[By Stephen Eddey, Principal of Health Schools Australia QLD and qualified Nutritionist and Naturopath]
Struggling to recover between workouts? Check your COQ10 levels
For many years now, research has been stressing the importance of daily exercise to achieve optimal health, with at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day recommended by The Australian Department of Health. With this in mind, it is vital to understand the limits of our body so that we know how to work out effectively and recover efficiently.
As we burn energy with physical activity, our body releases free radicals that have the potential to interfere with the normal functioning of our body. Studies have shown that increased production of free radicals in the body may accelerate health conditions by interfering with the normal functioning of body tissues. Therefore, it is important to look after your body during (and in between) exercise for optimal health.
Often we compensate a lack of exercise one day and over-exert ourselves on another, which may result in the depletion of a key antioxidant found naturally in the body, Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10). CoQ10 is responsible for supporting energy production in the cells of the body, including the heart and muscles, thus sustaining optimal energy levels.
When exercising on a regular basis, it is important to avoid putting too much prolonged physical stress on the body that may lead to excess fatigue. Excess fatigue may cause depletion in the essential CoQ10 levels in the body, specifically Ubiquinol, the active form of CoQ10. Studies have shown that depletion of Ubiquinol may reduce energy production in the body, as well as reducing antioxidant activity essential for optimal health. Antioxidant power is important for enhancing your defence against oxidative stress, which has been shown to be associated with symptoms of ageing. Consequently, this may affect your ability to workout to your potential, recover after exercise, think clearly and maintain the general pace of life. Your healthcare practitioner may suggest supplementing your levels of Ubiquinol.
In a recent clinical trial involving 100 young and healthy German athletes, those who received Ubiquinol supplementation showed improved physical performance. The study also suggested that the results were likely to be broader and Ubiquinol could have benefits for ‘older athletes’ and ‘weekend warriors’, meaning that supplemented Ubiquinol may improve the physical output in anyone from casual gym goers and amateur athletes to competitive sportspeople.
Whilst the need to restore Ubiquinol has long been established, the ability to achieve sufficient levels through consumption of foods containing Ubiquinol, such as red meat, chicken, spinach and peanuts, is not likely achievable without eating these food in excess.
Scientists have revealed a stabilised and readily absorbable form of Ubiquinol that has been clinically proven to help restore energy while providing essential antioxidant support that helps combat free radicals, helping your body to repair and restore optimal health.
Most importantly, look after the physical condition of your body. Try and meet the daily recommendations for physical activity, but also ensure you are recovering between workouts to get the most out of your exercise.
For more information visit www.kanekaqh.info
If you’re thinking of using supplements always use a reputable supplier such like here based in New Zealand.
Consult your healthcare practitioner on strategies for your health.
About Stephen Eddey
Stephen Eddey is a qualified Nutritionist and Naturopath and is the Principal of Australia’s longest established natural medicine college, Health Schools Australia. He has completed a Bachelor of Complementary Medicine as well as a Masters in Health Science.
REFERENCES
Australian Government Department of Health. 2014. Australia’s Physical Activity and Sedentary Behaviour Guidelines. [ONLINE] Available at http://www.health.gov.au/internet/main/publishing.nsf/content/health-pubhlth-strateg-phys-act-guidelines#apaadult.
Liou S. 2001. About Free Radical Damage. [ONLINE] Available at http://www.stanford.edu/group/hopes/cgi-bin/wordpress/2011/06/about-free-radical-damage/.
