subject: Essential Nutrients For Athletes [print this page] If you're an athlete or want to be one, keep in mind that there are no specialized or specific sports nutrition supplements. The most essential supplements that all people need, including athletes, are protein, fats and fluids, and carbohydrates, and it is important to include in one's diet. Athletes however, need to take more of these supplements so that they can perform their best and keep on going because they're using a lot of energy when they train and exercise.
What is Protein?
Protein is known to help build our body. This is essential for athletes to help make their bones stronger and repair injured muscles. Athletes need stored energy when they exercise, and protein helps them with that by storing carbohydrates in their body through glycogen.
What are carbohydrates?
Glucose, which is a source of energy, is described as smaller sugar that was the result of processed carbohydrates inside the body. Therefore, when we intake carbohydrates we let our body store more energy. Smaller sugar that is not used at the moment will stay in the liver and muscles through glycogen, and extra glycogen will be converted to fat.
Facts about Fats
Just like carbohydrates, fats are considered to be an energy source. As a matter of fact, it gives the most energy your body needs. However, too much fats stored in your body and you may be on your way to having health problems. Not only are fats great sources of energy, they also protect internal organs, conceals the nerves, and act as the channel that distributes vitamins A, E, D, and K throughout the entire body.
What are Fluids?
Dehydration is the main problem that an athlete may encounter during their training or exercises. This is caused when the body lacks fluids and it can happen to anyone, not just athletes. The most important remedy for dehydration is water. Because athletes exert more energy, fluids are essential nutrients that they should often take.
