Maximum Sports Nutrition

Athletes routinely strive for maximum sports nutrition through the use of a healthy diet and supplements. Because of their fuel requirements athletes often need supplements designed specifically for them. Science has studied the requirements and needs of such individuals for years. One of the results of such studies is the advancements in herbal supplements.

Do Herbal Supplements Help With Maximum Sports Nutrition?

In order for the body to operate at peak performance it needs highly digestible and absorptive carbohydrates. Proteins and essential fatty-acids are also necessary. Herbal supplements can supply all of that and more.

Because of the regular and intense exercise endured by athletes their needs for certain vitamins and minerals are greater. The purpose of an athlete using herbal supplement is generally to enhance performance.

Most athletes desire an herbal supplement that will do the following:

• Increase muscle tissue
• Increase endurance
• Increase strength
• Promote fat burning ability

Because of these specific needs a supplement containing a broad spectrum of vitamins and minerals works best. This type of herbal supplement will provide for long-term health as well as peak athletic performance.

What Diet Is Best For Maximum Sports Nutrition?

The body's key energy source for all types of exercise is carbohydrates. An important note about carbohydrates is that they are stored as glycogen and the amount of glycogen stored in the body will affect the stamina and endurance of the athlete. Fatigue sets in when muscle cells run out of glycogen, and when fatigue sets in performance is not at its optimal level.

Obviously carbohydrates are an essential part of an athlete's diet. Carbohydrates are found in foods such as pasta, rice, fruit, bread, cereals, and starchy vegetables. Sweets and processed foods should be avoided.

The body uses protein to build and repair muscle tissue. Protein is needed to allow muscles to contract, build in size and strength. But a word of caution, excess protein is stored as fat. Lean meat, poultry, legumes, nuts, seeds, and dairy products are excellent sources of protein.

Although all vitamins and minerals are important to maintain optimal health and maximum sports nutrition two that are essential are iron and calcium. Iron is needed to carry oxygen in the blood and calcium helps to keep bones strong. The last essential ingredient of the athlete's diet is that of water. Water helps to move the nutrients throughout the body and to remove waste. Athletes must replace water lost through sweat and exertion if they are to perform at their best.

As you can see, attempting to include all the needed nutrients through diet alone can be very challenging. Perhaps that is why the majority of athletes choose to include an herbal supplement as part of their daily routine.

For educational purposes only, not intended as medical advice.

Check with your health care provider before adding any herbal supplement to your diet.