July 13, 2006

The Fundamentals of Sports Nutrition

It’s a secret that all major athletes know that few amateurs and hobbyist athletes pay much attention to. In order to consistently perform at the top it is important to follow an effective sports nutrition regimen. While every athlete has different sports nutrition requirements that vary according to the body type, general health, and type of sport that is undertaken, there are a few general sports nutrition tips that are universal to all competitors.

The most important sports nutrition tip is so obvious that it barely needs to be stated. Sufficient hydration is absolutely vital to every competitor in every sport. Without sufficient water, muscles do not work as efficiently as they normally would, and the cells are not as efficient at creating energy. Dehydration can lead to poor performance and, in severe cases, can lead to severe illness or even death.

Another important facet of sports nutrition is the necessity of consuming enough protein. Protein, whether gained through meat, nuts, or supplements, consists of amino acids that our body uses to build muscle and other structural tissues such as tendons and ligaments. Many athletes choose to take supplements of some of the more important proteins that the body cannot synthesize on its own.

Complex carbohydrates are another important component of sports nutrition. Complex carbohydrates are used by the cells to create glucose which the body uses for energy. Many athletes will "carbo-load" the night before an athletic competition by consuming foods high in complex carbohydrates such as pasta and bread.

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