What is Inflammation and How does it affect the Body?
Inflammation is a defense mechanism in the body. The immune system recognizes damaged cells, irritants, and pathogens, and it begins the healing process.
When something harmful or irritating affects a part of our body, there is a biological response to try to remove it. The signs and symptoms of inflammation can be uncomfortable but are a signs that the body is trying to heal itself.
Inflammation can often persist longer than necessary, causing more harm than benefit. This is when it needs to be treated and prevented. Negative effects can include:
- Pain: The inflamed area is likely to be painful, especially during and after touching. Chemicals that stimulate nerve endings are released, making the area more sensitive.
- Redness: This occurs because the capillaries in the area are filled with more blood than usual.
- Immobility: There may be some loss of function in the region of the inflammation.
- Swelling: This is caused by a buildup of fluid.
- Heat: More blood flows to the affected area, and this makes it feel warm to the touch.
Pre-Empt Injuries derived from Continued Exertion
For all athletes, regardless of ability level or training schedule, injuries can happen. Knowing that, prevention is always the best cure. The following are useful examples of practices that will help you avoid injury and train more effectively.
- Good movement patterns
- Regular mobility work
- Proper active recovery
- Using the correct form at all times
- Quality sleep
- Proper nutrition
It is important to mention the role recovery plays here in regards to pre-empting potential injury. When you are performing at 100%, you are less likely to slip into bad habits in regards to form. Intense physical activity such as CrossFit®, strength training or weightlifting causes significant muscle breakdown, fatigue and DOMS. It is absolutely vital to let your body recover properly, as this intense exertion also has other effects.
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The ideal scenario is to combine an excellent diet, correct supplementation and the right mobility and recovery work. Pre-emptive work is optimal, as this can stop problems before they arise, but if you already experience difficulties with a particular part of your body then additional work will be needed.
How to Ease Lower Back Pain
Lower back pain is a common problem for many Crossfitters and other athletes. Try adding the following stretches into your mobility work in order to combat this ailment.
In order to be the best that you can be, you must recover properly after training and provide your body with the right nutrition and supplements that will help replenish and strengthen the nutrients it needs to stay healthy and strong. In combination with exercises such as these, Omega, Collagen and Curcumin supplements have been shown to enable a faster recovery, protect your body from potential injuries and train harder and more effectively for longer.
Furnish your Body to Fight Fatigue, Inflammation & Reduce Pain
Some of the most widely known Omega 3 benefits are related to how they help maintain a healthy heart, vision and brain function. Yet, more benefits are being associated with Omegas, especially with diets high in EPA Omega 3, which can help reduce muscle fatigue & inflammation, while aiding lowering triglycerides and overall cholesterol levels*
The ability of Omega 3 to strengthen the body’s response against inflammation, may enhance the endurance of overused muscles*, helping diminish lingering post work-out tenderness and speeding up recovery time*. Quicker recovery times mean you can train at 100% much more frequently. This raises the overall quality of every session, allowing you to train harder and more often.
Boost your Body’s Inflammatory Response, Naturally*
Curcumins (the active ingredients responsible for all the benefits Turmeric is known for) help boost your body’s inflammatory response to soothe joints and increase flexibility. For example, if your knees are taking a toll from running, try the Curcumin Complex, an inflammation aid formula with 2 of the most powerful anti-inflammatory ingredients nature has to offer, to relieve joint pain and improve mobility*.
Collagen, the protein that nourishes you from the inside-out
Collagen is the most abundant protein in our body, accounting for one-third of total proteins. It’s a critical component and provides the foundation to ensure the health and function of the connective tissue in tendons, muscles and cartilage among others. Unfortunately, by our mid 20s, the body’s ability to produce supporting amounts starts to decline. In addition, intense exertion, further depletes Collagen supply even further.
Collagen Peptides are a highly digestible protein achieved through the enzymatic treatment of collagen rich materials, from grass fed bovine hide. They are essential to restore and replenish what your body needs to protect cartilage and muscle, while boosting skin and hair vitality. Collagen can aid your recovery process and ensure your body stays healthy and strong*.