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Reduce cortisol -- try Asorbic acid
by Edmund R. Burke, Ph.D.
A study of Junior National Team weightlifters showed that daily ingestion of 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) had a significant impact on lowering one's body cortisol levels after hard training. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups equated for body weight and weightlifting totals lifted during training. One group received the ascorbic acid each day for 14 days while the other group received a placebo.
The weightlifters participated in a competitive, high volume, high intensity training program. Both groups lifted at the same intensity and had equal lifting volume of training for the 14 days. Cortisol was lower at one hour and statistically significantly lower at 24 hours post exercise in the ascorbic acid supplemented group. Lower cortisol levels are important since excessive cortisol has be shown to have a detrimental inflammatory effect on muscle cells and suppresses the body's immune system.
Dosage Guidelines: 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) taken on a daily basis will have a positive effect upon improved muscle health and recovery.
Reference:
Joseph Marsit, et. al. Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Serum Cortisol and the Testosterone: Cortisol Ratio in Junior Elite Weightlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 12: 179-184, 1998.
by Edmund R. Burke, Ph.D.
A study of Junior National Team weightlifters showed that daily ingestion of 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) had a significant impact on lowering one's body cortisol levels after hard training. Subjects were assigned to one of two groups equated for body weight and weightlifting totals lifted during training. One group received the ascorbic acid each day for 14 days while the other group received a placebo.
The weightlifters participated in a competitive, high volume, high intensity training program. Both groups lifted at the same intensity and had equal lifting volume of training for the 14 days. Cortisol was lower at one hour and statistically significantly lower at 24 hours post exercise in the ascorbic acid supplemented group. Lower cortisol levels are important since excessive cortisol has be shown to have a detrimental inflammatory effect on muscle cells and suppresses the body's immune system.
Dosage Guidelines: 1,000 mg of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) taken on a daily basis will have a positive effect upon improved muscle health and recovery.
Reference:
Joseph Marsit, et. al. Effects of Ascorbic Acid on Serum Cortisol and the Testosterone: Cortisol Ratio in Junior Elite Weightlifters. Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research. 12: 179-184, 1998.
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