Carbs & Amino’s
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For
the serious-minded and occasional exerciser alike, there are a barrage of
questions concerning what to eat or drink before, during or after workouts
to maximize their output for fitness, gain the most energy, lose the most
weight, etc. Questions such as, “Should I eat more proteins vs. high
Carbs? What should I drink while exercising? What nutrients would be most
beneficial?,” and the list goes on. The answers are widely varied depending
on whom you ask, but one thing is sure … no two bodies are alike. Also,
what one solution may be for the “fitness guru,” may be completely different
for the “maintenance” exerciser.
While the jury may still be out on which
foods can do what, there are new research studies that shine some
interesting light on carbohydrates and amino acids and their role in
fitness.
For example
–
Researchers from 5 universities across the country reported that
carbohydrates during intense and prolonged exercise may increase the
intensity of exercise compared to placebo. In other words, marathoners who
had drunk a carbohydrate-laden beverage were able to run and exercise at a
higher intensity while experiencing a lower rate of perceived exertion.
Recent research in Finland showed that amino
acid levels decreased after strength exercises, but oddly enough, not after
aerobic activity.*
The study further showed the exchange of various amino acids during aerobic
activity, indicating that the body requires a baseline level of energy
production during the aerobic exertion, far different from the strength
exercises. Following the strength exercises however, certain amino acids
had resumed to their baseline levels.
While the uniquely-crafted human
body knows exactly what is required for each activity, the new research
shows the importance of amino acids and carbohydrate support before physical
exertion. With the results of new studies coming to light, extra
supplementation to support amino acid levels in the body before physical
activity has been given more credence. While there are more research
results pending, the one assured broad-based advice still holds up: “drink
plenty of water while exercising.”
*Natural Products Industry INSIDER, “Sports
Nutrition News” vol. 7, No. 13, December 16, 2002; Pg. 22
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