Three Ways an Athlete Can Prevent an Infection with Proper Nutrition

By Jeanne Rose, Yahoo! Contributor Network

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Athletes are prone to all sorts of infections, especially if he or she plays a lot of contact sports such as soccer. There are many different ways an athlete can prevent contracting an infection, including eating a proper diet. An athlete not only needs to take in essential vitamins and minerals for energy, but it can also prevent him or her from getting a serious infection.

Here are three ways an athlete can reduce the chance he or she contracts an infection, by following certain nutrition and dietary tips.

Keep Blood Sugar Levels in Control

Blood sugar levels are very important for an athlete, and it is very important that he or she keep them in control during physical activity. Even if an athlete does not have diabetes, blood sugar levels that become unstable promote infection and disease, since it lowers the immune system response within the body. If an athlete has high blood sugar or very low blood sugar, this will increase the chance of infection, since the body would be too weak to fight it off. There is a balance in the body of glucose, and if this balance is disturbed, it can promote diseases and infection. If an athlete is diabetic, then he or she should check blood sugar levels before, during, and after a sport, to ensure that this delicate balance is not disturbed. If an athlete is not diabetic, then simply maintaining a healthy diet should be enough to even out the blood sugar levels, but he or she should know the warning signs of blood sugar levels that are too high or too low.

Eat Whole Grains, Fresh Fruit, and Vegetables Daily

When it comes to preventing infections, eating a healthy and balanced diet is essential, especially for an athlete participating in sports. Eating a healthy diet includes ingesting the recommended amounts of fruits and vegetables each day, and making sure to include small amounts of protein in the diet as well. Whole grains are a vital part of a healthy diet and can include whole wheat bread, crackers, and pasta. Foods that are laced with sugar or fat will do little to promote a healthy lifestyle, and can actually cause the body to become worn down or weak. Eating unhealthy foods also will not boost the immune system, which is important for keeping infections and disease at bay. If an athlete wants to prevent infections as much as possible, then it is crucial he or she eats a balanced diet full of essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins. An athlete should never skip a meal in order to make a certain weight, because this could weaken the body. An athlete should always eat a balanced meal a couple hours before participating in a sport, to boost the immune system, increase energy, balance blood sugar levels, and promote a healthy lifestyle.

Drink 8 Glasses of Water Each Day

Drinking 8 glasses of water each day is a great way for an athlete to prevent infection, since it helps boost the immune system. Water is an essential component for a healthy lifestyle, and athletes need plenty of water each day to stay hydrated. 8 full glasses of water each day is the recommended amount, but an athlete might need to take in more than this or supplement this with sports drinks such as Gatorade. When an athlete sweats, it releases water in his or her body, which needs to be replaced in order to stay hydrated and healthy. If an athlete does not consume enough water every day, his or her immune system will become weak, which will make him or her susceptible to infections or disease. An athlete should always take a water bottle and fill it full of water, so that he or she has something to drink on the sidelines, when participating in sports.

Jeanne Rose went to vocational school for Allied Health, obtained certification in nurse assisting, and worked as a dietary clerk for three years in a hospital.

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