Athletes are typically perceived to have excellent health due to their exercise routines, but in this study, we take a look at why athletes need to pay particular attention to their diet and how they treat their bodies in the process.
2. Solving the health related mysteries within our bodies
and discovering new ways to see these complications
and intricacies can at times be a delight and at
others, terrifying. With all of the moving parts and
knowledge left to be discovered, finding new
connections that yield positive impacts on the human
body is always exciting.
3. I came across an interesting article recently from
Nature.com within the Immunology & Cell Biology
section that combined two of my life’s greatest
passions, biking and preventive health. The research
that this article brought forth was truly important, and
in more ways than one.
4. It is easy to attribute the epitome of health to an
athlete, as they tend to look muscular, they exercise
daily, compete in strenuous events that require
intense concentration and stamina. Many might think
that these athletes are on a higher level of health
because of the amount of exercise they endure,
however, the real strength lies within what these
athletes are consuming. As this article shows, the
strength of an athlete can be taken very quickly if the
proper diet is not fueling their body’s foundation.
5. The author of the article, Michael Gleeson, explains
that contrary to popular belief, prolonged bouts of
exercise can actually lead to the depression of
immune system functions, which can increase risks of
acquiring immune system related illnesses such as
the common cold or the flu. Not knowing of these
risks can lead to athletes working too hard and further
leaving their immune systems at risk.
6. What’s worse, many athletes follow diets that are rich
in carbohydrates. According to research, these high
carb diets paired with supplements for antioxidant
intake and weight loss, and protein rich meals post-
workout may actually contribute in the depression of
the immune system, as the diet is improper to what
the body is craving.
7. Gleeson states that the best way to maintain a strong
immunity is to consume a balanced diet that meets
the natural needs of a body undergoing such rigorous
exercise in order to supplement these actions rather
than feed them.
8. He goes on to instruct that athletes need certain
vitamins and nutrients in order to stay in the best
athletic health they can be in. These vitamins include
A, D, E, B6 and B12 for immunity function, adding that
Vitamin D is particularly important for athletes during
winter months to protect against infections and
illness.
9. As an avid cyclist, I understand the needs of the body
while pushing it to its limits. It is true that the body
and mind need to be strong in order to succeed in
your sport, however, it’s not as well known that
athletes are at risk of endangering their own health by
feeding their body’s cravings in such commonly
practiced ways. As I continue to do my own research
on the preventive properties of our diets, this article
will stick out to me as one of importance when taking
the time to exercise in my own personal life.
