I’ve just returned from an informative 2 days Conference with Sports Dietitians Australia in Melbourne and additional Sodium Workshop. The conference and workshop was all about the latest research in Hydration, Rehydration, Sodium Requirements and managing Heat Stress in exercise.
One take-home message I learned is about benefit of Acute Sodium Loading before endurance events over 3 day sodium loading strategy which is commonly done by endurance athletes. Contrary to popular belief, evidence shows that 3 day sodium loading strategy is no more effective than acute dose in increasing cardiac output and performance. In fact, athletes are likely to just pee out extra sodium consumed in 3 day load as well as increase sweat sodium concentration.
Studies show that Acute Sodium Loading 90mins before hot endurance events improves performance not by improving hydration but by increasing cardiac output.
For more information and for a personalised Sodium and hydration strategy, contact a Sports Dietitian
