|
"Food First" Series: Immunity & Carbohydrates
AS YOU KNOW….
- Athletes engaged in heavy training programs, often have increased susceptibility to infection.
- For example, sore throats and flu-like symptoms are more common in athletes than the general population.
- This is thought to be due to suppression of the immune system.
- This is likely caused by increased levels of stress hormones during exercise affecting white blood cell (immune cell) numbers and their function.
- What athletes often do…
o Athletes try all sorts of vitamins, minerals or other supplements to support or “boost” the immune system during periods of heavy training or competition.
o These include high doses of Vitamin C, Zinc, Glutamine, Echinacea and others.
BUT DID YOU KNOW…?
- Of all supplements that have been studied over the past two decades CARBOHYDRATES have prevailed as the nutrient most effective in suppressing stress hormone release, and helping to prevent colds, sore throats and flu.
- Glucose (carbohydrates) are an important fuel for cells of the immune system and bacteria fighting cells (phagocytes) use glucose at a rate 10 times greater than glutamine ( a common “immunity” supplement) when they are at work combating infection.
- Consumption of carbohydrate drinks during exercise is one of the most valuable practices in preventing rises in stress hormones. Better than any supplement studied to date, including vitamins, minerals and other supplements.
- Simply following a high carbohydrate diet and consuming a carbohydrate drink during exercise can significantly help your immune system work effectively to prevent you from becoming ill with colds or flu – commonly seen with heavy training schedules, stress and frequent travel characteristic of a high level athlete’s life.
|
