Many athletes try to find supplements, techniques, or special
equipment that will help them perform at their maximum. An
important thing to know is that you can spend countless dollars
that have no proven benefit. Before you spend your hard earned
dollars, know the facts about ergogenic aids.
Participating in sports can be highly competitive. There is
always a desire to just be a little bit better. Many athletes
try to find supplements, techniques, or special equipment that
will help them perform at their maximum. An important thing to
know is that you can spend countless dollars that have no proven
benefit. Before you spend your hard earned dollars, know the
facts about ergogenic aids.
The term ergogenic, according to Sports Nutrition for the
90s, means to enhance athletic performance by improving energy
efficiency, production, or control during exercise. There are
several types of ergogenic aids but this article will
concentrate on the pharmacologic and nutrition aspects of
Nutrition ergogenic aids can include everything from vitamin
and mineral supplements, to extra protein to Bee Pollen.
Vitamins and minerals help us to utilize energy from food and
help our muscles to do their job. It is possible that athletes
need extra vitamins and minerals because they burn more energy.
The ideal way of getting the extra nutrients is through the
extra food needed to provide the energy for peak performance.
That same rule is true for protein. An athlete may need extra
protein because of the work the muscles must perform but that
can be accomplished with an extra serving of lean meat rather
than an expensive protein powder. Several studies have found no
improved performance as a result of consuming Bee Pollen.
Pharmacologic or drug-type ergogenic aids can be taken in the
form of caffeine, alcohol and steroids. Caffeine is a stimulant.
There is documentation that caffeine can enhance endurance under
some conditions. (Total Nutrition from the Mount Sinai School of
Medicine) The equivalent of about two cups of brewed coffee an
hour before exercise has been found to delay fatigue and prolong
performance in events lasting longer than one hour. Be aware
that there is also research that in some people caffeine
actually hinders performance by causing jitters, nervousness or
diarrhea. Alcohol does not improve performance. It reduces
performance. Alcohol slows reaction time and interferes with the
ability to use good judgment. Steroids have been used by many
professional athletes to build muscles. There are many negative
side effects of steroids. In teens and children, they can stunt
The body is a complicated machine with many processes taking
place at once. The best way to keep your engine running like an
efficient, well-oiled machine is to eat a well balanced diet.
For peak performance, athletes need to eat a good variety of
lean meats, whole grains, fruits and vegetables and milk
Tuesday, May 05, 2009