Effects Nutrition Has on Athletes - Essay Example

Effects Nutrition has on Athletes Nutrition is mainly defined as the intake of food and fluids, considered in relation to the body’s dietary needs. Alternatively it is the process of nourishment or being nourished where a living organism takes food and uses it for both growth and for replacement of worn out tissues in their body. Scientifically it is the study that deals with nourishments and food especially in human beings. It is concerned with the amount of food and fluid taken by an athlete also deals with nutrients supplied to the body like vitamins, minerals supplements and organic substances such as carbohydrate s fats and proteins. Alternatively sports nutrition is the study and practise of nutrition and diet as it relies to the athletic performance. It is mainly concerned with the type and quality of the food and fluid by athlete that is deals with vitamins, minerals, supplements. In every game and sport coaches are very particular on the food that the athletics consume. However the nutrition recommended to athelecis depend on the type of sport that are involved in, the amount of training they are subjected to and the time spend in the activity or exercise. Athletics should not exercise on an empty stomach. Nutrition increases energy needed during spots nutrition plays an important role in sports performance. For optimal energy one is required to eat immediately after work to ensure the energy used is replaced. Scientist suggest that the caloric intake is the most important aspect of sports nutrition athletics’ who are involved in higher individual activity level they should have a higher calorie intake as compared to those involved in low activities a marathon runner or a rugby player shall require more energy intake than a golfer (Thiollet, pp 46-84). Secondly nutrition and exercise which are the main activities that plays a major role in keeping the bones and muscles healthy. The skeletal muscles and the bones in the human body work together, the food, fluids and other nutrients consumed all connectively participate and often affect both systems simultaneously. It has been found out that persons whom consumes a healthy diet with a wide variety of vitamins and other minerals are save with their bones and muscles health. For athletics they are required be concerned on getting enough nutrients which shall support the bone and muscle health. Additionally, weight –bearing activities with always help both muscles and bone growth this is attributed to vitamin D and calcium from milk and other calcium providing type of food. Athletics should have strong bones which are responsible foe making them to persevere extreme pressures which in turn help them prevent many fractures during exercises, training and sports. Additionally strong teeth and nails are also as a result of good (Maughan, pp63-48). Energy balance body mass and body composition is determined by food we take and the fluids the athlete takes, immediate energy needs of the body as well as the influencing body energy stores which play an important role which is related to exercise performance. These foods contribute to the size and the physique structure of the body which coordinate the functions of the body additionally there is the fuel which is required for the exercise to energizing the muscles and liver carbohydrates. Nutritionist suggest that the body weight of a person is not the indicator of energy balance however monitoring thee body weight can mislead which can make the information to be interpreted. This calls for manipulation of energy intake to reach the goal and objective of increasing muscles mass and also reducing fat level in the body to enhance athlete’s body functionality (Thiollet, pp 46-84). Training which takes a lot of energy require much energy which is considered as a major key nutrient for sporting and athletes success by athletes of all eras and also in sports. During the ancient Olympians athletes were said to eat unusual large amount of meat today athlete are provided with a vast array of amino acids and protein which are meant to be a source of supplement to increase their protein intakes (Hirschfelder, pp 54-85). Proteins are important in the response exercise, while the amino acids help to build the blocks for manufacturing of new tissues which include muscles and also repairing of worn-out old tissue in the body. Scientist suggest that endurance and resistance-well trained athletes who are involved in heavy training may have increased daily protein needs which they estimate may be up to a maximum of 1.2-1.7g per body weight (BW) compared to the set and recommended intake of 0.8g/kg BW for a sedentary person. However, scientist have established that athletes who most are at a high risk of failing to meet their protein needs are those who are keen to restrict their energy intake or dietary variety. Studies which are more focused on the response to workouts and exercise of both endurance and resistance training. Injuries which may be sustained during training can be better if the athlete is on a balanced diet since it shall allow their body to synthesis body building hormones which shall lead to better and early curing (Mahan and Escott 14-83). More effects which are drawn from the fluids taken by an athlete, a good hydration strategy are essential part of every athlete’s preparation for competition. This makes the athlete to enhance their performance and their general well being by learning the practical aspects of which to consume during any event. Important aspects like timing of consumption and amount which is required for performance. Additionally, training and other general competitions strategies should be made for individual athletes in accordance with their unique requirements and their own preferences so should their drinking and eating before their exercise. The body if an athlete require more water than for a general person this is because of the energy needed to break down the food and also the amount of perspiring and sweating the athletes are involved in. To reduce the tiring process where an athlete easily tires fast they are advised to take food with low fat contents in them to reduce body mass build up which increases fatigue. Connectively, salt intake should be reduced in the body since it increases dehydration process (Gleeson, pp 23-35). Evidence supports that athletes who are more involved on training hard, travelling and competing frequently may be at risk of more infections and illnesses. These infections may disrupt training or make an athlete not to attend to an important competition. Additionally hard training may cause the body of athletes to lose the ability to be immune and high levels of stress hormones reduce its ability to fight these infections. Nutrients supplements like colostrums, zinc, Echinacea and glutamine are said to boost the immune system. However, carbohydrates remain the best since it lowers the stress hormone levels and taking appropriate rest periods. Work cited Gleeson, M. Dosing and Efficacy of Glutamine Supplementation." The Journal of Nutrition 2008,3(1) 23-35.print Hirschfelder, G. / Trummer, M. Food and Drink. Leibniz Institute of European History (IEG). 2013, 54-85. Print Mahan, L.K. and Escott-Stump, S. Krauses Food, Nutrition, and Diet Therapy (10th ed.). Philadelphia: W.B. Saunders Harcourt Brace.2000, 14-83. Print Maughan, R.J.Sports Nutrition: What Is It?" Journal of Nutrition & Physical Activity 17 Elsevier Science Inc. 25 Mar. 2009 14-83. Print Thiollet, J.-P.Vitamines & minéraux. Paris: Anagramme. 2001, 46-84. Print Read More