Free Radicals, exercise, oxidative stress, antioxidants, alkaline ionized water, vitamin supplements, antioxidant supplements

Working out actually increases the amount of oxygen we utilize by ten to twenty times. This can also lead to the problem of free radical generation in the body which leads to increased muscular and tissue damage. So, how should athletes defend themselves against this free radical damage when their job is to workout on a regular basis? Should they be taking extra antioxidants as a preventive measure?

Free radicals in the body cannot directly be measured. In this case, scientists have measured the byproducts of free radical reactions and damage in the body to figure out the amount of free radicals present in the body. Such measurements are performed on athletes to find out free radicals in their body.

Experimental studies have concluded that working out on a regular basis actually enhances the antioxidant defense system and can protect the body against free radical damage. Moreover, this change occurs slowly and gradually as our body adapts to the workout regime.

When a person has not worked out in a long while and is untrained, an intense bout of exercise can cause increased free radical damage. Those people who are weekend warriors and basically workout on weekends may in reality be subjecting their body to more harm than good. Of course, when you work out and have a good diet and exercise regime, your body becomes better equipped to protect itself from free radical damage.

Antioxidant Supplements and Working Out:

How can antioxidant supplements help in preventing free radical damage or enhance recovery after a workout session? It is not yet clear whether antioxidant supplementation can help recovery or prevent free radical damage that has occurred during exercise. However, data suggests that when a person increases the amount of Vitamin E intake, it can help prevent oxidative damage occurred due to exercise. Nonetheless, the amount of vitamin E to be taken in is still not known. Other than that, data on other antioxidants is not yet present to clarify what other supplementations can help during and after workout sessions.

How much supplementation should be done?

The amount of supplementation is not yet known. There is data that suggests large amounts of antioxidant supplementation could potentially be harmful and toxic. Our body is tuned to fight against a variety of problems, however; increased amounts of chemicals could be dangerous to the body and may cause an imbalance.

Recommendations for Diet and Exercise:

Regular workouts are recommended. The person should have an intake of 5 servings of fruits and vegetables daily in order to ensure that the body has ample antioxidants to fight against free radical damage. Weekend warriors should focus on becoming regular in their workouts.

Drinking Alkaline Ionized Water:

Alkaline ionized water should be consumed on a regular basis. A water ionizer can be easily attached to the kitchen tap. It electrically charges the tap water to make it alkaline. This helps in neutralizing the amount of acidity in the body and prevents problems associated with lactic acid released during a workout session. Alkaline ionized water works as an antioxidant and also helps release toxins and free radicals from the body. When our body is fighting against free radicals and oxidative damage, alkaline ionized water helps in a big way as it flushes out free radicals. When our diet is rich in fruits, vegetables and alkaline ionized water, we can prevent our body from being damaged through free radicals.