THE SCIENCE OF SPORTS NUTRITION

Tailwind uses a dextrose-sucrose mix. Recent research has come out that shows if you combine different types of carbohydrates, you can actually INCREASE the amount of calories absorbed by your body by up to 40%.

Result: You can absorb more calories

Tailwind uses simple carbohydrates (dextrose and sucrose) as opposed to complex carbohydrates (maltodextrin, glucose polymers, super starches, food)

Fast-acting carbs are rapidly absorbed in the GI tract, rapidly transported to muscles cells, and rapidly metabolised to provide energy to working muscles.

Long-acting carbs such as super starches, complex carbs and food are absorbed more slowly, and must be metabolically converted to fast-acting sugars before they can be transported to the muscles and used as energy. All this takes time (and energy).

Remember, you are running a calorie deficit from the get go so Tailwind gives you fuel in the most efficient way possible – it’s delivered in the form that your body already uses

Result: Tailwind doesn’t hang out in the stomach and cause GI distress

Protein has been shown to be a major contributor to GI distress

Important for recovery and as part of your overall nutrition plan, but not during your activity (unless it’s multi-day and you take protein during your downtime)

Tailwind Rebuild Recovery was developed with complete protein for use post exercise.

Most drinks only contain about 15% of what you need, and then you need to supplement with salt pills. Tailwind mimics the composition of sweat:

Sodium: 0.9 gram/litre

Potassium: 0.2 g/l

Calcium: 0.015 g/l

Magnesium: 0.0013 g/l

Most important piece of information though: Most folks think of cramping when it comes to sodium, but the real reason to include sodium is that it activates the glucose and fructose transport mechanism. The glucose and fructose are transported across the cell to power the muscles, but when you introduce sodium, not only is a glucose and fructose molecule transported, but a water molecule as well. This means you get more hydrated when taking sodium with your drink.

Sodium: Maintains Fluid Balance

Sodium is needed in the body for a number of reasons, the most important for endurance athletes is its role in the maintenance of extracellular fluid volume which influences the hydration of an athlete.

It is also important for the uptake of nutrients such as carbohydrates  and protein.

During extended periods of exercise it is important that sodium levels are replenished. As the bodies sodium concentration falls ECF (extracellular fluid) falls which can have detrimental effects to the bodies cells. Physiologically this will present as dizziness and faintness.

Sodium Citrate: Stops Cramps

Sodium citrate is added to the Tailwind Nutrition products to act as a pH regulator. When the muscles are working for extended periods of time, muscle pH will decrease and cramps take effect. The role of sodium citrate is to delay the effects of this lowering pH and prevent the build up of lactic acid in the athletes muscles to help reduce cramps and allow them to run, cycle or row for longer.

Calcium: Strong bones and Muscle contraction

Calciums primary role is structural, around 99% of calcium is found in bones and teeth. A prolonged calcium deficiency will increase the risk of low bone mineral density and stress fractures in athletes. It is also an essential mineral for muscle function and contraction as well as being essential for synthesis and breakdown of glycogen fuel stores in your muscles.

Potassium: Stops Muscle Weakness

Potassium is essential for the acid-base regulation and to maintain the electrophysiology of nerves and muscles. A deficiency in potassium (caused by prolonged sweating during physical activity) can alter the electrophysiological characteristics of cell membranes causing weakness of the skeletal muscles.

Magnesium: Relaxes Muscles

Magnesium works closely with calcium, while calcium is important for the contraction of your muscles, magnesium helps them relax. Therefore, it is clear how important the combination of both calcium and magnesium is for healthy muscle function.

Many folk underestimate the importance of taste and texture…until they are in their 3rd hour.

Most drinks on the market are overly sweet which taste great during the first 2 hours, but give you the “gag reflex” after those initial hours. The worse outcome then happens: you don’t drink which means you aren’t taking in calories, electrolytes, or water

Tailwind has a mild, clean taste that you can drink all day without getting sick of it