Dehydration
Dehydration Overview
Fluid and Electrolyte Management
Loss of fluids and electrolytes impairs cardiovascular function and work capacity.
Solutions with low osmolarity (<10%) enhance absorption.
Suspect hyponatremia in individuals engaging in prolonged, intense exercise while consuming only water.
For exercises exceeding one hour, rehydration with fluids containing carbohydrates is advised, as this promotes sodium absorption.
Nutritional Supplements
Nutritional supplements remain contentious.
Creatine, a popular supplement, is known for increasing cellular water retention.
Using creatine during the competitive season may heighten the risk of dehydration and muscle cramps.
Ergogenic Drugs
Anabolic Steroids
These are testosterone derivatives misused by athletes to boost muscle mass, strength, and red blood cell production.
Known adverse effects include liver dysfunction, high cholesterol, cardiomyopathy, testicular shrinkage, increased blood clotting, fluid and electrolyte disturbances, gynecomastia, acne, mood swings (notably aggression), and permanent hair loss.
Heart disease risk is elevated due to higher LDL cholesterol and lower HDL cholesterol.
The International Olympic Committee standardizes urine sampling for detection.
Human Growth Hormone (HGH)
Produced using recombinant DNA techniques, HGH is commonly abused illegally to increase muscle size and weight, with side effects resembling those of steroids, including hypertension and gigantism.
Detection of HGH use is challenging.
Insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) shares similar effects with HGH.
Prohormones
Testosterone derivatives such as dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) and androstenedione are used as anabolic agents; however, their effects are debatable.
References
1. Miller, M. D., Thompson, S. R. Miller's Review of Orthopaedics, 8th Edition. Elsevier Enhanced Digital Version; 2019-11-08. Retrieved from vbk://97803236097912019-11-08.
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