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As the spectators of both male and female professional sports grows, scientists are becoming more aware of a drop in sugar levels in the muscles of these athletes after they exercised for long periods of time. Based on these findings, scientists stressed the importance of consuming carbohydrates to make up for the lost glycogen.
Also, to avoid severe dehydration, drinking plenty of fluids has shown to be crucial for sufficient rehydration. Researchers found that athletes had the tendency to drink more fluids if they liked the taste of the drink, particularly if the drink had a salty or sweet taste. Most fluids for athletes that participated in rigorous exercise were designed with carbohydrates to give them energy, however research showed that athletes had the preference for salt and sweetness after working out.
A study conducted to test this theory included male rats that were caged with two water bottles, one contained a sugar solution, and the other water bottle contained just distilled water. The rats then ran on treadmills for 30- minute increments for a two-hour time period with no food.
Results from the study raised the possibilities that the rat's preference for sugar changed after exercising.
Scientists have already discovered that opioid-receptor antagonists lowered the consumption of the sweetened solution in rats. It was found in human studies that opioid antagonists brought down the ratings of pleasurable foods, particularly the consumption of the foods that were highly preferred.
Conclusions of the study showed that the taste for sweetness was lowered after exercise, and the preference for sweetness prior to exercise wasn't enough to restore exercise-induced anorexia in rats. Researchers claimed these findings would benefit all athletes that have a difficult time eating a sufficient amount of nutrients to replenish their bodies after they exercised.
Experimental Biology 2004 Conference Washington D.C. April 20, 2004
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