Sports serve society by providing vivid examples of excellence. ~George F. Will
Spring has finally sprung and summer is just around the corner. It's time to take advantage of the weather and get out there and be active! Whether you have kids playing a sport or going off to camp, or are trying to support your own activity, this article has something for you. Learn some great ways to keep yourself healthy while playing sports, avoid injury, or help yourself heal quickly so you can get back at it!
Sports Nutrition
If you intend to pursue sports in any vigorous way, one of the most important things you can do is get the proper nutrition. Protein builds muscle, and there are better ways to to provide clean energy to the body than all of the snacks and sugared drinks Americans favor so much. Here are our top suggestions:
Drink Your Protein--There are a multitude of Protein supplements out there to provide your body with proteins to build lean muscle. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day and it is important to get some protein at this meal if you are going to be active. Right after a workout is another key time to eat protein and this is when the muscle will rebuild itself. Some of our favorites are the soy/rice/pea protein combos or the whey protein. The Spirutein is especially good-tasting for picky teens and there is even a Junior Spirutein for younger ones. A really great idea for kids is to add a scoop of vanilla protein to pancakes. My incredibly picky daughter even liked that!
"Oil the Machine"--This is the new motto of Udo's Oil 3-6-9 blend. After 20 years of research and studies measuring the effect of Udo's Oil on athletic performance, the company is confident that this plant-based oil blend can improve strength, stamina and faster recovery in athletes. Fish oils are another great source of healthy oils that benefit athletes by increasing blood flow, muscle oxygenation, and providing anti-inflammatory effects.
Dump Gatorade--There are better ways to remain hydrated than this old stand-by. Emergen-C has a number of flavors that both promote energy and have nutrients to support other important functions like joint, bone and heart health. Their Electro-Mix is especially great for making your own sports drink and replacing the electrolytes that can be lost during sports.
Green Your Energy--Greens formulas provide lots of energy to the body and great nutrients too! Choose from fruit and vegetable blends, greens and grasses, or a mixture of both. We have some great tasting ones that mix well with your favorite organic juice or organic lemonade.
Get More Oxygen--Having sufficient oxygen is key to getting the most out of your performance and you don't need to be anemic to need more iron!! We have recommended the Floradix liquid iron to many runners who have greatly benefited in their stamina. A must if you are training for a marathon, the Breast Cancer Three-Day or some other similar event. Cordyceps, a tonic mushroom, helps open up the lungs and is also a favorite of runners. Some customers with exercise-induced asthma have found they didn't need their inhalers while using this.
Help for Injury Prevention or Cure
Athletics come with those bumps, bruises, sprains and strains that don't need to hamper us too badly if we know what to do to protect ourselves. Here are our top suggestions:
Sportenine--This homeopathic combination remedy helps prevent muscle cramping, fatigue and strains if taken before workouts. I sent this with my daughter and her friends to volleyball camp and they sailed through their 7-hour-a -day workouts without much trouble (the year before they were soooo sore!). It also worked great for my neighbor who was getting horrible cramps in his New Trier Lacrosse tryouts!
Glucosamine/Chondroitin/MSM--Various combinations of these can help with the joint problems that so often accompany our activity after a certain age. Glucosamine and chondroitin provide the nutrients for rebuilding joint material. MSM helps with the inflammation that is characteristic of joint pain. If you think inflammation is largely responsible for your joint pain, Zyflammend is also a good choice. It is a blend of herbs known to reduce the kind of inflammation characteristic of joint pain.
Traumeel--This homeopathic combination is great for arthritis, muscle soreness, bruising and sports injuries in general. It comes in liquid or pill form and can also be used topically in the form of a cream or gel. We sell tons of it!
Various homeopathic single remedies--Arnica montana is probably the number one remedy used for inflammation, bruising, and muscle soreness. It can be found in oral form, ointment or gel. Arnica massage oil is also a great way to soothe your sore muscles! Ruta Graveolens is excellent for tendon injuries and has an affinity for the elbow, wrists, and ankles (think tennis elbow!). Symphytum, also known as "bone knit" will speed healing of a broken bone so much that you are cautioned to first make sure the bone is properly set.
Need Inspiration?
Perhaps what you need is help with getting going rather than with the physical side of sports. Here are some suggestions for you:
Chi Running-We just got this interesting CD that is a program for effortless, injury-free running and will help you "run like a kid again". An ultramarathon runner and esteemed coach gives you a step-by-step program for safe, effective and enjoyable running.
Essential oils--If you feel too pooped after workouts, take a sniff of these essential oils to help out (20% off through the end of May):
Rejuvenation--A blend of geranium, clove and lavender that renews, restores and revives for a physical and mental boost
. Stamina--Relieves muscle aches and fatigue and promotes clarity and focus. A blend of rosemary, juniper berry and lavender
.
Morning Motivation--Uplifts, encourages and motivates--a great way to start a workout. A blend of bergamot, rosewood and ylang ylang.
So off to the races! If you get the proper nutrition, take good care of your bumps and bruises when you get them, and get inspiration when you need it you should have an active and injury-free summer!
The Terrific Ten of Aromatherapy
