Too Tired to Exercise? Maybe your allergies are bothering you so you are lacking oxygen reserve? Or do your joints ache and you just overall fatigued? Your answer could be found in apples and onions!
A study in Sports Nutrition and Exercise Metabolism showed that athletes who supplemented with quercetin, a bioflavonoid found in various foods and herbs, had less fatigue and more oxygen capacity during workouts.
When I read this study, the mechanism of querectin down-regulating histamine, an inflammatory mediator, came to mind. Studies have shown that histamine is not just responsible for that pesky runny nose and cold-like symptoms, but also inflammation. If your body is inflamed, your joints and muscles are not primed for optimal movement.
When researching my theory, I found a study in the Journal of Applied Physiology. It showed that high histamine levels decrease exercise performance by lowering oxygen capacity.
Why this sudden addictive interest for me and histamine? I have recently been studying mood and neurotransmitter balance. This application in my practice has been profound and I am very encouraged by it.
Histamine is a neurotransmitter which can cross the blood brain barrier and effect mood and focus. The Clinical Experimental Allergy journal demonstrated this fact when they found that anti-histamines which cross the blood brain barrier negatively effect alertness and focus.
So, eat your onions and apples, and consider toning down inflammation by addressing the root cause of it (immune, hormonal, nutritional, gastrointestinal?–best to ask your doc). This will not only better your peak exercise performance but effect your overall health and mind-set!
And…while your exercising remember this: a comprehensive approach that includes weight bearing exercise, stretching, and cardiovascular training is best. The old concept of hours at the gym has literally been bagged and replaced with quality over quantity. Weight lifting for one set are just as effective as pushing yourself to the limit, and burst training burns more calories and increases fat loss. (See Mercola’s article for more information and my previous blogs on exercise).
