In any race longer than the half-marathon, much of the body's natural mineral salts are lost due to sweating. If not properly replaced, their lack can bring on an increased risk of dehydration, cramp and slow peak performance and recovery time. The main minerals to watch are sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium:
Sodium is essential for the body's uptake of water, and too low a sodium concentration in the body can be very dangerous. Slower marathoners and ultramarathoners need to worry about sodium intake more than faster runners as they are out on the course for longer.
Potassium deficiency is a factor in causing lactic acid cramps and can also exaggerate the effects of not ingesting enough sodium. Fresh fruit - particularly bananas - are a great source of potassium; one banana contains five times as much potassium as a mineral supplement.
Magnesium plays a crucial role in regulating cellular body mechanisms, and keeping your magnesium levels up in your diet can help you recover quicker from races. Magnesium loss during races may also be a factor in cramping.
Calcium loss over a long period of training can lead to an increased risk of cramping during intense activity. However, balanced dietary habits should take care of this problem.
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