Q: How much vitamin C is healthy and do active exercisers
need more?
A.: The recommended daily allowance (RDA) is 60 mg. a day,
but more is better. Exercise doesn't increase your need for C
but consuming 250 mg. a day is safe for active exercisers.
Don't overdo it though, because mega doses can cause kidney
stones.
Q: Is it true it takes more than 24 hours for muscles to
fully recover from hard workouts?
A: It can take 24-36 hours for muscle recovery. But if you're
physically fit and in a routine, 24 hours should be
sufficient. Caution: this also assumes you're eating plenty
of carbs and are well hydrated. Dehydration slows the
recovery process! If you need more time, your body will let
you know.
Q: Is it safe to take anti-inflamatories before a fun run?
A: Contrary to popular belief, anti-inflammatories taken
before a hard workout or fun run can bring on stomach-aches,
rectal bleeding, gastrointestinal distress and even increase
the odds of your intestines leaking. Play it safe, avoid
these pain relievers 24 hours before a hard workout or
race.
Q: How long can you store running shoes before they begin to
deteriorate?
A: The shelf life is about two years. If you want to stock up
on an extra pair of your favorites, keep the shoes in their
original box with all the paper intact, including the little
packet of the do-not-eat stuff which helps absorb moisture.
If you store them in a climate-controlled area, they should
keep indefinitely.
(C) 2003 Dr. Reuven Bruner.
Dr. Reuven Bruner, Ph.D., is a Health/Fitness/Nutrition &
Total Lifestyle Consultant, specializing in Fitness of Body &
Mind. Contact him at: POB 1903, Jerusalem, 91314, Israel;
Tel: (02) 652-7684; Mobile: 052 865-821; Fax: (02) 652-7227;
Email: dr_bruner@hotmail.com
