Why Endurance Nutrition Should Support Health, Not Just Performance
Helen KeithEndurance nutrition should support your overall health and wellbeing, not just your performance. Here at Active Root we’re looking beyond race day with our range of products which can support long-term consistency and enjoyment in sport. This is possible thanks to our not-so-secret ingredient - ginger!
Why Ginger?
Ginger has been used to cure nausea and sea sickness since ancient Chinese times. Active Root has applied this to benefit athletic performance but also everyday health through the use of natural root ginger in all our products to help soothe the stomach and prevent gastric discomfort before, during and after exercise.
Ginger is well-known for its ability to soothe the stomach. Ginger contains the compound Gingerol, which can help contribute to soothing the stomach by relaxing the muscles in the gut. It also can have a calming effect, reducing bloating and stomach discomfort. The ginger in Active Root has been specially used because of the high gingerol ratio!
We take pride in our use of stomach-settling ginger, but our use of natural ingredients can also contribute towards a normal functioning stomach. As the body can recognise these ingredients more easily, they are less likely to cause an upset stomach, whereas artificial additives can sometimes cause unwanted side effects. This is important not just during training and racing, but as part of a bigger picture approach to everyday health.
Natural Ingredients
At Active Root we use a variety of natural ingredients that can be found in most of our products. Predominantly, we use Natural Cane Sugar as our fuel source, Natural Sea Salt as our electrolyte source, and Ginger to help settle your stomach.
One of the key benefits of unbleached cane sugar is its ability to provide a steady release of energy. Its unique 50/50 combination of glucose and fructose results in a more gradual rise in blood sugar levels when consumed, which may help sustain carbohydrate delivery to working muscles without any harmful spikes. Unbleached cane sugar is readily absorbed and metabolised, providing immediate energy without causing digestive discomfort. This makes it an ideal fuel for athletes who need to stay energised without upsetting their stomachs, but also during recovery and training phases.
The combination of unbleached cane sugar with our staple ingredient of ginger creates an optimal balance for sustained endurance. The natural sugars provide the necessary carbohydrates to keep you fuelled, while the ginger aids digestion and helps prevent nausea. This dual-action approach ensures that you stay fuelled, with a settled stomach, allowing you to stay focused on your performance without worrying about dreaded gut bombs!
How Active Root can support everyday training health
Natural ingredients make a huge difference in reducing digestive stress - the disruption of gastrointestinal function - caused by physical (or emotional) strain, which can manifest as stomach pain, bloating, nausea and indigestion. This is amplified during training and racing by stress placed on the body.
Ginger is also a great source of vital vitamins and minerals, including vitamins B6 and C, magnesium, iron, and zinc. Combined with its high antioxidant content, Ginger can help strengthen your immune system and reduce immune load; this is particularly important for athletes who put their bodies under significant stress during training periods.
Including ginger into a fuelling strategy for athletes can shift their focus from digestive issues to optimal performance. The ginger in Active Root can help contribute towards a normally functioning settled stomach and prevent cramps, nausea and bloating. By gradually introducing carbs, fluids and our ginger-based nutrition into your training, you can reduce race-day stomach issues.
Our clean, ginger-infused range of natural nutrition products can support you in everyday life, not just during your training and sporting pursuits. Keep on top of your hydration with our range of drinks including Sports Drink Mix and Electrolite Drink Mix. Our Energy Chews can provide a tasty snack and energy boost when you need one, and our hot Recovery Drink Mix can warm you up on a chilly day. To support your everyday wellness and maintain better overall health, Active Root can be a powerful addition to your nutrition plan!