There’s no denying that professional athletes are on top of their game when it comes to the latest advances in physical performance and recovery. However, more and more athletes, of all levels, have been searching for ways to improve their strength …
There’s no denying that professional athletes are on top of their game when it comes to the latest advances in physical performance and recovery. However, more and more athletes, of all levels, have been searching for ways to improve their strength, physique and overall stamina. When it comes to athleticism, most people only think about the actual strength and endurance training, but the recovery process is just as crucial to overall training success.
Muscle Recovery
Muscle recovery can be simply defined by the reconstruction of muscle fibers after physical activity. When we train, microtears in the muscle fibers occur; During recovery our bodies heal and repair these fibers, and as a result, the muscles become stronger than they were before. This healing is possible thanks to the body’s ability to send nutrition and oxygenated blood to the muscles.
Depending on the length and intensity of an exercise, muscles can take days or even weeks to rebuild and recover. This is especially true after partaking in a considerable feat, such as competing in a marathon. Repletion of essential vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which are exhausted during intense physical exertion, are the golden ticket to recovery. So, how can we speed up this regenerative process and safely resume our training? One way that we can accomplish this is through the incredible ability of Intravenous Infusion Therapy!
What Is Intravenous Infusion Therapy?
Intravenous Infusion Therapy, also known as IV Therapy, has been a popular health and healing modality for years with athletes competing at the professional level. Fortunately, it has become more available and increasingly popular with anyone looking to advance their physical performance.
IV therapy is a game changer when it comes to recovery because essential vitamins and nutrients in the IV bag are delivered through the vein rather than through the digestive system, which only absorbs 10-15% of nutrients taken in. Intravenous Infusion Therapy allows your body to absorb 100% of essential vitamins needed for proper recovery! Vitamins, minerals and amino acids are replenished more effectively and in greater amounts. In return, more energy is delivered directly to the cells for repair which allows for a faster recovery.
Essential Nutrients For Muscle Recovery
Though certainly beneficial in building a strong physique, intense bouts of physical exertion deplete our bodies of essential nutrients and fluids which can take a long time to replenish on their own. This creates an inflammatory response in our bodies that can cause excessive muscle soreness, cramping, and fatigue. Dehydration also slows the body’s ability to recover and repair muscle tissue. OWM Integrative Wellness IV infusions contain the necessary supplements to improve this physiological response and facilitate optimal recovery.
Amino Acids
Amino acids play a key role in many physiological functions that affect muscle growth and maintenance because they are the building blocks of muscle protein. Muscle protein disintegration, which is triggered during exercise, is recovered by the amino acids ability to repair and to build new muscle proteins. This is why amino acids are often referred to as “the building blocks of life”. Without these important molecules, our bodies would not be able to grow! Amino Acids also provide energy for your body which is vital for top athletic performance. Essential amino acids such as Lysine are not synthesized by the body therefore must be obtained via supplementation. Key Amino Acids for Muscle Repair:
All amino acids play a necessary role in aiding muscle development, but some have a significant ability to enhance physical performance.
- Proline: supports the formation of collagen and connective tissue, helps to maintain lean muscle mass and aides in wound healing.
- Glycine: decreases inflammation, helps to build lean muscle mass, boosts energy levels, improves flexibility and range of motion.
- Taurine: reduces fatigue, decreases muscle atrophy, protects muscles from oxidative stress
- Lysine: an essential amino acid, helps with muscle recovery by increasing growth of muscle tissue, aides in wound and tissue repair.
B-Complex
The family of B vitamins, referred to as B-Complex, play an expansive role in cell health and energy production. Their most important biological function is helping your body to convert nutrients into energy. There are eight B vitamins, in the B-Complex, that work in synergy, but each B Vitamin has its own unique task in supporting our well-being. When it comes to fitness, there are a few B-vitamins that play a crucial role in supporting muscle repair:
- Vitamin B12-helps the body to produce red blood cells, supports protein metabolism, converts nutrients into energy.
- Vitamin B6– synthesize amino acids, promotes red blood cell production, helps to deliver oxygen through the body, support protein metabolism, assists communication between nerve cells
- Vitamin B3-Supports muscle growth, promotes metabolism of glucose
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that protects the muscle tissue from free radical damage; free radicals allow for oxidative stress and inflammation in our body consequently causing cell damage and degeneration. Not only does Vitamin C defend our bodies, it also helps to build connective tissue by stimulating fibroblast cell growth and collagen genesis.
Some studies have even shown that high doses of Vitamin C may speed up muscle repair and reduce soreness when taken days before and after training. This is extremely beneficial to those who need to bounce back after strength and conditioning training or a big game.( High doses of Vitamin C can cause stomach distress due to poor absorption in the gut; therefore IV Therapy is the superior supplementation method.)
Magnesium
A critical electrolyte, Magnesium helps to support healthy nerve and muscle function. Magnesium is especially important when looking to reinforce muscle recovery due to its ability to help relax muscles. Magnesium helps to relax muscle contractions which occur during heavy lifting and endurance sports. This is beneficial in decreasing post-exercise pain, excessive soreness, and muscle cramping.
Just like Vitamin C, the amount of Magnesium needed for athletic recovery has a poor absorption rate and may cause stomach upset in most individuals. This is what makes Intravenous Infusion Therapy the preferred method of supplementation.
Contact Us for a Consultation
Are you looking to boost your competitive edge, or maybe you are looking to improve recovery time in between training sessions? At OWM Integrative Wellness, every infusion treatment is tailored to your unique needs as an athlete. Call today to book your Intravenous Therapy Consultation and let us help you take your fitness goals to the next level.
