In this last month of spring, many of us are excited about sunnier days to enjoy the outdoors, but sometimes we are feeling out of shape, or we are cringing about the sore and achy joints and muscles after exertion.
Well, there are strategies we can utilize to make our outdoor activities more enjoyable all around.
Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)
If you have not moved around for a bit, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a supplement that can enhance our outdoor adventures with better physical performance, especially after being sedentary for a long period of time. CoQ10 possesses powerful antioxidant activity that supports aerobic metabolism, improving athletic performance. CoQ10 is a macronutrient that is essential in the production of ATP (adenosine triphosphate), which is our energy currency. That is whyCoQ10 can aid in the production of ATP, more energy, and ultimately better performance. However, there is another aspect of CoQ10, and that is if consumed after exercise, it helps with recovery, diminishing sore muscles. I think most of us are aware of that achiness we experienceafter overdoing it. It is believed that lactic acid develops during exercise, which is part of anaerobic metabolism, when ATP is depleted. So, CoQ10 can be used for performance, but also as a protective and recuperative supplement.
Curcumin
Many of you have possibly heard of turmeric. It is often the yellow coloring you find in Thai and Indian food. There are several beneficial active compounds, but one type of valuable compounding turmeric is curcuminoid. Curcuminoids are major components in turmeric responsible for various biological actions. One of the well-known curcuminoids is curcumin. Curcumin makes up about 3-6% of turmeric. Curcumin is a yellowish polyphenol with potent antioxidant activitythat modulates the immune system. Due to these properties, curcumin can support exercise performance, including exercise recovery.
Another benefit of curcumin is its support for joints, allowing graceful movement. As we age, often our joints are not working as well as they used to, particularly due to overuse. There is research indicating that curcumin can modulate our immune system to allow our joints to support movement and flexibility.
You can imagine that by combining these two formidable supplements, you will have a formula that will allow you to fully enjoy your physical excursions and give you the comfort that you will not later regret your outdoor adventures.