Overview
Although bodybuilding targets improvements in muscle mass, the weight training associated with this sport can significantly affect your joints as well. Because bodybuilding training often involves repetitive motions, joint pain and arthritis are potential risks of the sport. If you suffer from joint pain, you may find that fish oil can help alleviate your symptoms when taken in the correct dosages. Consult a doctor before using any supplements; do not attempt to address any medical conditions on your own.
Fish Oil Explained
As the name suggests, fish oil is derived from fish, particularly fatty fish including salmon, trout and tuna. Fish oil supplements consist entirely of fat, but the type of fat can be healthy, as it contains omega-3 fatty acids. Omega-3 fatty acids are unsaturated and may help you manage your blood pressure and cholesterol levels, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Fish Oil and Joint Pain
If you experience joint pain from bodybuilding, using fish oil may be beneficial. According to research published in the January 2000 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition," consuming 3 g of omega-3 fatty acids each day can help inhibit the inflammation that causes joint pain and arthritis. However, the research indicates that the benefits are not apparent unless you take the supplements for at least 12 weeks.
Other Bodybuilding Benefits
You may find supplementation of fish oil to be beneficial for more than just joint pain. According to research from the March 2006 edition of "The British Journal of Nutrition," consumption of omega-3 fatty acid supplements can increase levels of insulin-like growth hormone 1, a hormone that promotes increases in muscle mass. Additionally, a study from the December 2007 issue of "The American Journal of Clinical Nutrition" found that fish oil supplementation promoted increased fat loss.
Other Joint Solutions
If you don't want to use fish oil or want to use other supplements in conjunction with fish oil, consider S-adenosylmethionine, or SAMe, an amino acid. Research from the February 2004 edition of the journal "BMC Musculoskeletal Disorders" found SAMe to be as effective for alleviating joint pain as a prescription joint medication. Glucosamine may also be beneficial, as a study from the January 2010 issue of "Osteoarthritis and Cartilage" found that supplement to reduce degeneration of joint cartilage, which causes pain. As with fish oil, consult a doctor before using these supplements.
No comments:
Post a Comment