Vitamin Supplements For Runners
Energy Supplements for Runners
The natural health researchers at Institute for Vibrant Living (IVL) have investigated the natural supplements that can help runners and joggers. Here is their report:
Popular Trend for Athletes
Studies show that more than 50 percent of athletes use dietary supplements. In response, manufacturers market thousand of products that are said to enhance athletic ability. Competitive runners often need supplements for energy, as adequate fuel is essential for proper training and performance.
Supplementation can help provide the energy to run faster and further and may contribute to endurance – the grit needed to finish a race.
Supplements used by competitive and recreational runners include multivitamins; energy-maintenance products; energy gels, beans and bars; sports drinks and protein supplements.
Read on for more information about energy supplements for runners:
Multivitamins – It is essential for athletes to maintain a good ratio of healthy nutrients for peak performance. A daily, high-quality multivitamin supplement ensures the maintenance of this healthy ratio.
One great product for athletes is Liquid Vitamin 528, available at the Institute for Vibrant Living. A powerhouse of high-energy B vitamins, vitamins D, E and A, enzymes, antioxidants and minerals – this product may enhance energy, strength, and focus.
Energy-maintenance products – For daily energy maintenance, the Institute for Vibrant Living also offers All Day Energy Greens which is a once-a-day, easily digested energy drink containing 38 herbs, herbal extracts and grass juices.
This all-natural supplement is full of essential B vitamins, vitamins A, C and E and protein – all important nutrients for runners.
Energy gels, beans and bars – Experts at Iowa State University recommend getting the majority of pre-run calories from carbohydrates and limiting fats and proteins as they are slower to digest.
They also suggest limiting dietary fiber, which can be upsetting to the stomach during exercise. Energy bars, gels and beans can provide fuel for a run and they may be easier on the stomach than whole foods.
Energy gels are chock full of carbohydrates, sodium and potassium. They are easily portable and come in small packets that can be carried in a pocket or utility belt. Recommended use is 15 minutes prior to and every 30 to 45 minutes during a run.
Energy beans are jelly beans designed for competitive athletes that contain carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins B and C. Runners are encouraged to use one packet prior to and additional packets (as needed) during a run to sustain energy levels and prevent dehydration.
Energy bars can be eaten as a snack up to 30 minutes before a run or as part of a pre-run, high-carbohydrate meal, or they can be consumed in bites for quick energy during intense races or training sessions. Like gels and beans, energy bars contain a balance of carbohydrates, electrolytes, vitamins and minerals.
Sports drinks – Primarily, sports drinks are designed to replace water and electrolytes lost through perspiration. They also contain sucrose, glucose or fructose – sugars which help to replenish lost carbohydrates and serve as a source of energy during an intense workout.
Note: Be wary of drinks containing fructose or high fructose corn syrup, as fructose has been linked to an increased risk of heart disease. Also, the citric acid in sports drinks may be damaging to tooth enamel, so it is important to brush twice daily with regular use of these drinks.
Protein supplements –These supplements are designed as a recovery tool for runners, but in order to sustain energy for training sessions and races, it is essential to replenish protein in the body. Protein supplements in the form of a pill or drink restore energy and help to repair and rebuild muscles.
Athletes need to pay special attention to nutrition in order to keep the body working at maximum potential. Supplementation can help to maintain muscles and boost energy for training and race performance.
About the Author
David Flores is a natural health researcher for Institute for Vibrant Living, a leading source for all-natural supplements, vitamins, and minerals for many health and nutrition challenges. To learn more about the products offered by the Institute for Vibrant Living visit http://www.ivlproducts.com
If you found this helpful you might like to visit http://healthblog.ivlproducts.com where you’ll find more free healthy living articles to help improve your health today.
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