6 Health secrets: Do not stop there!

These six health secrets are not new, but this article elaborates on them and provides useful insights into how our body works and what makes us tick, especially during physical activities. They are not all. To know, read on!

Why is it important to eat energy-boosting foods before engaging in physical activities?

Take, for example, your favourite Tennis player on the court struggling to concentrate, missing crucial sitter shots, and making decisions erroneously. Chances are that he has not had a proper pre-match meal. This is a classic case of poor mental focus caused due to insufficient nutrition. Several other issues can crop up due to improper diet. Normally, food habits are disregarded as an insignificant part of our daily life. Here are some of those overall health-related issues that can be caused by a lack of proper food at proper times:

Reduced energy levels

The symptoms are Fatigue, Weakness, and Low Stamina. These are hindrances to sustained physical activity at competitive levels and day-to-day.

Poor Performance

Sluggishness and decreased strength affect speed, agility and reaction time. Muscles are not at optimal levels.

Muscle breakdown

This is called Catabolism. When sufficient carbs and proteins are unavailable, the body breaks down muscle tissues to generate energy. This leads to loss of muscle mass.

Dizziness and Fainting

Hypoglycaemia is a temporary condition and is due to low blood sugar. The symptoms are dizziness and light-headedness, which can cause one to faint during activity.

Poor Mental Focus

Improper food intake can cause impaired mental clarity, focus and decision-making. These are crucial during working out. A Balanced diet during and after workouts keeps muscles and joints strong. Without this, the body is prone to strains, sprains and tears.

Dehydration

Lack of blood flow, overheating, and impaired muscle function are caused due to dehydration. To prevent these, one has to consider the following during various activities:

• A banana and a few dry fruits before a run will do good.
• Whole-grain toast with peanut butter and a glass of water before a game of tennis.
• Greek yoghurt with honey and a sprinkle of granola before strength training.
• A smoothie with fruit, spinach, and protein powder before a prolonged exercise.

How are these foods chosen?

Our body is a dynamic living entity comprising several systems: the bony structure, the circulatory system, the muscular system, and many more. Each system performs an essential function, and it needs to be kept fully oiled and working well at all times to help us live and perform better. Physiologists have found out that:

• Carbohydrates are essential for quick energy. Fruits, oats, and whole grains are found to have these.
• Proteins for muscle building and repair. Yogurt, eggs, lean meat, etc.
• Healthy fats for sustained energy. Nuts and avocado.
• Hydration for water and electrolyte intake.

All that is fine, but how exactly is energy boosted? Are there health secrets?

Our body is considered the best, most advanced, and most efficient system on earth (we don’t know elsewhere!). The breakdown of nutrients fuels the body’s cells, boosting energy. At each cell of our body, the breaking down and storing is happening constantly, and we need to provide a source of nutrients to the body. Here is a brief on what happens in the cells:

• Carbohydrates (the primary energy source) are broken down into glucose (sugar), which provides energy when it enters the bloodstream. If excess glucose is available in the body, it has a mechanism to store it as glycogen in muscles and the liver. This stored-ready fuel is pulled out when needed.
• When carb stores deplete, muscles start converting proteins to build or repair muscles.
• Fats are broken down slower than carbs during low-intensity activities. This provides a steady energy source for prolonged durations, and the term is Fat oxidation.
• Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP) is produced when cells break down nutrients. This molecule provides energy for cellular processes. ATP is needed continuously during exercises, so there should be sufficient carbohydrates, fats, and proteins.
• Aerobic respiration occurs when oxygen is ingested to metabolize nutrients into ATP. Our system makes us breathe more rapidly to meet demands.
• Blood flow, muscle contraction, and energy metabolism need water and electrolytes.

Conclusion

Eating right, Eating the right amount, and Eating at the right times are vital. These are health secrets. Normally, eating 30 to 120 minutes before physical activity helps by imbibing the nutrients into the bloodstream and cells.

Our body is beautiful, but we need to help it remain beautiful!