When dietary supplements can help
With the arrival of September, many people resume their exercise routines after the summer holidays. Returning to the gym, group exercise classes, cycling trips or simply daily walks is an excellent opportunity to look after your health. Alongside a balanced diet and appropriate training, certain dietary supplements can be useful in helping us achieve our goals.
It is important to remember that no supplement is a substitute for a healthy diet or regular exercise. Even so, in certain situations they can provide valuable support. Among the most commonly used products today are collagen, creatine and protein.
Collagen: looking after joints and tissues.
Collagen is a protein that occurs naturally in our bodies. It forms part of our cartilage, tendons, ligaments, bones and skin. As we get older, our bodies produce less of it, and this can affect joint health and recovery following physical activity.
A collagen supplement is an option designed for people who exercise regularly or who want to give their joints some extra care. It can be particularly beneficial for high-impact activities, such as running, playing padel or mountain sports.
Consistency is key, as its benefits are usually noticed after several weeks of use, always in combination with exercise and healthy habits.
Creatine: energy for muscular performance
Creatine is probably one of the most scientifically studied sports supplements. It occurs naturally in the muscles and plays a role in the rapid production of energy during intense, short-duration exertion.
A creatine supplement can help improve physical performance in activities that require significant power and explosiveness. For this reason, it is commonly used by people who do strength training, bodybuilding or sports involving high-intensity sets.
Furthermore, there is growing interest in its use amongst adults who wish to maintain muscle mass and physical function as they age.
Protein: supporting muscle recovery.
Proteins are essential nutrients for the maintenance and development of muscle mass. After exercise, the body needs amino acids to repair muscle fibres and promote recovery.
A protein supplement is a practical way of increasing protein intake when requirements rise or when it is not always easy to meet daily requirements through diet alone.
It can be particularly useful for:
• People who train regularly
• Athletes looking to improve recovery
• Older people who want to preserve muscle mass
• People engaged in intense or demanding physical activity
Even so, it is worth remembering that the foundation must continue to be a varied diet with high-quality sources of protein such as fish, lean meat, eggs, pulses and dairy products.
Pharmaceutical advice is always important.
Everyone has different needs depending on their age, state of health, type of sport and the goals they set themselves. Therefore, before starting to take any dietary supplement, it is advisable to seek professional advice.
At the pharmacy, we can help you choose the most suitable product, explain how to use it correctly and answer any questions you may have about sports nutrition.
This September, if you’ve resolved to get back into physical activity, remember that a combination of regular exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient rest and reliable health advice is the best way to look after your health and wellbeing.
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