ERIC Number: ED221480
Record Type: Non-Journal
Publication Date: 1982
Pages: 6
Abstractor: N/A
ISBN: N/A
ISSN: N/A
EISSN: N/A
Salt, Water, and Athletes.
Smith, Nathan J.
Good nutrition for athletes demands plenty of water, since water is essential to such vital functions as muscle reactions. Dehydration can result from jet travel as well as from exercise and heat, making it a danger to traveling athletic teams. To avoid dehydration, water needs should be monitored by frequent weighing, and a clean water supply must be constantly available during competition. Heat disorders can result from failure to ingest and dissipate bodily fluids, often a problem for obese athletes early in practice sessions. Emergencies can be avoided by conducting preparticipation exams, allowing gradual acclimatization to exercise, and by weighing before and after practice sessions to determine average weight and water loss. Differences of opinion exist about the amount of salt needed by competitive athletes, but if regular meals and sufficient water is supplied, salt tablets and Gator-Aide-type drinks are not needed. (FG)
Descriptors: Athletes, Athletics, Body Weight, Exercise Physiology, Human Body, Human Factors Engineering, Metabolism, Nutrition, Physical Activity Level, Physical Fitness, Water
Not available separately; see SP 020 500.
Publication Type: Reports - Descriptive; Opinion Papers; Speeches/Meeting Papers
Education Level: N/A
Audience: N/A
Language: English
Sponsor: N/A
Authoring Institution: N/A
Grant or Contract Numbers: N/A