Benefits of Anti-Inflammatory Supplements for Athletes

Inflammation-pain, swelling, redness and heat — is a double-edged sword. This immunity-mediated process is crucial when you have an injury. It helps your body fight infection and clear away damaged tissue. But inflammation can become a chronic condition if your body fails to shut off this reaction, or activates it when there is no apparent trigger. Luckily, a few anti-inflammatory supplements can help save the day.

As many of us know what we do inside the gym is dependent on what we do outside of the gym. It’s no secret that nutrition is most important for your health-wellness-reaching goals and feeling your best. Nutrition will aid in the recovery process to some degree, but is there more you could be doing for your health, and post WOD aches and pains?

As athletes, inflammation is a large part of our struggle to feel our best after training, we can all benefit from supplementing with an anti-inflammatory. Without doing so, our recovery time is prolonged and protentionally keeps us from our next workout.

I have created a short list of the top rated Anti-Inflammatory supplements, all of which I take on a daily basis and can speak highly of the benefits from my own experience with each one.

Fish Oil
Fish oil is rich in omega-3 fatty acids. These acids decrease the body’s production of a long list of pro-inflammatory biochemical, including the same ones targeted by most NSAIDs — cyclooxygenase (COX 1 and 2). It also helps to reduce levels of inflammatory interleukins, specifically interleukin-1, a marker of chronic inflammation. In studies, people with rheumatoid arthritis who took fish oil were able to reduce their dosage of anti-inflammatory drugs. They also reported less pain and stiffness.

Fish oil has a synergistic effect with aspirin. It inhibits synthesis of thromboxane A2 and the highly inflammatory leukotriene B4. Fish oil is reported to help asthma, cystitis, hepatitis, pancreatitis, prostatitis and dermatitis.

Alpha Lipoic Acid

Alpha lipoic acid is a coenzyme that has lots of talents. It boasts antioxidant and anti-inflammatory protection. The acid is both fat and water-soluble. It can regenerate other important antioxidants like vitamins E, C and glutathione. Alpha lipoic acid provides anti-inflammatory protection in blood vessels and in the fatty tissues of the brain and nerves. It’s a must for anyone with diabetes, neuritis or neuropathy, since it also improves glucose metabolism and blood flow in nerves.

ZINC

Many people take zinc to boost their immunity, but recent research shows that zinc may also be a natural inflammation fighter. Popping zinc regularly can help reduce inflammation. It also has been shown to offer immune support.

Turmeric

Turmeric is one of the most potent natural anti-inflammatories available.

The anti-inflammatory properties in turmeric are great for treating both osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis. In addition, turmeric’s antioxidant property destroys free radicals in the body that damage body cells. It has been found that those suffering from rheumatoid arthritis who consume turmeric on a regular basis experience much relief from the moderate to mild joint pains as well as joint inflammation.

It isn’t necessary to take every anti-inflammatory on the market; some offer a few extra ingredients you can benefit from. I recommend adding an anti-inflammatory to your daily routine, you will not only feel healthier, but you will recover faster and train better!