Human Performance Enhancement in Sports and Exercise: Nutritional Factors - Carbohydrate and Fluids.

Abstract

The property by which the human body undergoes an adaptation following subjection to a stress exceeding a particular prior normal level is referred to as "plasticity". Athletes display a tremendous degree of plasticity in response to exercise training. A critical factor that influences many aspects of the plasticity adaptation response of athletes is their nutritional practices. The intention of this article is to provide some practical guidelines concerning nutritional practices dealing with carbohydrate consumption and fluid intake. Following the research-based guidelines recommended in this article can help to optimize the exercise training and subsequent sports performance of athletes in a variety of sports.