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Sports Nutrition Basics
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Antioxidants
Antioxidants are compounds that protect the body from oxidative stress and inflammation, which can enhance recovery in athletes and reduce the risk of injury and illness.
Energy Balance
Energy Balance is the relationship between energy consumed and energy expended. It's crucial for athletes to balance energy intake with expenditure to maintain performance and body composition.
Ergogenic Aids
Ergogenic Aids are substances or devices that enhance energy production, use or recovery, and may improve athletic performance. These include caffeine, creatine, and beta-alanine.
Carbohydrate Loading
Carbohydrate Loading is a strategy used by athletes to maximize the storage of glycogen in the muscles and liver for endurance events, thereby improving endurance performance by preventing premature fatigue.
Meal Frequency
Meal Frequency is the number of meals consumed within a day. For athletes, frequent small meals can stabilize energy levels, ensure constant nutrient supply, and aid in weight management.
Body Composition
Body Composition is the proportion of fat, bone, and muscle in an individual's body. It's essential for athletes to have optimal body composition for peak performance and to decrease injury risk.
Complete Proteins
Complete Proteins contain all nine essential amino acids necessary for protein synthesis in the body. Athletes need complete proteins for muscle repair, recovery, and growth.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes are minerals in bodily fluids that are essential for muscle contractions, nerve signaling, hydration, and pH balance. Key electrolytes for athletes include sodium, potassium, and magnesium.
Macronutrients
Macronutrients are nutrients required in large amounts for energy and bodily functions. They include carbohydrates, proteins, and fats, each serving key roles for an athlete's performance and recovery.
BCAAs
Branched-Chain Amino Acids (BCAAs) are essential amino acids including leucine, isoleucine, and valine. They promote muscle protein synthesis and reduce muscle breakdown, key for athlete performance.
Anabolic Window
The Anabolic Window is the period after a workout when muscles are purportedly more receptive to nutrient intake, particularly protein, to stimulate muscle repair and growth.
Nutrient Timing
Nutrient Timing refers to eating specific nutrients at specific times for improved health and performance. For athletes, this often involves consuming proteins and carbohydrates post-exercise for optimal recovery.
Hydration
Hydration refers to maintaining body fluid balance. Adequate hydration is essential for athletes to regulate body temperature, maintain physiological functions, and improve performance.
Micronutrients
Micronutrients are vitamins and minerals needed in smaller amounts compared to macronutrients, but they are crucial for energy production, immune function, bone health, and more in athletes.
Hyponatremia
Hyponatremia occurs when there is an abnormally low level of sodium in the blood, potentially causing fatigue, headache, and in severe cases, coma. Adequate sodium intake during exercise is essential for athletes.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids
Omega-3 Fatty Acids are polyunsaturated fats with anti-inflammatory properties that can improve heart health, enhance mental focus, and potentially reduce muscle soreness in athletes.
Protein Synthesis
Protein Synthesis is the process of building muscle proteins, crucial for muscle repair and growth after exercise. Athletes focus on this process to improve strength and recovery.
Glycemic Index
Glycemic Index (GI) is a ranking system for carbohydrates based on their impact on blood glucose levels. Athletes use GI to manage energy levels, with low-GI foods for sustained energy and high-GI foods for quick energy boosts.
Complex Carbohydrates
Complex Carbohydrates are long chains of sugar molecules that provide sustained energy over time, important for athletes especially in endurance sports for maintaining performance levels.
Dietary Supplements
Dietary Supplements are products intended to supplement the diet, including vitamins, minerals, amino acids, herbs, etc. Athletes may use them to ensure adequate nutrient intake and to enhance performance.
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