Caffeine and Exercise

NUTR 351 blog at MSU

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

Caffeine and exercise

Caffeine is a widely used substance among the athletic population. It is now appearing more often in energy drinks, sports gels, and diet aids. It can be a powerful ergogenic aid that is beneficial during training and competition. 

This article pointed out that caffeine does not directly improve optimal oxygen output, but allows training at greater power output and possibly the ability to train longer. Effects have been found to be effective in as little time as a minute or as long as 2 hours. 

There is less information regarding the effects of caffeine on muscular strength, but recent study has shown no effect on maximal ability, but did enhance endurance and resistance to fatigue. This same study found no significant differences in those who use caffeine regularly and those who don't. It also noted that the "Theory that it enhances fat oxidation and spares muscle glycogen has very little support and is an incomplete explanation." They also mentioned, "Caffeine may work, in part, by creating a more favourable intracellular ionic environment in active muscle. This could facilitate force production by each motor unit."

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/11583104

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

Tea at high altitude found safe

There is a lot of talk about whether caffeine is appropriate at high altitudes or if it should be avoided.

Caffeine is a well known diuretic, meaning that it increases the passing of urine. There is controversy if it should be used at high altitudes, where fluid balance is stressed. For many, it is impossible to imagine giving up caffeine. Is it safe to consume tea before hiking or during a backpacking trip?

A study conducted during an expedition to Mt Everest examined the effects of drinking tea at high altitude on hydration status and mood. It showed that there is no evidence that tea acts as a diuretic when consumed through natural routes of ingestion by regular tea drinkers, and that it has a positive effect on mood.

http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/14872247

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

WebMD states 8 myths about caffeine

I have shared several articles regarding the use of caffeine for positive effects associated with physical activity. Whether WebMD should is 100% credible is not the focus, but it is a common tool that people use.

The article discusses 8 what they refer to as myths about caffeine.

1. Caffeine is addictive 2. Caffeine is likely to cause insomnia 3. Caffeine increases the risk of Osteoporosis, heart disease, and cancer 4. Caffeine is harmful for women trying to get pregnant 5. Caffeine has a dehydrating effect 6. Caffeine is harmful to children 7. Caffeine can help you sober up 8. Caffeine has no health benefits Do you agree with what WebMD has to say?

http://www.webmd.com/balance/caffeine-myths-and-facts?page=2#2

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

Metabolic effects of caffeine during exercise

Caffeine has multiple effects on muscle action and muscle metabolism. 

The beneficial effects of caffeine on endurance exercise performance is most likely related to the sparing effect of free fatty acids oxidation on muscle glycogen. This facilitates neuromuscular functioning.

During short term, high intensity exercises with a large amount of caffeine ingested, it is likely that increased power output in muscles is resulted from increased force production caused by increased motor unit recruitment.

http://www.edb.utexas.edu/ssn/SN%20PDF/Caffeine-Exercise%20Perform.PDF

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

It may not be as harmless as we thought...

Caffeine.

It is something so many of us, myself included, depend on to function daily. There has been extensive research conducted studying ergogenic effects caffeine has improving certain characteristics in physical activity.

The effects caffeine has on the body at high elevation is something that should interest those of us who drink caffeine. "In healthy volunteers, the equivalent of two cups of coffee reduced the body's ability to boost blood flow to the heart muscle in response to exercise, and the effect was stronger when the participants were in a chamber simulating high altitude, according to a new study in the Jan. 17, 2006, issue of the Journal of the American College of Cardiology."

http://www.eurekalert.org/pub_releases/2006-01/acoc-clb011306.php

[ryleysmiththings-blog]

Did You Know Instant Ramen Noodles Were This Bad For You?

[itstaishabell-blog]

This article might make you reconsider purchasing those inexpensive foods next time you’re at the grocery store.  Just because a food is cheap, and easy to make, doesn’t mean you always have to eat it.  Make sure to watch the video as well. #NUTR351

This is very interesting and the way I see it is like the researcher said things are fine in moderation. However, when consumed frequently due to “cheapness” it could result in worse health issues down the road which come with a hefty bill.

