As an athlete, you must care for your body to live an active life. Just like a car needs an oil, fuel, water, and regular maintenance to run smoothly, your body also needs essential nutrients from food to function at its peak. Inadequate nutrition may leave you feeling tired, weary, and unable to recover as rapidly after training sessions and competitions.
Let's look at some essential nutrients for the athlete, how they improve athletic performance, and where to get them.
Electrolyte-Infused Drinks
Electrolytes are minerals essential for proper hydration before, during, and after exercise. Because they aid in fluid retention, they are useful for preventing the tiredness and joint pain that comes with dehydration that might occur after strenuous exercise..
The important minerals to focus on are sodium,magnesium, calcium, and potassium. They aid in muscle contraction and relaxation (thus preventing cramping), heat regulation, and making up for mineral deficiencies.In addition, they boost your mental clarity and energy levels.
Fast Sugars
The body's primary energy source is carbohydrates, like putting fuel in a car. More active you are, more carbohydrates you need. People with an active lifestyle who restrict their carbohydrate consumption may discover that they lack the energy to perform at their peak and recover slowly between sessions.
There are two principal forms of carbs: fast sugars and complex sugars. Fast sugars are easy for the body to break down. They deliver fast energy boosts. Complex sugars are more difficult for the body to digest. They are an excellent energy source over time.
Both are good for fueling sports, but the timing is important. A fast sugar-based snack, such as toast and banana, dried fruit, and nuts, may be beneficial 1-2 hours before a workout.After exercise, you should consume a complex sugar-based snack or meal,such as whole grain products, to replenish your glycogen stores.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants protect cells from free radical damage, slow aging, reduce muscle soreness, and prevent cell degeneration. All those factors can diminish your energy and make you feel elderly.
During exercise, your body produces its own antioxidants to balance the free radicals; you don't need to take them from outside. However, antioxidants are associated with lowering muscle soreness and can help reduce the body's oxidative stress. Consequently, antioxidants are beneficial if you wish to recover faster and experience less muscular soreness.
Iodine
Iodine plays an essential role in the optimal functioning of the thyroid gland, which regulates metabolism and growth. For an athlete, iodine can have several important benefits:
1. Regulation of metabolism: Iodine is a key component of thyroid hormones, which regulate basal metabolism. An efficient metabolism allows for better utilization of nutrients, including carbohydrates, fats and proteins, providing the energy needed for optimal sports performance.
2. Control of body temperature: During intense physical exercise, the body generates heat. Thyroid hormones, influenced by iodine, help regulate body temperature by promoting thermogenesis (heat production) and helping to maintain normal body temperature during exercise.
3. Regulation of muscle growth and development: Iodine is important for muscle development and growth in athletes. Iodine deficiency can hinder protein synthesis and optimal muscle development.
4. Improved cognitive performance: Thyroid hormones influenced by iodine play a crucial role in brain and cognitive function. Adequate iodine intake can improve concentration, alertness and cognitive functions, which can benefit sports performance.
5. Immune system support: Iodine also plays a role in the proper functioning of the immune system. During intensive training, the immune system can be weakened, increasing the risk of infections. Adequate iodine consumption can help maintain a healthy immune system and reduce the risk of diseases.
Where To Get Essential Nutrients for The Athlete
Nutritionists often trecommend athletes to:
· Prenez des boissons infusées d'électrolytes avant et pendant l'entraînement.
- Eat a combination of protein and (more) fast sugar before exercise.
- Avoid high amounts of fat or fiber before workout (they cause stomach discomfort).
- Eat a combination of protein and fast or complex sugars within an hour of the workout for recovery.
Alfaiza Natural Date Extract contains high amounts of antioxidants and essential minerals like magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, etc. Being rich in fast sugars, Alfaiza Natural Date Extract can help you prepare your pre-workout smoothies and shakes while keeping them healthy and nutritious. So, Alfaiza Natural Date Extract has all the essential nutrients for the athlete to perform well and recover after.