Before answering that question, I suppose it would make more sense to answer the question – Do runners need to use supplements?
The answer to that would probably be different for each athlete. We’re all at different stages of our running journey and we have different goals we want to achieve.
What’s good for the goose isn’t always good for the gander.
Seasoned endurance athletes might consider using supplements to enhance their running performance, helping them to stay on top of their game for longer.
New joggers who have just recently laced up their running shoes for the very first time might not feel the need for supplements – not until they feel the effects of prolonged muscle soreness for the first time.
So, Should You Take Supplements?
Well, consider supplement intake if you feel that your body needs it. If you identify a deficiency in your vitamin intake that you think needs to be addressed, take a supplement.
If you feel like your recovery times are just too long and it’s hurting your running capabilities, take supplements that will help with recovery times.
If you have a tendon or muscle that just doesn’t seem to cope or keep up when you do something physically demanding, take a supplement that will target tendon and ligament health.
You get the point. Running supplements should be taken only when a runner sees the potential benefits that these supplements would deliver.
Carnosine As A Supplement
Carnosine is a dipeptide molecule composed of two amino acids, beta-alanine and histidine, and it is naturally found in various tissues of the body, including muscles. L-carnosine specifically refers to the biologically active form of carnosine.
Many runners will testify to the long-term benefits that carnosine offers.
For example, Carnosine is known for its potential role in buffering acidity in muscles, which can be beneficial for endurance athletes like runners.
During intense physical activity, muscles produce acid as a byproduct of energy metabolism, leading to a decrease in pH and increased acidity. This acidic environment can contribute to muscle fatigue.
Carnosine helps buffer this acidity, potentially delaying the onset of fatigue and allowing runners to maintain performance for longer periods.
One thing about using a supplement like Carnosport sports gel to supplement your carnosine levels is that your body already produces certain levels of carnosine naturally.
This gives you the confidence that you’re taking a supplement that is natural and safe.
Key point: An ideal supplement should complement your body’s inherent needs without causing any adverse effects. In other words, it should not compromise your health. Runners should be able to enhance their intake without sacrificing their well-being.
Carnosine Can Help Professional And Amateur Runners
Carnosine is one of the best supplements for runners, particularly in addressing muscle tissue concerns and providing a performance boost.
Its role in buffering acidity, stemming from lactic acid buildup during intense physical activity, supports recovery and significantly contributes to improved athletic performance.
It’s also one of the best supplements for overall exercise performance, helping runners and athletes in other fields reduce muscle cramps while promoting healthy bones.
During long-distance races, carnosine’s ability to mitigate lactic acid buildup becomes especially valuable.
By reducing the impact of acidic conditions on muscle tissues, it not only helps prevent muscle cramps but also extends the period of muscular strength, providing a notable boost to running performance.
This dual action—supporting recovery and enhancing endurance performance—makes carnosine an essential element for runners striving to optimize their overall training regimen.
Incorporating carnosine into a runner’s supplement routine can contribute to healthier bones, alleviate muscle cramps, and ultimately improve performance.
With its multiple benefits, carnosine stands out as a reliable and effective choice among runners looking to elevate their performance and overall well-being.
Tips Before Taking Supplements
If you’re a runner keen on taking supplements to help with your post-workout routine or even shorten your running recovery times, consider some of the following tips to do it in a healthy, controlled way:
Tip #1 Speak To A Medical Professional
There’s nothing wrong with getting a second opinion, especially if it comes from someone with a medical background. Speak to your doctor and ask his advice; he (or she) will be able to tell you if you need to use supplements and what is needed.
Ask them to do a blood test to help you determine a baseline and start from there. This will give you confidence that you’re headed in the right direction.
Tip #2 Do Your Research
So, you got your test results and your doctor has cleared you of any underlying health concerns that might warrant you not taking a sports supplement. Now what?
Well, consider whether or not the supplement you’re thinking of taking is backed by science and healthy to use.
There are so many anti-doping laws that governing bodies require athletes to adhere to in each country, so make sure that your supplement of choice adheres to even the strict anti-doping laws.
CarnoSport is one such supplement that has always adhered to anti-doping regulations and is developed by a team of scientists, making it completely safe for runners to use.
Tip #3 Find A Diet That Works For You
As mentioned earlier, Carnosine is already prevalent in many food sources, like fish or meat.
So you’ll naturally be taking in unconcentrated levels of carnosine by making sure that foods like beef, pork, chicken, and fish like salmon and tuna are part of your diet.
But keep in mind that the doses of carnosine found in these food groups are relatively low, and thus have very little effect on a runner.
Carnosport sports gel concentrates the dose of carnosine to the specific area where it is applied. For most runners, that would be on their leg muscles.
Find a diet that will complement the supplement of your choice, helping you to get back into your running routine in no time.
Tip #4 Buy Supplements From Reputable Sources Only
You’ll know if a supplement supplier feels questionable.
A questionable supplier could simply be a site on the internet that sells large quantities of pills or powders that have been rebranded or shipped from a faraway land.
The problem with this is often that you just don’t know what you’re getting. There are so many fly-by-night businesses, all looking to make easy money by offering inferior supplements to athletes wanting to up their game.
Work through a company that specializes in one product, a company that is expert in their field and trusted by many professional athletes.
Carnosport is one such company.
They have been working with scientists at Tartu University to develop a sports gel that has been scientifically proven to aid runners in race prep and recovery, helping athletes of all skill levels to up their game.
When Runners Should Avoid Taking Supplements
There are a few situations in which you, as a runner, might want to avoid taking supplements like carnosine. Be cautious if any of the following is true –
You’re Currently Pregnant or Breastfeeding
There’s simply not enough data to conclusively state that carnosine is safe for expectant or breastfeeding women.
In this case, it wouldn’t be wise to adjust your exercise routine and supplement intake. Consult your doctor if you have any doubts.
You Experience Side Effects
True, some supplements have barely noticeable and very minor side effects.
These supplements can be taken with the caution that you keep a close eye on how they make you feel in the long run. Weigh up whether the supplement in question adds enough value to your running career before you decide on taking it again.
CarnoSport Gel has zero side effects. That’s because it’s completely natural. Professional long-distance runners and amateur athletes alike can feel safe about using it.
Your Doctor Advises You Not To
You need someone that tells you to stick it out when training gets difficult. But for all the motivation, you also need that one person who can look at your training objectively.
Your doctor will look at the bigger picture and be able to tell you when you need to take a break from running and when taking supplements is a bad idea.
There might be bigger things at play that you, as an athlete, don’t quite understand, but trust your doctor to make these decisions on your behalf.
You Have An Allergic Reaction
Allergic reactions can be as minor as a light skin rash or as serious as difficulty breathing.
However it is, be sure to identify an allergic reaction to supplements early and adjust as needed. A test by your doctor would probably be able to tell you what exactly you’re allergic to.
Conclusion
Runners tend to peak between the ages of 26 and 35.
And while that sounds like a large gap, it’s a relatively short amount of time to be at the top of your game. And it can be frustrating trying to keep up with a younger or more in-shape athlete.
So consider taking a supplement that will aid you not only in your running but also in your pre-race training and post-race recovery process.
Carnosine is one of the supplements that are completely safe, doping-free, and naturally available to runners of all age groups. CarnoSport has been able to harness the Carnosine and pack it into a compact sports gel that you can take anywhere and use at any time.
Get yourself some Carnogel and keep on running!
