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In this first installment of articles Terry is contributing for deep diver
fitness, the most important issue to your nutrition is addressed. This will
be followed by some general nutrition based articles, and some fitness
training, with specific emphasis on increased conditioning for deep diving..
Articles like this one on water are critical for all of us to take to heart,
and acting on it will benefit every person on this list. The articles on
diet, when generic, should be far better than most organized diets which you
may have read about before, but a critical component must be addressed
before a diet will work for people with extreme needs---be the need
extremely high body fat levels which have previously eluded weight loss
attempts, or conditioning to far beyond average levels, to reach "elite
fitness levels". For "special needs" such as these, the individual's unique
metabolism and genetic potentials must be factored in to the diet and
training, as well as daily activity levels, and realistic workout programs
for each person. These issues can have MAJOR effects on your results.
Dan
Water, Your lifeblood.
by Terry Giles
Water intake is essential for muscular growth and development, as
well as overall good health. Water carries the toxins out of the muscle
fiber and helps detoxify the kidney and liver. The more water you consume,
the less water your body will retain. For women this is of particular
importance when they are on their menstruation cycle. If the woman increases
her water, she will retain less water, all but eliminating that bloated,
puffy feeling. There are six major nutrients needed to sustain life and
survive - they are water, protein, carbohydrates, fats vitamins and
minerals. Water is the most important. Water is the most substantial element
in your body, constituting the largest portion of your bodyweight. Your
muscles are comprised of over 70% water. Your brain also, is made up of over
70% water. Your blood plasma is 92% water, while even your bones consist of
over 22% water. So it is easy to see, water is essential.
Our bodies require water to carry nutrients to the different tissue.
It requires water for muscular growth and tissue repair and regrowth. As the
muscles are utilized they burn energy - the utilization of this energy
creates toxins - just like your car burns gas and creates exhaust fumes -
these are the toxins the muscles produce. These toxins must be moved out of
the muscles and out of the body. The body requires water to transport toxins
out of the body. These captive toxins are most commonly referred to as
cellulite, you know that cottage cheese looking stuff stuck to your butt and
thighs. Guess what - you may be burning the fat - but if you're taking in
enough water - you can not getting rid of the fat. Toxins must be
transported out of the body via sweat, urination or excretion. Water is
necessary for all of these bodily functions. Water is necessary to maintain
our body temperature and complete digestion, circulation, absorption and
excretion. So isn't it safe to say, that common sense should tell you - it
takes more than just a few glasses of water a day to be healthy and fit.
Everyone should consume no less than one gallon of water each and
everyday. Athletes need even more that is - upwards of two or three gallons
daily. This is important. Don't be alarmed, thinking you will be chained to
a toilet all day, your body will adjust to the increased fluid intake. Your
kidneys will be more efficient and your body will be void of harmful toxins
and wastes. I try to explain it like this - your body has a list of "things
to do today", and at the top of that list is sustain life - first and
foremost. So using that train of thought - the body is going to use it's
available water to carry out life sustaining processes first - what does
that leave for additional protein absorption - what does that leave for
detoxification, what does that leave for fat transportation and toxin
removal? Are you taking in enough water to carry out life sustaining
functions - regulates your body temperature - replenish muscles - carry out
toxins and the list goes on. How much water are you consuming - enough? You
have to replenish your body's water supply, you need it for life - you need
it to repair tissue and growth - you need it for the completion of all of
the body's functions. Nothing replaces water. Water is water, coffee and tea
are made with water, but they contain caffeine. Caffeine is okay in
moderation, but remember, caffeine can cause water retention in some people,
so it is a poor choice for competitive bodybuilders. Caffeine also can
deplete your minerals and electrolytes, so moderation is key.
Electrolyte drinks are common on the market - most are fairly high
in sodium and sugar - so read the label. Carbohydrate drinks are
everywhere - most contain the same 100 grams of carbs per serving, trouble
is most all of the 100 grams are derived from dextrose and fructose - both
forms of simple sugars. I don't care much for these prepackaged, bottled
carb drinks. There are a few powders out on the market that make a better
choice for a carb replacement of preload drink. Twinlab makes a product
named CarbFuel and Optimum Nutrition has a product known as Carbo Pump, both
derive the majority of carbs from maltodextrin, a long chain carbohydrate
processed from grains. They are about equal on both taste and quality. Next
Nutrition makes an energy carbohydrate powder called Ultimate Orange. It too
derives it's carbs from long chained grains sources, but in addition
contains energy stimulants such as Guarana and Ma Huang. It only has 16
grams of carbs per serving - so I mix it double dose and it will really wire
you for your workout. Some of the people I use it on get kind of squirrely
on it, they don't feel so hot, the Ma Huang can do that. If that happens,
discontinue use, unless you are a sadist.
After all is said and done, sweat is puddled up on the gym floor at
your feet, never underestimate the body's need for water, water is your life
blood, replenish it. In my opinion, leave the bottled sports drinks to the
gym rats and wannabes - you ain't goin' nowhere without taking in enough
water. You should consume water all day long and even throughout your
training sessions - it is the single most important fluid you can consume.
If you are looking for peak performance, and optimum results, water is you
lifeblood.
--
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