Being an athlete means facing form-related issues. From finding the right food to stay healthy and energetic to managing sports-related problems, a lot of troubles work against their fitness.
Simple techniques and Ayurveda ensure that the athletes remain in optimal health. Know what problems athletes face during training or competition, Ayurvedic tips for good health and Patanjali products that can help.
Problems faced by athletes during training/competition
The major problems that athletes face during training or competition are physical injuries, ranging from muscle tears or sprains, bruises and fractures to acute fatigue, stress and dietary problems such as eating disorders or strict dieting.
Mental stressors include high rates of sadness or disappointment due to performance pressure, burnout at physical and mental levels, and anxiety related to expectations, resulting in physical and mental stress.
Ayurveda refers to physical and mental health issues arising from dosha imbalance and deficiency in ojas or vital energy. Vata dosha imbalance leads to joint and muscle pain, mental disruption, injuries, fatigue, many common injuries and much more.
Imbalance of Kapha dosha leads to fatigue, mental heaviness and slow recovery. Imbalance of Pitta dosha results in pain, hot flashes, burning sensation, digestive problems and skin rashes. Poor digestion results in toxin accumulation. Energy levels decrease and emotional issues like stress increase.
With the help of Ayurveda these issues can be dealt with harmoniously. Here are simple methods that help maintain best health in sports.
4 Ayurvedic tips for good health in sports
Exercise: It is important for athletes to train only at 50% of their capacity or until they sweat slightly to ensure that burnout does not occur. Exercise between 6 am and 10 am for healthy strength and stamina. Yoga and breathing exercises like pranayam manage the body's flexibility and oxygen intake.
Diet:Whole diet promotes energy levels, health and recovery. For energy and stamina, choose things like dates, raisins, walnuts, almonds and coconut water. Include pulses and dairy products like ghee and milk to strengthen and repair muscles. Eat root vegetables for Vata dosha, cold things for Pitta dosha and mild but spicy food for Kapha dosha.
herbs and spices: Asparagus enhances muscle growth and strength, and improves energy. Ashwagandha helps in improving stamina and muscle strength as well as reducing stress. Giloy also increases stamina, hormones and muscle development. Brahmi reduces mental fatigue and improves focus. Shilajit is great for energy, stamina and strength. Gokshura also works for hormones and muscle development. Turmeric has anti-inflammatory properties and thus, it helps in reducing stress, pain and helps in faster recovery. Tulsi helps manage respiratory health, while ginger, with anti-inflammatory properties, improves metabolism. Cinnamon controls blood sugar levels.
Treatment: Simple healing treatments allow the body to naturally heal and rest. Abhyanga massage or oil massage helps relieve fatigue and increases blood circulation and suppleness. Use oils like sesame oil for joints and flexibility. Panchakarma or detoxification removes toxins and reduces inflammation. Nasya works to promote respiratory health.
Patanjali offers great Ayurvedic options for athletes. Patanjali Nutrela Sports Whey Performance (Malai-Kulfi) (1 kg and 2 kg) and Patanjali Nutrela Sports Whey Performance (French Vanilla) (1 Kg and 2 Kg) contains high amount of protein, and works for bodybuilders and fitness fanatics for faster muscle recovery, improving stamina and reducing fatigue and cramps.
or choose Golden Shilajit Capsules (8 grams) to boost energy levels and stamina, immunity and enhance performance. It helps build muscle, helps absorb nutrients better and has anti-inflammatory properties. It includes herbs like Gokhru, Ashwagandha, Safed Musli, Nutmeg, Giloy, Fenugreek, Shilajit, Black Pepper and Sona.
Patanjali Nutrela Organic Omega 3, 6, 7, 9 (45 grams) Manages heart health and reduces inflammation. It contains organic flaxseed oil and herbs like sea buckthorn oil. Patanjali Dates (Medjool) (500 g) is low in the glycemic index, and good for the heart and people with diabetes.
Making a career in sports or taking up any sport works well if you follow simple Ayurvedic tips and incorporate Patanjali products to boost your journey.