Exercise, Heat, and the Body’s Stress Response

Whether you’re running a half-marathon or grinding through a tough training session, prolonged exercise — especially in heat — puts stress on your body. Your cortisol levels rise, your immune defences can temporarily dip, and you’re more vulnerable to post-workout fatigue or mild illness.

A 2008 International Journal of Sports Physiology and Performance study found that vitamin C supplementation lowered cortisol levels in athletes performing long-duration exercise in hot conditions. In other words, vitamin C helped calm the body’s stress response after strenuous workouts — without negative side effects.

How Vitamin C Supports Exercise Recovery

Vitamin C is more than an immune booster — it’s a key antioxidant that protects muscles and connective tissues from oxidative stress. It helps:

• Reduce cortisol and inflammation after prolonged training

• Support collagen formation for muscle and tendon repair

• Enhance iron absorption and energy metabolism

• Strengthen the body’s natural defences during heavy training blocks

If you’re training hard, sweating a lot, or increasing your workload, adding vitamin C may help your body recover faster and feel less run-down.

Which Best Vitamin C Powder Should You Choose?

For a clean, easy-to-absorb option, try Wonder Foods Tangy Vitamin C — a refreshing powder blend that’s gentle on the stomach yet potent enough for daily use.

It combines:

• Ascorbic acid + calcium ascorbate – for balanced absorption and minimal acidity

• Hesperidin bioflavonoids – natural plant compounds that enhance antioxidant capacity

• Magnesium, zinc & calcium – to aid muscle recovery and immune defence

Simply mix it into water or smoothies for a delicious, tangy boost before or after training.

The Role of Exercise Physiology

Understanding how the body responds to stress, training, and recovery is what exercise physiology is all about.
By combining sound nutrition, structured strength training, and proper recovery, you can:

• Improve endurance and recovery speed

• Manage fatigue and prevent overtraining

• Build a stronger immune and stress-resilient body

At Propel Fit, our exercise physiologists guide athletes and everyday movers alike through evidence-based training programs that enhance performance and protect long-term health.

The Takeaway

Vitamin C isn’t just for fighting colds — it’s a recovery ally for anyone training in heat, endurance conditions, or high-stress environments. Pair a quality supplement like Wonder Foods Tangy Vitamin C with smart, science-driven training at Propel Fit to keep your body strong, balanced, and ready for more.