Emergen-C: Good for muscle recovery?

If you’re experiencing pains, aches and muscle soreness, chances are you’ve over-worked yourself and not allowed enough recovery time between workouts. Proper rest/sleep, nutrition and post-workout activities (such as foam roller exercises, massage and ice baths) can help speed in recovery or the depletion of inflammation, most likely the cause of the discomfort. I’ll be expanding on inflammation, what causes it and adequate ways to overcome it in another post, but in the meantime, I wanted to throw out another possible remedy: Emergen-C.

Has anyone used Emergen-C? My friend swears by it and has forced many packets upon me, but I have yet to try it! What I do know is this: It’s a vitamin-packed powder that’s mixed with water and offers high levels of Vitamin’s C, A, B, D, zinc, selenium, hibiscus extract and elderberry concentrate. This immune-boosting powder comes in formulas that target bone, joint and heart health and can apparently play an essential role in the immune system, cardiovascular system, connective tissue repair (which is what I’m concerned with!), antioxidant activity and the prevention of certain conditions, such as scurvy, gout and cholesteremia.

Since I am currently almost crying I’m hurting so bad from my glute workout Sunday morning, I’m looking for anything and everything to add to my regular yoga, stretching and foam rolling recovery regimen. The joint health formula seems to be the right fit: The formula contains 1,000 mg of vitamin C, as well as 500 mg of glucosamine and 400 mg of chondroitin – all natural supplements popular for managing osteoarthritis (the most common joint disorder – stiffness in the joints is the most familiar symptom), body pain and inflammation.

What I don’t know is how amazing it really is? If you’ve tried, enlighten me! I’ll be trying my first packet shortly…can’t hurt right?