Nutritional Compounds to Improve Post-Exercise Recovery

Abstract

The metabolic and mechanical stresses associated with muscle-fatiguing exercise result in perturbations to bodily tissues that lead to exercise-induced muscle damage (EIMD), a state of fatigue involving oxidative stress and inflammation that is accompanied by muscle weakness, pain and a reduced ability to perform subsequent training sessions or competitions. This review collates evidence from previous research on a wide range of nutritional compounds that have the potential to speed up post-exercise recovery. We show that of the numerous compounds investigated thus far, only two—tart cherry and omega-3 fatty acids—are supported by substantial research evidence. Further studies are required to clarify the potential effects of other compounds presented here, many of which have been used since ancient times to treat conditions associated with inflammation and disease.

Effectiveness of an ERAS-based exercise-nutrition management model in enhancing postoperative recovery for thoracoscopic radical resection of lung cancer: A randomized controlled trial

“…Not only can it improve overall health, but it can also reduce the risk of chronic diseases by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. [4,5] Firstly, our study found that patients managed under the ERAS protocol had significantly shorter times to first postoperative bowel movement, first time out of bed, thoracic drainage tube retention, and length of postoperative hospital stay, as well as lower VAS scores on the 2nd and 3rd postoperative days compared to the control group. This is consistent with the findings of D'Andrilli et al, who reported that ERAS-based nursing management could effectively shorten the postoperative hospital stay and alleviate pain for patients undergoing thoracoscopic lobectomy.…”

“…[ 2 , 3 ] Moreover, regular physical training not only improves overall health and enhances cardiovascular function and insulin sensitivity but also reduces the risk of chronic diseases by decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress. [ 4 , 5 ]…”

Isotonic Drinks Based on Organic Grape Juice and Naturally Flavored with Herb and Spice Extracts

“…Herbal supplements have long been used to treat problems related to stress, inflammation, and sleep, but their effects on post-exercise recovery have not been measured directly. However, the results of studies and investigations at the cellular level have suggested that some of these compounds have the potential to improve post-exercise recovery [62]. In addition to their positive health effects, it is important to note that hop, tea, and mint extracts provide an interesting natural organoleptic profile for elaborated beverages, mainly when they are incorporated with grape juice and lemon juice.…”

Effect of HMB-FA Supplementation on Physiological Recovery Markers in Elite Wrestlers: A Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Study

“…An outside member naive to the nature of this study prepackaged each serving of the assigned supplement in coded bottles, and this person who was not related to the research team was assigned to deliver the supplements to subjects to ensure a double-blind design. The coding information was sealed in an envelope and opened once data collection was complete (7,14,24).…”