When the training or competition is over, the real work begins with the recovery of your body.  In Natural Products Insider, author Nick Collias talks to nutrition industry experts on the best ingredients to combat muscle soreness. 

Muscle recovery can be more proactive than a mere waiting game. Numerous ingredients have demonstrated the ability to effectively enhance muscle recovery and alleviate the stiffness and discomfort that often accompany rigorous activity. The traditional post-workout protein shake marks only the initiation of the contemporary recovery regimen. Presently, athletes are embracing a variety of promising supplement ingredients to expedite their recovery process and swiftly return to peak performance.
 

Tart Cherry for Endurance Pain

In recent times, Montmorency tart cherries have gained prominence as a force to reckon with in the realm of recovery. Research indicates that they play a role in diminishing inflammation response and mitigating oxidative stress.
 

PEAK ATP® for Cognition Recovery

PEAK ATP® is a clinically substantiated and patented form of Adenosine 5’-Triphosphate (ATP) Disodium, which serves as the fundamental currency for cellular energy across the human body. Its status as a supplement gained considerable traction for its potential in aiding athletes in muscle fatigue and recovery.

Nonetheless, a recent study unveiled at the 2023 International Society of Sports Nutrition (ISSN) conference has shed light on a facet of recovery that often lacks attention: mental recovery.

“So many times with training, there’s a cognitive element of, I’m just tired.  It’s the mental aspect that doesn’t let me get back into the gym,” states Shawn Baier, VP of Business Development at TSI Group (innovators/distributors or PEAK ATP®). “After repeated bouts of exercise, individuals had a ‘perception of readiness’ that was improved with PEAK ATP®.  There was improved maintenance of focus from subjects taking ATP, as well as improvement in accuracy over the control group.”
 

Type II Collagen for Joints

The popularity of collagen supplements is soaring; however, most products available in stores consist of types I and III collagen, primarily catering to skin and hair well-being. In contrast, type II collagen holds the promise of delivering distinct advantages that capture the attention of athletes and individuals constrained by joint limitations. Ingesting type II collagen is also believed to enhance joint resilience against discomfort by stimulating the body's synthesis of joint collagen.
 

Pickle for Ball

Gherkin, a variety of pickle crafted from petite, youthful cucumbers, that has gained popularity in Europe. Top-tier track and field athletes have utilized them as a covert tool to elevate recovery, manage discomfort, and mitigate inflammation. More recently, researchers transitioned from these anecdotal insights to empirical examination. The study unveiled those participants experienced a positive impact on performance, enhancing their capacity to sustain high-intensity output across time.
 

Curcumin for Post-Exercise

Curcumin, the principal bioactive ingredient within turmeric, has demonstrated potent anti-inflammatory properties and is recognized for its robust antioxidative capabilities. Although the research associating it specifically with post-workout recuperation is still new, this vivid yellow powder displays lots of potential for gym-goers. The most encouraging investigation into curcumin's role in post-exercise recovery revealed notable decreases in both muscle soreness and inflammation.

To read the full article, download the July issue of Natural Products Insider here.