ElyteSport Preloading
By Edward Kane
Most of us are familiar with carbohydrate
loading as an effort to pack as much food and energy before
an athletic event. It can start one or two days before
a race. It’s not known whether it’s good science
or done for the sheer joy of eating. However, the body
does not have an efficient means of storing carbs. Eating
a high carbohydrate meal raises blood sugar levels which
stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin to drive the
sugar into the cells to be either burned or converted and
stored as triglycerides (fat). Those reserve fats are then
burned for energy as needed. In 1995 Barry Sears stimulated
a bit of controversy with his “Zone Diet” book
and poked a hole in the theory of carb loading by proving
that a 30/30/40, (protein/fat/carb) diet improved performance.
In 1986 Stu Mittleman set a world record for the 1000-Mile
Run, covering the distance in 11 days, and he did it with
practically no carbs. His book
“Slow Burn” details his low carb -- high fat
concept. Stu says you can’t do it with carbs. The
body burns fat far more efficiently than carbohydrates.
ElyteSport loading, however, is an interesting idea that
can be quite effective. It works so well that it could
even be a breakthrough in athletic performance. The technique
is similar to carb loading but it’s done with electrolytes
using ElyteSport concentrate. The goal is to condition
the cells and the blood stream to maintain a higher level
of electrolytes, which can be called on later to maintain
a higher activity level for a longer period of time.
All performance is dependent on the 4 alkaline minerals,
Na, K, Mg, and Ca, along with the anions, Chlorides, Phosphates,
Sulphates, and Bicarbs. We know that a long athletic event
or even a hard workout will deplete the electrolytes. You
can taste the salts running down your nose as you perspire.
What is generally not known is just how valuable they are.
Without them, nothing moves. Absolutely nothing. You can
not blink or think without electrolytes.
The technique is to use the concentrate straight (not diluted)
just before you train or before the big event. ElyteSport
is a concentrated electrolyte solution and is normally
diluted at 16:1 with H2O. One liter makes over 4 gallons
of drinkable solution. Pre-loading (drinking it straight)
is more than a bit strong, but then so is a shot of booze.
However, if done just prior to an event, ElyteSport concentrate
will raise the level of electrolytes in the cells and provide
a reservoir for greater endurance. That means you can drink
H2O along the way without concern because you have pre-loaded
with a high concentration of those vital electrolytes using
ElyteSport which does not contain any sugar. Incidentally,
you do not need sugar and a spiked insulin load at the
starting gate. That’s a drain (stress) on performance.
However, you could use some sugar about 45 minutes to 1
hour afterwards when you run out of glycogen, which is
the glucose storage hormone. Carry a protein bar and nibble.
They usually have plenty of carbs and will do the job at
the exact time you need it with no strain on the system.
The technique for electrolyte loading is to pour about
2 ozs of concentrate in a glass and sip a small amount
about 1 Tbls (yes, it is strong stuff), followed immediately
with a drink of diluted ElyteSport or plain H2O, about
as much as you need to dispel the strong flavor -- like
a chaser. The idea is to finish the 2 ozs of concentrate
with about a pint or less of diluted ElyteSport close to
the time of your workout, ideally within 10 minutes. The
high concentration (small amount of H2O) will permit a
buildup of electrolytes with the potassium stored in the
cells and the sodium in the blood stream.
You can then drink as much H2O as you need immediately
before your event. The idea is to be out of the starting
gate before the body and its marvelous kidney control system
reacts to the high mineral concentration and dumps the
high potassium, magnesium, phosphates, etc. into the bladder.
As soon as you start running or cycling or whatever, the
kidneys conserve everything (H2O and electrolytes); very
little is dumped into the bladder at that time, so your
pre-loaded electrolytes will be effectively stored and
available later.
The high concentration of electrolytes in a balanced format
should permit you to train and perform to a higher level.
We hear this over and over. “ElyteSport permits me
to train or run or cycle longer at a higher rate”.
This technique can also be used to enhance performance
at work or even study or play since the transmission of
thought requires the same electrolyte activity to run the
brain and the nervous system. (Where was this idea when
I took my exams ?). The folks at E-Lyte also use this if
they partied a bit too much the night before. So the idea
is extremely versatile.
One more thing --- and this is critical. “No more
cramps”. In case you missed that I’ll say it
again. “No more cramps”. ElyteSport is almost
a secret weapon in the world of cramping athletes. Read “Taking
a Peek Inside a Cramp”
There is little risk associated with drinking the concentrated
solution as is (undiluted) as long as it does not exceed
2-4 oz and you don’t repeat it along the way unless
you have an ample supply of H2O. You should only drink
the concentrate ONE time at the start of the race. Once
you start you will need to re-hydrate with water or diluted
ElyteSport along the way. It has been used with children
for over 20 years and even given to a child of 3 to help
with temperature control.
Caution: Do
not attempt to pre-load if you have had any kidney
difficulties such as a high BUN or Creatinine levels.
Please consult your Health Care Professional before
attempting to self-administer any supplement to enhance
performance.
More:
• The E-Lyte Story:
Why You Need Electrolytes!
• >Sugar Free Electrolytes
• Compare ElyteSport with
other "Sports" drinks
• Pickle Juice
• Taking A Peek Inside a Muscle
Cramp
• Night Cramps
• ElyteSport Preloading
References:
• References depicting
the difficulty within the Medical Community to Resolve "Cramping"
The information contained in this web site
is for educational purposes only and is not intended or
implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice.
Inclusion here does not imply any endorsement or recommendation. Always
seek the advice of your physician or other qualified medical
provider for all medical problems prior to starting any
new regiment. |
