Maintaining a strong immune system is crucial for BJJ practitioners to avoid getting sick and missing valuable training sessions. While a healthy diet and lifestyle are important for immune function, certain supplements may also provide a boost. Here are some supplements that may help support immune function specifically for BJJ practitioners:
- Astagalus: This herb has been used in traditional Chinese medicine to boost immune function and may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections. BJJ practitioners are often exposed to a variety of bacteria and viruses on the mats, making astagalus a helpful supplement to add to their routine.
- Curcumin with Black Pepper: Curcumin is the active ingredient in turmeric and has been shown to have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Adding black pepper, which contains a compound called piperine, can enhance the absorption of curcumin and increase its effectiveness in supporting immune function. BJJ can be tough on the body, and curcumin can help reduce inflammation and soreness after intense training sessions.
- Echinacea: This herb has been traditionally used to support immune function and may help reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. BJJ practitioners who train frequently are at a higher risk of getting sick, making echinacea a helpful supplement to add to their routine during cold and flu season.
- Elderberry: This fruit has been shown to have immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the severity and duration of cold and flu symptoms. For BJJ practitioners who can’t afford to take time off from training, elderberry can be a helpful supplement to reduce the impact of cold and flu symptoms.
- Garlic: This herb has antimicrobial and immune-boosting properties and may help prevent and reduce the severity of cold and flu symptoms. BJJ practitioners can benefit from the immune-boosting effects of garlic, especially when training in close proximity to others on the mats.
- Ginger: This root has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help reduce inflammation and support immune function. BJJ practitioners can benefit from the anti-inflammatory effects of ginger, especially when dealing with sore muscles and joints after training.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids: These essential fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may help improve immune function. BJJ can be tough on the body, and omega-3 fatty acids can help reduce inflammation and soreness after intense training sessions.
- Probiotics: These supplements contain beneficial bacteria that can help support a healthy gut microbiome, which is important for immune function. In addition, probiotics may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections, making them a helpful supplement for BJJ practitioners who are often in close contact with others on the mats.
- Vitamin C: This antioxidant vitamin is known for its immune-boosting properties and may help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. BJJ practitioners can benefit from the immune-boosting effects of vitamin C, especially during cold and flu season.
- Vitamin D: This vitamin plays an important role in immune function and may help reduce the risk of respiratory infections. BJJ practitioners who train indoors or live in areas with limited sunlight exposure may benefit from supplementing with vitamin D.
- Vitamin E: This antioxidant vitamin may help boost immune function and reduce inflammation, making it a helpful supplement for BJJ practitioners dealing with sore muscles and joints after training.
- Zinc: This mineral is important for immune function and may help reduce the duration and severity of cold and flu symptoms. BJJ practitioners can benefit from the immune-boosting effects of zinc, especially during cold and flu season.
While these supplements may help support immune function, it’s important to remember that they should not be used as a substitute for a healthy diet and lifestyle. Additionally, it’s always best to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new supplement regimen, especially
