What is it in Tailwind that helps your performance?

Hydration is an important part of an athletes performance, and if you’re reading this you're probably already aware of that. But what you may not know is that what you hydrate with is crucial. For optimal hydration water alone will not suffice, electrolytes are needed too. 

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.

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.

Carbohydrates and sugar (present as glucose and sucrose): Energy Provider

Sugars and soluble carbohydrates are fundamental for providing energy for the maintenance of life. During exercise sugar in its simplest form of glucose is fundamental for the ease of metabolism into expendable energy.

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.

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.