Sports Nutrition & Training Resources (02)

Sports Nutrition Gear and Information for Runners
There are a few links here about nutrition for runners. There are nutritional guidelines for runners, as well as information to help you properly fuel for a race. That includes hydration and energy drinks and energy bars. There is an article about how to replace electrolytes and glycogen after a workout to prevent injury, and how to overall improve your condition after a race so you avoid injury.

Water: The Best Sports Drink?
This article discusses water as being the most critical for growth, muscle development and overall health. Since muscles are nearly 70 percent water, even a small loss of fluid will affect their function. Nerves control muscles. The electrical stimulation of nerves and contraction of muscles occurs due to the exchange of electrolytes dissolved in water across the nerve and muscle cell membranes. If you are low on water or electrolytes, as many triathletes run low in a race, muscle strength and control are weakened. A water deficit of just 2 to 4 percent of your body weight can cut your strength-training workout by as much as 21 percent, and your aerobic power by as much as 48 percent. Water is integral, as is electrolyte replacement for athletes.

Hyponatremia in Triathletes
This article is part of the sports science library at the Gatorade Sports Science Institute. It is vital because it follows up on a huge media story reported in New England Journal of Medicine that tracked the incidence of hyponatremia (a potentially-fatal condition caused by dangerously low blood sodium levels) among 488 participants in the 2002 Boston Marathon. The institute says that it believes media coverage surrounding this study is doing a disservice to the running and athletic communities by providing a single-minded focus on the dangers of hyponatremia as compared to the more common ailment of dehydration and consequent heat illnesses. In response, tips for staying properly hydrated and monitoring sodium levels in a marathon are offered.

Sports Nutrition Diets and Gear
A huge resource for those interested in improving their health. This list of articles includes topics such as: proteins and carbohydrates for athletes, skiing and diets, danger of grilling, young athletes and dieting, best nutrition for football season, what to eat before and after exercise, football season dieting, DHEA facts, strength training and diet and nutrition for optimal performance. The articles under these various topics are filled with information about the best sports drinks and diets that will improve an athlete's game.