Supplements for Endurance Athletes

Endurance athletics need a fine balance of both endurance and strength, which can only be achieved through years of dieting and training. Supplements are an integral part of this balance. But the products that are marketed to swimmers, runners and cyclists are a variety of sports drinks, gels and power bars which are easy to reach for on the go.

All these supplements fuel the body during grueling training times or during intense competition. However, most of these supplements for endurance athletes make sure the competitor goes through the competition and nothing more. Supplements play an important part in endurance sports. Here are some of the most potent endurance supplements to boost your game performance in a sport.

Protein

Protein is commonly associated with weightlifting and bodybuilding, thus it is very critical to performance during long hours of exercise. During an exercise or competition, the human body often starts to use protein to help meet the energy needs.

If the protein intake source is only from glucose, the body has to get protein from somewhere else. The body is such a monster! It always goes for the muscles. This process is called lean muscle tissue catabolism or muscle cannibalization. The process tears through your performance causing an increase in ammonia accumulation, which leads to fatigue and negatively affecting recovery time.

Beta Alanine

The amino acid beta alanine is such a good performance supplement to take in boosting your athletic performance. Research has shown that the supplement keeps fatigue at bay. This keeps you running strong for long period of time. Research also suggests that it can be used in improving the overall aerobic activity and promote lean body mass.

Creatine

Creatine is a supplement that is assumed to be an athlete weapon of choice. It is known for boosting muscle recovery and most of the endurance athletes often need help in this area than they realize. Supplementing the body with creatine can help in dealing with damages caused during training.

Creatine is also necessary for helping the body use its oxygen in a more efficient manner. It improves the sweat rate, heart rate and how the body distributes water. The supplement makes the body more efficient leading to a reduction in submaximal levels which boosts the body performance.

Iron

A previous research for a certain university showed that endurance athletes are more likely to suffer from anemia than the general population. This may be caused by the amount of iron the athletes lose when they sweat for several hours at a time. For an athlete to avoid anemia he/she must consume an iron rich diet. To some athlete, that’s never enough. They add iron supplements to their diet.

Iron is taken under the prescription of a doctor. Too much iron is poisonous to one's body. If you always feel fatigue despite the diet intake, it may be due to anemia been caused by iron deficiency. Iron supplements are a great boost to your body performance keeping you from setbacks like anemia.

Supplements can never replace talent and hard work, but the supplements can help endurance athletes reach the finish line with fewer injuries and more energy.

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