What supplements might increase an athlete’s risk of heat-related illness?
This time of year it is critical to be wary of taking supplements that contain any type of adrenergic stimulants, such as Ephedrine. These supplements increase heart rate, blood pressure and core body temperature. Supplements that contain herbal diuretics (dandelion, senna, and buckthorn) will cause dehydration and electrolyte depletion. Also, high amounts of protein increase an athlete’s risk of dehydration. Extra protein in the diet means more nitrogen in the body; therefore, more fluid is lost through the urine to rid the body of the extra nitrogen. Please remember to drink plenty of fluids throughout the day! E-mail nutrition questions to the Semper Fit dietitian at bowmant@usmc-mccs.
