By Wayne Hansen, D.C. — What are some other options if you don’t want to take ibuprofen for post ride soreness and inflammation? In a recent article in the Journal of Sports Science Medicine they showed that omega-3 supplementation decreases soreness, as a marker of inflammation, after eccentric exercise. The authors said “Based on these findings, omega-3 supplementation could provide benefits by minimizing post-exercise soreness and thereby facilitate exercise training in individuals ranging from athletes undergoing heavy conditioning to sedentary subjects or patients who are starting exercise programs or medical treatments such as physical therapy or cardiac rehabilitation.”
How much should you take: For strenuous exercise it is recommended you take 3000mg a day of omega-3 fatty acid.
Make sure you take a good quality fish oil. Kirkland brand from Costco is a good, high quality brand. Talk to you physician or pharmacist before starting any new supplementation.
Reference: Jouris, K. et al., The Effect of Omega-3 Fatty Acid Supplementation on the Inflammatory Response to eccentric strength exercise, Journal of Sports Science and Medicine (2011) 10, 432 – 438, http://www.jssm.org/vol10/n3/2/v10n3-2text.php
