Supplements for Recovery

Bodybuilding - Supplements for Recovery

Glutamine:
Glutamine is the most abundant amino acid in the body and makes up more than 60% of the amino acid pool inside muscles. Following an intense bout of exercise, it can take hours before your body is able to rebuild its supply of glutamine.

Symptoms of overtraining are associated with low levels of glutamine and this leads to a serious problem with recovery. By supplementing with glutamine you may support your body's ability to recover from strenuous training. Glutamine also helps to increase protein synthesis, aids in the health of the gastrointestinal tract, and enhance immune functioning, all of which are vital for proper recovery.

BCAA's:
Branched chain amino acids (BCAA) are one of the most important supplements for improving recovery. They are comprised of leucine, isoleucine, and valine. The most important of these three amino acids is leucine which is used up at the highest rate of all BCAA's. It, together with the other BCAA's, can increase protein synthesis, prevent protein breakdown, and speed up recovery.

Whey Protein:
Whey protein is a vital supplement for recovery. Protein in general is used by muscles for repairing and rebuilding, but whey in particular has numerous benefits in aiding recovery that go beyond the basic benefits of protein consumption.

Whey is rapidly absorbed, easily digested, and has the highest concentration of BCAA's of any source of protein. It is best consumed immediately after a workout when it will be absorbed rapidly and used to aid the body in recovery.