do they work, and even more importantly, do they even work?
Thankfully, we know how convoluted this answer can be when researching yourself, so we decided to answer it for you. Keep on reading to learn more about the benefits, so you can start reaching your goals sooner rather than later!
Branched Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs)
Branched-chain amino acids are one of the best supplements available. They include three essential amino acids: leucine, valine, and isoleucine. By consuming these amino acids post-workout, you can ensure your body will preserve its hard-earned muscle.
When most people go on a diet, they do not consume enough macronutrients, which can cause your body to go into famine (starvation) mode. When this happens, your body becomes catabolic, which essentially means you are breaking down your hard-earned muscle for energy. Take BCAAs either before or included in your post-workout recovery supplement to keep your body anabolic (muscle-preserving).
Protein Powder
If you are participating in a vigorous workout program, your body needs extra nourishment to ensure it can rebuild itself. This is the most important of all workout supplements: protein powder. Protein is essential for rebuilding muscle, hair, skin, nails, and even bones. Without it, your body will dip into other sources (catabolism) to sustain your workouts.
Unfortunately, many people do not consume enough protein, especially vegans. By consuming protein powder, you can be assured that your body is nourished from the inside out.
L-Glutamine
L-glutamine is another essential amino acid that is necessary for multiple functions in the body. It is produced naturally in the body, yet it is also important to include it in your diet, especially if you are doing heavy training. It plays a vital role in protein synthesis, helps to keep the kidneys healthy, and assists in immune system function.
L-glutamine is a popular supplement for bodybuilders because it also helps to prevent delayed-onset muscle soreness (DOMS). This helps fitness fanatics overcome the pain so that they can continue to work out and get the best results.
Learn More
Keep in mind that the best post-workout supplements for you will depend on your fitness goals. There are many others available, such as creatine, SARMs, and more. Make sure you check with your physician before starting any new supplement routine. For more informational articles like this, check out the health and wellness section of our blog!
Also read: Top 8 Best Workout Supplements of 2021
