Purpose of the article
The purpose of the article is to discuss the effects of nutrients, particularly carbohydrates, on the immune system and physiological health of endurance athletes.
Main points
The article begins by asserting that extended and rigorous exercises, such as those undertaken by endurance athletes create frequent variations in the immunity of the participants. As a result, such athletes are more prone to diseases and infections particularly upper respiratory tract infection than people who do not engage in prolonged exercises. The health condition of aggressive athletes is worsened if they are exposed to other stressors such as deprived sleep, mental strain and undernourishment.
The health risk exposed to endurance athletes does not mean that they should stop exercising vigorously. However, the health risks can be minimized through nutritional supplements that can help to prevent the inflammation and reduced immunity caused by exercises. A number of studies have been carried out to examine the effects of supplements such as “zinc, dietary fat, plant sterols, glutamine, carbohydrates and antioxidants” (Nieman, n.d., para.2) on the immune system of athletes. Although glutamine and antioxidants have attracted the attention of many scholars, no evidence exists that proves that they improve the immune system of athletes. On the other hand, carbohydrate has been proven to negate negative effect of exercises on athletes’ immune system.
Endurance athletes are known to experience a fall in their blood glucose levels. This is as a result of “hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal activation, an increased release of adrenocorticotrophic hormone and cortisol, increased plasma growth hormone, decreased insulin, and a variable effect on blood epinephrine levels,” (Nieman). Given the fact that stress hormones affect the responses of the immune system to extended and rigorous exercises, carbohydrate helps to preserve the level of plasma glucose, control the increase of stress hormones and in so doing reduce the variations in immunity. Dietary supplements of carbohydrate can in addition change the immune system of an endurance athlete for the better after a heavy exercise. This is because carbohydrate produces glucose which is the most important source of energy for immune cells (Nieman, n.d).
Given the benefits of carbohydrates, majority of athletes and cyclists are usually encouraged to take drinks that are rich in carbohydrates. Such drinks help to restore the carbohydrate stock in the body that can easily be depleted following a vigorous and lengthy exercise. Research experiments have been conducted using athletes taking carbohydrate supplements. These studies showed that athletes who take drinks rich in carbohydrates record substantial levels of blood cortisol and epinephrine, lower variations in white blood cells and low levels of inflammatory cytokines. These studies show that athletes who take in carbohydrate supplements before and after a vigorous exercise experience lower negative effects on their physiological, hormonal and immune systems (Nieman, n.d).
Conclusion
People who engage in vigorous exercises are prone to infections and diseases resulting from reduced immunity in their bodies. These effects can be countered through nutritional supplements particularly carbohydrate supplement. Carbohydrates produce glucose once they are digested and glucose is the major source of energy for cells. Therefore, carbohydrate supplements help to restore the level of glucose in the cells which in turn acts against inflammatory cytokines and other immune stressors. It is therefore advisable for athletes and other sports persons to consume carbohydrate supplements.
Reference List
Nieman, D.C. (n.d). Hot tips for nutrition, training and immune function. Web.