What Supplements Are Right For Me As Jiu Jitsu Practitioner?

Ideas on a few supplements for the Jiu Jitsu athlete…

We often discuss how Jiu Jitsu permeates every component of our lives. It becomes the reason to run, lift weights or do yoga the days we can’t possibly make it to the gym. It becomes the reason to pay more attention to our diet. It becomes the reason to get quality sleep. The list goes on and on.

Another way Jiu Jitsu has impacted my life is with supplements. Before I started training, my knowledge of supplements was limited. The only two that I could name was Fred Flintstone vitamins and Centrum Silver. Since I have been training, supplements have become a necessity. At the gym, with everyone there trying to choke and dismember me, it is in my best interest to avoid injury. Even beyond that, it is only natural to seek to minimize the wear and tear to my body. At home, I want to live a pain free existence. I do not want to be walking around like a 90 year old man.

Krill Oil is a great supplement.  If you are on a budget, like me, fish oil can be a good substitute. Web MD describes Krill Oil as the following, “Krill oil is oil from a tiny, shrimp-like animal. Baleen whales, mantas, and whale sharks eat primarily krill. In Norwegian, the word "krill" means "whale food." People extract the oil from krill, place it in capsules, and use it for medicine. Some brand name krill oil products indicate that they use Antarctic krill. This usually refers to the species of krill called Euphausia superba. Krill oil is most commonly used for heart disease, high levels of certain blood fats (triglycerides), and high cholesterol, but there is limited scientific research to support these uses. How does it work? Krill oil contains fatty acids similar to fish oil. These fats are thought to be beneficial fats that decrease swelling, lower cholesterol, and make blood platelets less sticky. When blood platelets are less sticky they are less likely to form clots. “ Among the many benefits touted for Krill Oil is the reduction of pain and stiffness. For a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, the need for this should be obvious.

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Turmeric is another great supplement for Jiu Jitsu practitioners.  WebMD describes Turmeric, “ is used for arthritis, heartburn (dyspepsia), joint pain, stomach pain, Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis, bypass surgery, hemorrhage, diarrhea, intestinal gas, stomach bloating, loss of appetite, jaundice, liver problems, Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) infection, stomach ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome (IBS), gallbladder disorders, high cholesterol, a skin condition called lichen planus, skin inflammation from radiation treatment, and fatigue. It is also used for headaches, bronchitis, colds, lung infections, hay fever, fibromyalgia, leprosy, fever, menstrual problems, itchy skin, recovery after surgery, and cancers. Other uses include depression,  Alzheimer's disease, swelling in the middle layer of the eye (anterior uveitis), diabetes, water retention, worms, an autoimmune disease called systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), tuberculosis, urinary bladder inflammation, and kidney problems. Some people apply turmeric to the skin for pain, ringworm, sprains and swellings, bruising, leech bites, eye infections, acne, inflammatory skin conditions and skin sores, soreness inside of the mouth, infected wounds, and gum disease.” For a Jiu Jitsu practitioner, help with joint pain, headaches, skin inflammation, and other forms of pain are extremely beneficial.

A third supplement that may be beneficial for the Jiu Jitsu practitioner is glucosamine and chondroitin. Spine-health.com touts the following regarding glucosamine and chondroitin,   “Perhaps the most important aspect of glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate supplements is that they are thought to help slow or prevent the degeneration of joint cartilage, the underlying cause of osteoarthritis pain. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate dietary supplements may also help alleviate existing joint pain.” WebMD was not as confident in the benefits of the supplement.

This is certainly not a definitive list of all supplements that could be beneficial to a Jiu Jitsu practitioner. As always, I am not a medical professional. Talk to your doctor about any change in diet, supplements or exercise.

I am interested to hear what is your favorite supplement for Jiu Jitsu and why?

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