How is taking salt useful before u run long distance races? i thought u are supposed to take in carbohydrates?

Question

How is taking salt useful before u run long distance races? i thought u are supposed to take in carbohydrates?

Answer 1

Do not take salt before exercise.

The salt you eat or swallow will cause dehydration of your cells, it sucks the water out of the body and puts it into your digestive system.

If you eat a healthy diet you do not need salt supplements, ever.

Don't worry about eating anything special before you run.

If your race is going to last more than 1 hour you might need to carbohydrate load, but your biggest concern should be not eating something that will cause stomach problems.

Answer 2

yall are wrong..it is to prevent cramps

Answer 3

Two different issues here... the salt helps you short term, as the sodium helps keep water in your body's cells, which keeps you from being dehydrated.  The carbohydrate loading is more of a long-term activity.  Your body burns sugars for energy.  Carbs turn into sugars... but slowly.  So by taking in a lot of carbs, your body will have more "fuel" over a longer period of time.

Best plan of action... eat carbs in the weeks leading up to the event, and slightly(!) increase your salt intake the day before the event.

Answer 4

where did u hear that? Isn't it to prevent cramps or something?

Answer 5

your body needs sodium in order to survive.!