Fuel Your Winning Edge With Nutrition

If you want to excel on the playing field, you need to have the right nutrition. The right nutrition can help you make the most of your athletic abilities.

The most important factor in sports nutrition is water, which makes up approximately 60% of body weight. Athletes require more water than the typical 8 cups of water everyone should drink each day. It is crucial to stay hydrated to ensure you avoid overheating or becoming dehydrated.

Dehydration can lead to a number of problems, so be aware of the following symptoms:

• An inability to urinate
• Dark urine
• Dry mouth
• Feeling dizzy or light-headed
• Headache

If you experience any of those symptoms, a diluted sports drink (half water and half sports drink) can help balance out your electrolytes.
 
Eating a balanced diet and having the right combination of calories from carbohydrates, proteins, and fats is another key to sports nutrition. Prior to competing, you should eat a meal high in carbohydrates. Choose easily digestible foods and avoid sugary foods within one hour of the competition.

For additional sports nutrition information, contact the sports medicine doctors at The Hand & Upper Extremity Center of Georgia by calling (404) 255-0226 or request an appointment online.