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

This is, like the article stated, just scary. The general population most likely knows that Ramen Noodles are unhealthy, but who knew that they were so bad that they could possibly be associated with metabolic syndrome.

I found it particularly interesting that women suffer from more ill effects than men who consume high amounts of ramen. 

Guiltily, my roommate and I still indulge in the snack once in a while (particularly after being out late the night before). She would be as equally interested in this article, I'll have to share, and perhaps our own habits will change!

[akoukov]

There are many troubled neighborhoods in the United States. Many of these neighborhoods suffer from high rates of unemployment, slow economic growth, high crime rates, poverty, and poor nutrition. Anacostia, Southeast of Washington DC, is no exception.

The “From the Ground Up” program of the...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

I think this is a wonderful idea! What a great way for people to get involved in the community and stay out of trouble. It could also a helpful solution for communities that are in food deserts. 

[bean27j]

Among other things, stress often leads to food cravings. After all, sweets and high fat foods are called “comfort” foods for a reason. Here are a few ways to avoid giving in to those cravings when you feel them coming:

1. Avoid triggers: It makes sense that we crave what we know we like. During...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

Love the tips! I had never thought about how long cravings last before. I didn't realize that by doing something else for only ten minutes could get your mind off munching. I always find myself mindlessly snacking while writing papers. Now I'll know to take a walk, grab some nuts and water, and resist those temptations!

[childhoodobesity351]

In my research, I found that SNAP, the national food stamp program, allows participants to purchase soda with their food stamp money. Maybe you were aware of this, maybe not. I honestly had to do a fact check on the peer-reviewed article I was reading. I did not think that it could be true. But...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

I am looking forward to the discussion/debate we will have on Tuesday associated with this 'issue'. I also think that there is something wrong with the tax payer's money funding the purchase of junk food, including soda. There should be restrictions to just buy whole foods. It could help the obesity epidemic that we so often hear about. 

[bean27j]

In an article published by Harvard Medical School, the reasons why stress causes us to turn to food are discussed. The main reason we eat when we are under stress is because of the stress hormone cortisol. This hormone leads to an increase in appetite, and when we are under stress, the first...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

This study is very interesting. I had no idea about the gender differences associated with behavioral practices when stressed. From a personal standpoint I would have to agree with this. While writing papers I often find myself with some sort of snack sitting next to me, while I mindlessly much away. Thanks for sharing!

[lesleyfrazier12]

As many have heard, breakfast really is the most important meal of the day. Not only does it give you energy to start a new day, but breakfast is linked to many health benefits, including weight control and improved performance.

Studies show that eating a healthy breakfast can help give...

[akoukov]

The food at farmers markets is better! It is fresher, tastes better, looks prettier, and has way less food miles on it.

You know that you are supporting local producers and every last bit of the dollars you’re spend will stay in your community, helping the local economy.

The food has a...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

This blog is very informative. I haven't really made the time or effort to attend our farmer's market. This makes me feel almost guilty for not! I would be very interested in learning more about the seasonal fruits and vegetables, especially during winter! 

[itstaishabell-blog]

My search to find fast food under the microscope only came up with the McDonalds chicken nugget under one, which I feel most of us have probably heard of or seen by now. There are “mysterious” fibers, red blobs (thought to be an additive to make it look more like the color of chicken), no similar...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

This is so scary!! I can't believe that I used to love eating McDonalds and other fast food when I was younger. Never will I want to pick up another nugget.

[catnutr351]

If the words “fat-free” sound too good to be true… it’s because they are. Fad diets everywhere emphasize fat-free like it’s our gift from the mass market Gods. But hidden under that silver wrapper is refined sugar, carbohydrates and empty calories.

A diet high in healthy fats, like those found in...

[caffeineandexercise-blog]

I think this point is extremely important. So many people think that the key to weight loss is through cutting fat out of the diet. Eating healthy fats keeps a healthy waste