Today the level of competition in youth sports is at an all time high. Athletes today need to approach their game from all angles, not just physical play. Nutrition and hydration are key components to any competitive players game. It's not just what you do on the field that will make you good, but what you are putting into you are body.
All too many times, nutrition and hydration aren't on the top of young athletes to-do lists. When an athlete works out, if hard enough, they will definitely sweat. When a person sweats they lose more than just water. When you sweat you lose minerals, electrolytes, and other nutrients. Losing these electrolytes are more important than people realize.
An electrolyte is the component that carries the electrical messages from your brain to the rest of your body. Unlike fats, carbohydrates, and proteins electrolytes aren't stored within your body. Once you lose them they're gone. The fewer electrolytes you have in your system the weaker the signal from your brain to your muscles becomes.
When this signal is weak it has dire consequences. Muscles will start to cramp up, mental focus will be lost, and reaction times will slow. This has the potential the effect the players overall performance.
It is also important to find a drink that is high in electrolytes, such as Vitalyte, while maintaining a good balance of carbohydrates and sugars. The more sugar and carbs a drink has the more energy it takes to absorb the electrolytes. The fewer carbs and sugars a drink contains the easier and quicker your body can absorb the electrolytes.
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