Sport Nutrition

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Sports nutrition only differs from regular nutrition in that it studies what nutrients athletes need to improve their performance. Bodybuilding relies heavily on sports nutrition, while several specialists in sports nutrition work with college-level football and basketball teams. Professional sports teams also hire sports nutrition specialists, and many nutrition and supplement companies hire the services of sports nutrition specialist to research and promote their products and brands. Individual athletes may also hire their own sports nutrition specialists.

Sports that rely heavily in strength and endurance rely heavily on sports nutrition. Cycling and running are two examples of such sports, as well as marathon runners and triathlon participants.

The most basic part of sports nutrition is a balanced diet. The food pyramid put out by the Department of Agriculture is the best place to begin, although most sports nutritionists agree that extra protein in an athlete's diet leads to improved performance. However, too much concentration on proteins and grains can lead to a condition called acididosis. This condition leads to a drop in the pH levels of the blood, and the body will take calcium and glutamine from bone and muscle in order to balance the blood's pH level.

Keeping the body hydrated is another important aspect of sports nutrition. An athlete should drink about 500 milliliters of water an hour or two before exercising, then having a drink every 15 to 20 minutes during exercise periods. While some sports nutritionists claim that athletes who rehydrate themselves before they become thirsty perform better, other sports nutritionists claim that this can lead to overhydration, especially in endurance sports such as marathons.

One of the most important parts of sports nutrition is portions. While athletes expend more energy, their meta bolisms are more efficient, and thus paying attention to proper portions is also important. This is especially true to ensure that weight gain does not occur, which may lead to lower performance.

Sports nutritionists agree with other nutritionists on the benefits of whole foods. Fresh fruits and vegetables are preferred, eaten with the skins on for maximum nutritional value. Whole wheat should be eaten instead of white flour, and fats should be eaten as rarely as junk food.

Antioxidants are also highly prized by sports nutritionists. Using these helps to eliminate harmful byproducts of cellular meta bolism called free radicals which produce harmful tumors. Vitamins A, C, and K are all essential in producing antioxidants. Always check with your doctor or physician before starting any nutrition or diet plan.