THE BEST SUPPLEMENTS FOR GAMING

Gaming is demanding, both physically and mentally. While you may do your best to eat healthy, you may be wondering if there’s a way to step up your game.

Here’s a dietitian’s guide to the best supplements for gaming.

STEP 1: PICK PRODUCTS TO HELP YOU PERFORM BETTER.

First things first, you want to improve your gaming performance. That means getting enough sleep so you have the energy and mental focus to stay alert. We have products that can help do just that:

Nootropics give your brain a boost and help you stay focused. Nootropics are usually anchored with ingredients like caffeine, theanine, bacopa, huperzine, ginkgo, choline, tyrosine, GABA, and vitamins.

READ MORE: The Best Nootropic Supplements

Energy supplements and energy drinks are self-explanatory in terms of their benefit. You’re probably familiar with caffeine, but you may also see things like B vitamins to help with energy production at the cellular level.

STEP 2: STOCK YOUR PANTRY WITH FUEL FOR LONG GAMING SESSIONS.

Healthy snacks with a better-for-you spin will give you more nutrients than typical junk foods (they’re also known as “functional foods”). Look for these types of buzz words on the label: added protein, low sugar, or functional benefits (such as gut health or brain health). You may be surprised that these snacks don’t look or taste like typical “healthy” foods with options like chips, bars, cookies, pretzels, brownies, and more.

Protein is a macronutrient that provides calories (aka. energy) that your body needs to function. Protein is also critical if you’re trying to lose weight (or just maintain the weight you’re at) because it helps to satisfy hunger longer than other nutrients, plus it protects your lean, calorie-burning muscle.

READ MORE: Choosing The Best Protein Powder For You: Types Of Protein, Benefits And More

Meal replacements are a super convenient way to get the nutrition of a meal, without all the cooking and prep work. Meal replacement shakes usually run around 200 calories per serving and provide macronutrients (carbs, protein, fat) and vitamins and minerals. The best part? You can sip on it while you play (no spoon or fork required).

Hydration products combine water with added electrolytes and nutrients to keep your body’s fluid status in check. Why is this important for gaming? Let’s face it, everyone sweats. And it’s important to replace the fluids you lose in order to prevent a negative impact on performance.

STEP 3: FILL THE GAPS WITH PRODUCTS TO TARGET SPECIFIC HEALTH CONCERNS.

Sleep aids help you relax and get restful sleep (whenever you finally decide to call it a night!). Look for ingredients like melatonin and valerian root.

Eye products are important to protect your number one player, your eyesight. Staring at screens for long periods of time can have a negative effect on eye health, particularly the impact of blue light on the retina. To support the overall health of your eyes, these products are stacked with things like vitamins, minerals, omegas, and lutein

READ MORE: Supplements for Eye Health

Joint health supplements aren’t just for old folks. You may feel stiffness in your joints after sitting for too long, or soreness in your hands after a marathon gaming session. That’s where a joint supplement can help. Staple ingredients like glucosamine, chondroitin and hyaluronic acid contain the building blocks for cartilage and healthy joint structure. Tamaflex® and Levagen® are two clinically studied ingredients that promote joint mobility and comfort, which can certainly come in “handy” after a marathon gaming sesh.

Multivitamins are there to fill nutrient gaps when your diet isn’t perfect. Multis are formulated with specific nutrients at optimal doses based on your gender, age, and goal.

Omega-3s are healthy fats that play a lot of roles, such as supporting eye, brain, skin, joint, and heart health. They’re an overall important nutrient to have in your arsenal, especially if you aren’t consuming fish several times a week.

We know how important gaming is to you. But so is your health! Plus, they go hand-in-hand… how well your mind and body function have a direct impact on your gaming performance. So, eat nutrient-rich foods (fruits, veggies, and whole grains – the good stuff) and use our 3-step guide to fill your cart with gaming supplements.