athletes' medical information - Coca-Cola

athletes’ medical information
Typically, when carbohydrate is consumed
during exercise, it is best consumed in a pattern
of frequent and continued intake. This will
provide a constant stimulation of the brain and
central nervous system, or when needed, a
constant source of additional fuel for the
muscle.
Sodium should be included in fluids
consumed during exercise lasting longer than
1-2 hours or by individuals during any event
that stimulates heavy sodium loss (i.e., more
than 3-4 grams of sodium, see next page for
assessment).
Caffeine contained in commonly available
beverages and foods can enhance endurance
or performance during the later stages of
prolonged exercise. This benefit can be
obtained with relatively small doses of caffeine
(about 2-3 mg/kg bodyweight or 100-200 mg
caffeine). This is equivalent to 1-2 cups of
brewed coffee or 750-1500 ml of cola
beverages as commonly consumed by people of
various cultures. Various sports products (gels,
drinks, etc.) may also provide a convenient
low-dose serving of caffeine.
Rehydration after exercise
Replacement of water and the salts lost in
sweat is an essential part of the recovery
process. Since sweat and urine losses continue
to occur during recovery, the athlete will need to
drink about 1.2-1.5 litres of fluid for each kg of
weight loss in training or competition to
compensate and fully restore fluid losses.
Sodium, the main salt lost in sweat, also
needs to be replaced. Sodium replacement can
be achieved via sodium-containing fluids such
as sports drinks and pharmacy oral rehydration
solutions. However, simply a meal or snack can
supply the salt that is needed. This may be
because the foods are salt-containing (e.g.,
breads, breakfast cereals, cheese, processed
meats) or because salt is added in the
preparation or serving of the meal.
Recovery after exercise is part of the
preparation for the next exercise session, and
rehydration should be considered as an
important part of the equation.
Special strategies
Athletes who have dehydrated to make weight
will need special strategies for drinking before
and during competitions to optimise
performance. These athletes will benefit from
the advice of a qualified and experienced sports
nutrition professional.
Athletes training and competing while
practising fasting during the month of Ramadan
must rehearse a hydration strategy that
preserves performance and protects health.
Just like new shoes, don’t try out new
plans for fluid and fuel intake during an
important competition. Do it in practice
and find what fits you best.
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