Taking specific nutrients can promote health, but is not a substitute for taking medication or the advice of your doctor.
Tendinitis, sprains, fractures, dislocations and muscle tears are common in athletes and amateur sportsmen alike. After a sports injury, there are many points to consider in order to recover as well as possible. To do this, appropriate and supervised rehabilitation exercises are necessary, but good nutrition is also essential and psychological support is often welcome. Read more about the biology and healing of different sports injuries. In terms of nutrition, certain nutrients can help healing :
Appropriate nutrition to support specific healing needs
Nutritional status is essential for proper wound healing. An adequate amount of carbohydrates provides the energy needed for healing, but the decrease in energy expended when at rest must be taken into account to avoid weight gain. Fatty acids, particularly omega-3, play an anti-inflammatory role, are involved in healing and maintain cell integrity, so their consumption is recommended. Proteins and amino acids help maintain muscle mass and the proper functioning of tissues. Nevertheless, the quality of the proteins must be a point of attention and the consumption of leucine and HMB is recommended to increase the synthesis of muscular proteins, as a good musculature allows the joints to be well stabilised.23,24 HMB is particularly effective in limiting muscle wasting, useful especially for people who are bedridden or have poor mobility.25
There are also specific nutrients that allow a better recovery :
The intake of certain elements that make up our tissues can help promote the repair of an injury. Collagen is the protein par excellence that is used for all healing processes. When taken orally, collagen peptides will disperse throughout the body and concentrate in the affected area, accelerating the healing process: they will stimulate the cells of the affected tissue and can be integrated into the formation of new collagen proteins.26,27 Collagen and glycosaminoglycans (chondroitin and glucosamine) are the basic components of the joint (cartilage, tendons, ligaments) and their consuption strengthens the structure of the joint and improves its mobility. Similarly, hyaluronic acid allows the hydration of the tissues, promoting their normal functioning.
In addition, antioxidants such as rosehip, edelweiss, MSM… help limit the damage of oxidative stress and inflammation on the tissues. Vitamins and minerals are also essential for the proper functioning of our tissues, especially in the repair phase, as they stimulate various physiological processes.
To find out more about the biology and healing of different sports injuries…
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Indications :
Food supplements should not be used as a substitute for a varied diet. The recommended daily allowance should not be exceeded. In general, food supplements are not suitable for pregnant and nursing women, children and adolescents. Keep out of reach of children.