Muscle comfort supplements supply natural compounds that help to soothe the occasional inflammation and aches associated with tension, strain and overuse.** They can also:
- Maintain muscle health & flexibility.**
- Promote muscle contraction & relaxation.**
- Soothe sore muscles after overexertion.**
What are Muscle Comfort Products?
The human body has more than 600 muscles. Smooth or involuntary muscles don’t require conscious control. These include the heart, the diaphragm that powers respiration, and muscles around the digestive tract. Voluntary or skeletal muscles are connected with the skeletal system and with each other through tendons and ligaments. These muscles are consciously controlled to enable movement. It is here in the skeletal muscle system that strain, overexertion, injury, stress or tension may lead to frustrating muscle aches that may be addressed with muscle comfort supplements.**
During or after an intense workout, muscles often feel sore. Muscle discomfort during exercise is caused by a buildup of lactic acid within the muscles, a temporary issue caused by lack of sufficient oxygen and a rapid change in pH levels. Discomfort after workouts is known as “delayed onset muscle soreness” or DOMS. Generally, aches and soreness start about 24 hours after exercise and may last up to eight days.**
Muscle strain – sometimes called a sprained or pulled muscle – occurs when muscles are stretched or torn during intense exercise, from incorrect lifting techniques or any time more tension is applied to a muscle than it can bear. Strains may be minor, causing discomfort that lasts just a few days, or severe enough to cause bleeding. In cases of significant strain, muscles may separate, causing what is known as a rupture.**
Other muscle discomfort may stem from signals sent from the brain through the central nervous system. Normally, voluntary muscles contract when neurons send signals that cause muscle cells to release calcium ions. These ions stimulate muscle proteins to move, causing the muscle to contract and allowing movement. When signals don’t function properly, muscles can spasm and contract uncontrollably, causing discomfort. Spasms may be caused by tension, overuse, injury, dehydration, metabolic disorders, damaged nerve pathways, nocturnal leg cramps and restless leg syndrome.**
Some of the most popular muscle comfort supplements for addressing these issues:
- L-Carnitine: L-carnitine is an amino acid found in cells throughout the body, with especially high concentrations in voluntary muscles and the heart. Research indicates that L-carnitine promotes muscle performance in athletics and accelerates the recovery process after exercise and exertion.**
- Magnesium: The mineral magnesium is an essential nutrient that plays a significant role in many bodily functions and is needed for 200+ enzymatic reactions in the body. Magnesium promotes muscle relaxation, calms muscle spasms, reduces the effects of restless leg syndrome and regulates muscle contractions.**
- Potassium: Potassium, a mineral essential nutrient, regulates muscle contractions and optimizes nervous system functions. Research suggests that potassium may help to ease leg cramps that occur at night.**
- 5-HTP: The body makes 5-hydroxytryptophan or 5-HTP from the amino acid tryptophan. 5-HTP helps regulate the body’s levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that supports a healthy mood and supplies soothing body comfort to achy muscles.**
- Arnica: Also known as wolf’s bane, arnica has long been prized in Europe for its inflammation-modulating and analgesic qualities. Traditional folk medicine uses the flowers, stems and roots of the plant to reduce swelling, boost circulation and relieve discomfort related to muscle sprains and overuse.**
- Lemon Balm: Sometimes known as Melissa, Lemon Balm has been used as a calming and healing botanical for thousands of years. European folk traditions use the herb to soothe away aches, reduce discomfort and speed wound healing. Studies show that lemon balm supplies eugenol, a naturally compound that reduces muscle spasms.**
- Creatine: The body uses this amino acid to produce the energy used by and stored in muscles, leading to its popularity as a sports nutrition supplement. Studies suggest that creatine boosts athletic performance and helps to maintain strong, healthy musculature.**
Muscle Comfort Products
Muscle comfort supplements are frequently available in capsule, tablet, powder and tincture forms. Some may also be available in creams, lotions or gels for topical use.**
Muscle Comfort Products Directions for Use
Muscle supplement products supply variable amounts of active components, so there is no set dosage. Always consult with a healthcare provider before starting supplementation.**
