Tag: Sports nutrition myths

According to sports nutrition research, carbohydrates are the primary energy source for high-intensity exercise, yet many athletes worry about consuming too many carbs. This fear often stems from popular diet trends that aren't tailored to the unique energy demands of athletes, leading to performance-damaging misconceptions.

According to a 2025 study in the *Journal of Applied Physiology*, excessive long-term sugar consumption significantly affects athletic performance and metabolic health. This reveals why athletes shouldn't eat sugar carelessly, as constant intake of refined sugars can impair endurance, delay recovery, and lead to chronic inflammation.

According to the International Olympic Committee, Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport (RED-S) can affect athletes of any gender, age, or ability level, regardless of their body size. The answer to "Do you have to be underweight to have RED-S?" is a definitive no, as the syndrome is caused by a caloric deficit relative to exercise demands, not by low body weight itself.

According to sports nutrition experts, the alcohol in beer actually impedes your body’s ability to properly replenish glycogen stores, making it a poor choice for carbo loading. The myth that beer helps with carbo loading is a persistent one, but understanding the metabolic processes reveals why this practice is counterproductive for athletic performance.

Over 10% of athletes in one study showed signs of hyponatremia, a condition linked to dangerously low sodium levels, illustrating a critical misunderstanding about why do athletes avoid salt. For active individuals, the low-sodium recommendations intended for the general population are a major misconception that can seriously impair performance and health.

While soda is often seen as an unhealthy beverage, a notable portion of elite endurance athletes, including marathon runners and cyclists, have historically used cola-style beverages during competition for a strategic energy boost, prompting the question: why do athletes drink soda?

While some studies indicate lean pork can offer excellent protein and essential nutrients, many elite athletes still choose to avoid it. The decision of why don't athletes eat pork is multifaceted, driven by religious observances, potential health concerns, and perceptions about performance optimization.

According to a study published in the *Journal of the International Society of Sports Nutrition*, fueling the body with the right balance of macronutrients is more important than massive calorie intake alone. So, can I eat whatever I want as an athlete? The short answer is no, and understanding why is key to unlocking your full potential and achieving long-term health and performance goals.

In recent years, a bizarre trend has gained traction in some fitness and bodybuilding circles: the purchase and consumption of human breast milk. Driven by anecdotal claims rather than scientific evidence, the belief is that breast milk can offer a competitive edge, but experts warn of significant health risks and a complete lack of proven benefits.