When it comes to monitoring magnesium levels in athletes, two common tests are often used: serum magnesium and red blood cell (RBC) magnesium. Both tests aim to provide insights into an individual’s magnesium status, but they measure different aspects of magnesium in the body. Understanding the differences between these tests is crucial for athletes and …
Magnesium for cramp-prone athletes: pick the form that won’t upset GI
Magnesium for Cramp-Prone Athletes Magnesium is a crucial mineral that plays a significant role in muscle function, energy production, and nerve transmission. For athletes, maintaining optimal magnesium levels is essential to prevent muscle cramps, enhance performance, and support overall health. However, choosing the right form of magnesium is crucial, especially for cramp-prone athletes who are …
Potassium-aware fueling for heavy sweaters: safety boundaries
Heavy sweating during physical activity can lead to significant potassium loss, which is an essential electrolyte that plays a crucial role in muscle function, nerve transmission, and fluid balance in the body. Potassium-aware fueling is a strategy aimed at replenishing potassium levels to support optimal performance and prevent potential health risks for heavy sweaters. Understanding …
Sodium micro-dosing across ultramarathons: drip strategy
Introduction: Sodium micro-dosing has gained popularity among ultramarathon runners as a strategy to optimize performance and prevent hyponatremia. This article delves into the concept of sodium micro-dosing, its benefits, implementation strategies, and potential risks. The Science Behind Sodium Micro-Dosing Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that plays a vital role in maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, …
Salt shots vs capsules vs chews: match gut tolerance and pace
Salt Shots Salt shots are a popular method of replenishing electrolytes during intense physical activities such as endurance sports or outdoor adventures. These concentrated liquid forms of salt are designed to be quickly consumed to boost sodium levels in the body. Salt shots are often favored by athletes who prefer a fast-acting solution to prevent …
DIY sweat test: scale, towel, calculator—simple and accurate
Sweating is a natural process that helps regulate body temperature and eliminate toxins. Monitoring your sweat rate can provide valuable insights into your hydration levels and overall fitness. While there are professional methods to measure sweat rate, such as using a sweat test conducted in a sports science laboratory, a do-it-yourself (DIY) sweat test can …
Electrolyte targets by sweat sodium: set per liter, not per bottle
Electrolyte targets by sweat sodium: set per liter, not per bottle, is a critical aspect of maintaining proper hydration and performance for athletes, particularly in endurance sports. Understanding the composition of sweat and the individual’s sweat sodium concentration can help in formulating personalized hydration strategies. Rather than focusing on generic guidelines based on the volume …
Hyperhydration in heat: glycerol + sodium calendar with guardrails
Hyperhydration in heat, especially when combined with glycerol and sodium supplementation, is a topic of growing interest in the field of sports science and performance optimization. This article will delve into the concept of hyperhydration, the role of glycerol and sodium in enhancing hydration levels, and the importance of establishing guardrails to avoid potential risks …
Glycerol for brick workouts (bike→run): cramps vs cooling benefits
Introduction: Brick workouts, where athletes transition from cycling to running, are essential in triathlon training to simulate race conditions. Glycerol has gained attention for its potential benefits in enhancing performance during these transitions, particularly in reducing the risk of cramps and providing cooling effects. In this article, we will delve into the effects of glycerol …
Sodium citrate vs bicarbonate for swimmers: choose by event duration
Sodium Citrate vs Bicarbonate for Swimmers: Choose by Event Duration Swimmers often seek ways to enhance their performance through various means, including the use of ergogenic aids such as sodium citrate and bicarbonate. These substances are known to buffer acidity in the muscles, allowing athletes to maintain performance levels for longer periods. However, the choice …

