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August 1, 2016 Comments (2) Featured, Nutrition

Pills, Potions & Powders: Smart Supplementation for Endurance Athletes

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Thank you to Gu Energy Labs for their continued support of this sponsored content.

Author: Heidi Strickler

As a Sports Dietitian, I constantly get asked about supplements. Supplements for weight loss, muscle gain, recovery, daily health, increased energy, better sleep.

Every time, I respond with the question:

Why do you want or feel like you need this supplement?

I encourage clients to go through the following list of questions:

  • Can I reach this goal through food alone?
  • Would it interfere with medications or a medical issue?
  • What is the cost? (financial as well as situational) The benefit?
  • Am I at risk for low levels of a certain nutrients (based on gender, race, geography, labs)

I am not one to prescribe a slew of supplements, as oftentimes they act as a Band-Aid rather than dealing with the root of the problem. However, there are various situations and populations for whom supplements can be beneficial, and even necessary. The high mileage put in by ultra-endurance athletes comes with increased risk for:

  • muscle & tissue damage
  • high levels of inflammation
  • a dampened immune system
  • potential electrolyte imbalance
  • possible iron deficiency
  • cardiovascular & kidney strain

Based on these factors, I recommend the following:

I. MOST ENDURANCE ATHLETES, MOST TIMES OF THE YEAR:

Vitamin D: Beneficial for bone health, immune function, and improved athletic performance by increasing muscle strength & endurance and decreasing inflammation. It is also cardio-protective. Recommended dose is 2,000-5,000IU daily, depending on diet, geography, and labs.

Food Sources: 15 minutes of sun exposure without sunscreen is your best source. Foods such as fortified dairy, mushrooms that have been exposed to the sun, fatty fish and egg yolks are also high in vitamin D.

Vitamin C & Elderberry: Critical for immune support, vitamin C is best taken immediately post-run. It is hard to overdose on vitamin C, as your body will pee out whatever it does not need. Find vitamin C tablets or powders at the store. For acute immune support, include a spoonful of elderberry before bed.

Food sources: Citrus & tropical fruits, strawberries, bell peppers, dark leafy greens (spinach, kale, chard).

Omega-3 fats & Cod Liver Oil: Associated with decreasing inflammation, tissue health, enhanced brain function, and heart protection. Even those individuals who consume plentiful seafood, it is difficult to get adequate high-quality fish to meet your omega recommendations.

Food sources: Sustainable fatty fish (salmon, tuna, mackerel, sardines, anchovies) and sea vegetables (kelp, nori, spirulina, arame, wakame) are the best sources. Not a fan of fish? Walnuts, chia seeds, hemp seeds, and ground flax are also rich sources.   

Salmon.

II. MASTERS (over 40) ATHLETES & those with MINIMAL RECOVERY TIME between trainings:

BCAAs (Branched Chain Amino Acids): BCAAs are critical for muscle recovery, tissue rejuvenation, delaying fatigue, and boosting immunity. Take one dose before exercise and one dose immediately following. Ideal intake is 3g leucine.

Food Sources: Your best option for full BCAA spectrum in the highest amount is whey protein (dairy).

Turmeric/garlic/ginger/curcumin: The most potent natural anti-inflammatories. I recommend capsules for those who do not like these flavors in food. But if you’re a fan – eat up!

Food Sources: Make curry with a protein of choice, mixed vegetables, curry paste or curry powder, coconut milk, and turmeric, ginger, and garlic. Serve with brown rice or quinoa, cilantro and lime.

MSM/Tissue Rejuvenator®/chondroitin: Provide additional tissue and joint support through a combination of anti-inflammatory properties and structural nutrients for mobility and recovery.

Spice.

III. SITUATIONAL:

Plant-Based Athletes: Vitamin B12 and B6; omega-3 fats or cod liver oil; iron depending on lab values

For Recovery: Focus on nutrients that improve blood circulation, such as dietary nitrites (beets, tart cherry, dark leafy greens), caffeine, cinnamon, cocoa & capsaicin (hot peppers); as well as 20-30g of a complete protein source (whey or dairy) for muscle recovery and 30-60g simple carbohydrate (fruit) for insulin production.

Food Sources: Try a recovery shake with ~25g whey protein (milk, Greek yogurt, protein powder), 1 banana, 2-3 dates, unsweetened cocoa powder or dark chocolate (or dark chocolate-covered espresso beans), cinnamon, and coffee. Feeling daring? Add a dash of cayenne and a handful of greens.

Those suffering injury: anti-Inflammatories, tissue/joint support and omega-3 fats/cod liver oil

Want to know more? Stay tuned for next month’s article on the hottest supplement of 2016, and why everyone should get on the bandwagon: Optimizing gut health and digestion for endurance athletes.

Antioxidant.

2 Responses to Pills, Potions & Powders: Smart Supplementation for Endurance Athletes

  1. […] Which supplements are appropriate for endurance athletes and ultramarathon […]

  2. Chris Landry says:

    Very informational! Thank you! What are your thoughts around CoQ10? I was told by a pharmacist friend that CoQ10, Quality Fish Oil, and pharma grade multi vitamin are a great baseline for a majority of people. Is this true?

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