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Question:
After a heavy workout, my muscles are always quite sore. Is there anything that I can do to aid recovery and reduce soreness?
Answer:
Yes, there are a number of things that may help. During exercise a great deal of metabolic waste products are produced, including lactic acid, ammonia, and lipid peroxides. These waste products contribute greatly to feelings of muscle soreness. Therefore, in an effort to reduce soreness, the focus is on enhancing the elimination and detoxification of these substances.
In addition to replacing lost water and electrolytes, foremost in the attempt to reduce muscle soreness is the use of antioxidant nutrients like vitamins C and E at high dosages. Take 3,000-8,000 mg of vitamin C and 400-800 IU of vitamin E in divided doses daily. This recommendation alone may be all that is needed. In a recent double-blind study, one gram of vitamin C three times daily was shown to reduce after exercise muscle soreness by at least 33% in over half of the subjects.
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