subject: Sports supplements 'can help keen people healthy' [print this page] Individuals who engage in strenuous physical activity may benefit from taking sports supplements, it has been claimed.
According to an Expressindia.com article by Ishi Khosla, such exercise can result in people's immune systems becoming suppressed and they can stop working.
She said: "Research indicates that athletes are at an increased risk of upper respiratory tract infection during periods of heavy training and the first two weeks after competitive events.
"This increased risk is most likely due to the effect of stress hormones such as adrenaline and cortisol. Other factors that contribute are intensity, duration and mode of exercise, and inadequate intake of food and supplements."
For this reason, people should protect themselves by ensuring they have sufficient nutrients in their diets and this process can be enhanced through the use of sports supplements.
There are a number of such products available, such as whey protein powder.
When it comes to protecting the body against attacks on the immune system during aerobic exercise, however, products containing glutamine can be particularly beneficial.
Ms Khosla noted that those who engage in sport should make sure they can get a balanced diet as nutrients are "essential" for good performance.
She added that individuals who may be in particular need of extra protein - possibly in the form of whey protein powder - include vegetarians and athletes involved in sports such as wrestling, boxing, rowing, horse racing, gymnastics, figure skating, diving and dancing.
According to the writer, there are a number of things sportspeople should bear in mind when they are preparing.
They should avoid nutritional deficiencies, take rest after training and ensure they get adequate sleep, she claimed.
Meanwhile, they may want to consider taking sports supplements under the supervision of an expert.
Also, if the discipline in which they are competing is high-pressure, they should make sure they manage the stress associated with it, Ms Khosla added.
