Boost Muscle Recovery for Healthy Aging
Stronger muscles are critical for heathy aging.
They increase our balance, reducing falls and fractures. And healthy muscles are vital for maintaining an independent life as you make your way through your senior years.
But did you know that in order to build muscle, you have to tear it down first?
That’s what strength training does. It’s your body’s repair process that adds mass and strength to your muscles.
Sometimes, this repair process needs an extra boost. That’s were “man root,” a potent herb used for centuries in traditional Chinese medicine, comes in.
Ginseng, which goes by the nickname “man root,” is a popular herb that’s been used for years for things like building immunity, improving focus, and reducing inflammation.
Now, scientists are recognizing it for its impressive post-workout benefits.
A review of over 700 studies revealed that ginseng can…
- Reduce post-exercise muscle damage
- Improve muscle regeneration
- Help recovery from muscle fatigue and damage
This is due in part to ginseng’s ability to help dial down two of the compounds responsible for causing exercise-induced muscle damage and inflammation (creatine kinase and IL-6).
Ginseng also reduces lactate in the blood, which is a main cause of muscle fatigue.
And let’s face it, you don’t have to be power lifting 100-pound weights or running marathons to feel the ache of a good workout.
Heck, an afternoon spent wrestling with the grandkids or prepping the garden for spring can leave you feeling the burn for days.
Ginseng can speed up muscle recovery which not only helps you feel better faster but also helps reduce the risk of injury and improves performance.
I call that a win-win.
P.S. Top three nutrients to fight age-related muscle loss.
SOURCE:
Muñoz-Castellanos, B.; Martínez-López, P.; Bailón-Moreno, R.; Esquius, L. Effect of Ginseng Intake on Muscle Damage Induced by Exercise in Healthy Adults. Nutrients 2024, 16, 90, doi. org /10.3390 /nu16010090
