When you are an athlete, there are a number of things that you will need to take care of so that your body is in the right state to perform in the long run. The quality of your athletic life does not merely depend on the kind of sports gear and training that you have, but also on your nutrition intake throughout the day. This is an important part of an athlete’s life because it gives the necessary fuel to the body even as it creates the right kind of stamina and shape to support the kind of activity and physical pursuit that the person has chosen to indulge in. So how do you eat to beat all your opponents and the previous scores? Well, here’s our quick list for your athletic life to thrive!
Carbohydrates: Many people have the misconception that carbohydrates must be avoided by those who are into physical pursuits as this food group apparently makes the body sluggish. Yet, this is not entirely true. Every athlete must indulge in some amount of carbohydrates throughout the day because this builds the muscles along with a good dose of proteins. You will need to have some amount of healthy carbohydrates so that you get some energy to replenish the lost energy and make sure that the muscles and bones do not suffer in the long run. Some amount of bread, wheat products, and rice will be a good source of carbohydrates that one must have in small portions for at least one or two meals of the day.
Proteins: This is one of the most important ingredients and food groups for the athlete’s body. You will need to indulge in proteins that can be derived from dairy, eggs, meat and other such sources. You can also have plenty of protein in the form of vegetables and fruit that are rich in the same along with other kinds of nutrients. The protein element is one that gives much stamina to the body and literally powers the muscles so that you do not fall short of energy at any time. Yet, there are many people who overdo this by having too much of protein in the form of whey and supplements.
Greens and fruit: Nature offers us some of the best combinations when it comes to vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients. You can get a good supply of magnesium, iron, vitamins, calcium and even protein with the help of many kinds of green and leafy vegetables. Yet, you do not have to simply eat greens – there is much to be said about the virtues of other colored vegetables as well. You can have colored bell peppers, carrots eggplant and other vegetables. You should also have a healthy dose of fruit every day so that the fiber flushes out the toxins and gives you a healthy athletic body at the end of the day!
Many people switch to sugar-free gum from the regular variety, thinking it has no harmful health effects. Some do so because of ongoing health complications like diabetes. While it is true that chewing sugar-free gum may have specific benefits and could help one improve their overall well-being, it also has significant downsides. Below are a few important things one should know before heading to the store and buying a pack.
Ingredients in sugar-free gum
Many brands manufacture sugar-free gum, each using different ingredients to give their product a distinct taste and set it apart. While they do not use sugar, they use substitutes that mimic the taste of sugar. Some of these substitutes are artificial sweeteners, while others are derived from natural sources. Let’s look at a few examples:
Besides the above, sugar-free gum may contain chemical and natural ingredients that help provide texture, long-lasting taste, and chewiness. The ingredients usually differ with each brand.
Benefits of sugar-free gum
Here are three probable benefits one might enjoy from chewing sugar-free gum instead of the regular type:
Reduced tooth decay
Studies show that chewing sugar-free gum for a short while after meals may help reduce tooth decay. This is perhaps because chewing causes the mouth to produce more saliva, which washes away microscopic food particles that remain behind and fuel bacteria. Experts reveal that chewing sugar-free gum may also prevent or reduce plaque formation.
Stronger tooth enamel and reduced sensitivity
Since salvia has phosphate and calcium content, it could strengthen tooth enamel. Furthermore, chewing sugar-free gum could help curb teeth sensitivity, which often results from in-office tooth whitening procedures.
Improved memory
Studies indicate that chewing gum, including sugar-free varieties, while performing tasks could improve various aspects of brain function, such as memory, alertness, decision-making, and understanding. Experts also suggest those who chew gum for longer may benefit from reduced signs of stress, anxiety, and depression. While the exact cause of these benefits is yet to be determined, studies point toward better blood flow to the brain caused by chewing.
Besides providing the benefits listed above, sugar-free chewing gum can help avoid conditions like dry mouth (xerostomia). However, one should chew gum as a remedy only if they receive the go-ahead from their healthcare provider.
Disadvantages
Any product consumed in excess may have adverse effects on the body, including sugar-free gum. Chewing it may cause:
Headaches and allergies
Sugar-free gum contains aspartame, a highly debated ingredient among experts. While used as an alternative to sugar, aspartame contains a chemical carcinogen that could increase the risk of headaches. Some may develop hives on the body or suffer from gastrointestinal or respiratory issues if allergic to the ingredient. Therefore, one should speak to an expert before chewing sugar-free gum that contains aspartame.
Gastrointestinal problems
Some manufacturers use sorbitol in their sugar-free gum. When a person consumes too much of the ingredient, it may lead to gastrointestinal symptoms like abdominal cramps, bloating, and gas. Too much sorbitol may also trigger diarrhea in some people.
Jaw disorders
Chewing gum all the time, including sugar-free options, could cause the jaw muscles to tighten. As a result, one may experience jaw pain. Chewing gum regularly has also been associated with increased temporomandibular joint pain (TMJ). Those with this disorder may experience chronic symptoms like soreness, discomfort, and headaches.
Dental device damage
Chewing gum of any kind may have adverse effects on dental devices. The product could damage implants, which could hamper one’s oral health and also be quite expensive to fix.
Besides increasing the risk of the problems listed above, sugar-free chewing gum can lead to cancerous developments in the body and an unusual increase in appetite. People with a rare hereditary disorder called phenylketonuria are especially advised to limit their consumption of phenylalanine (a component of aspartame) as their bodies cannot metabolize it.
Tips to reduce gum-related problems
Learning about the benefits and downsides of sugar-free gum can help one make better decisions for their well-being. Here are a few tips to reduce the risk of health problems from chewing gum:
Following these guidelines will help minimize the harmful effects of chewing gum. One should speak to a health expert if they have any questions regarding any ingredient used in the product.
Fashion is a powerful tool that can enhance confidence and transform one’s overall appearance. While it’s easy to assume that looking fabulous requires a hefty budget or a personal stylist, the truth is that with a few smart fashion hacks, one can achieve a stylish and effortlessly glamorous look. Here are some fashion hacks for men and women that will help them elevate their style game and look fabulous for any occasion.
Fashion hacks for women
Fashion hacks for men