For decades we have focused on what to eat. In the last couple of years we’ve started to focus more on when to eat. This concept is known as Nutrient Timing; and the most important nutritional window, for us who train, is postworkout.
Now, a carbohydrate and protein supplement taken immediately after a workout will stimulate both glycogen replenishment and protein synthesis. It also stimulates insulin release which in turn increases the muscle blood flow, thus eliminating metabolic wastes at a doubled rate. These are the first steps to cover with your postworkout nutrition. However, there is another step to consider.

Heavy training also causes a suppressed immune system and a huge buildup of free-radicals. This often leads to upper respiratory infections during periods of hard training. Researchers refer to this as the “open window” theory, which means that after hard exercise bouts the immune system is temporarily compromised for three to seventy-two hours.
However, several studies has shown that a carbohydrate and protein supplement taken immediately after the training session will help the immune system to fight infection. This postworkout supplement can be further enhanced by adding powerful antioxidants like vitamins E and C. These antioxidants fight free-radicals which suppress the immune system and also are linked to aging and many diseases.

I recommend a minimum of 80-120 mg vitamin C and 80-400 IU vitamin E taken with your postworkout supplement.

If you often suffer from colds and infections, give this formula a try!

You can read more about postworkout nutrition in my Workout drinks article and in my Carbs, Glycogen and Performance article.