ElyteSport Preloading
By Edward Kane

Most of us are familiar with carbohydrate loading as an effort to pack as much food and energy before an athletic event. It can start one or two days before a race. It’s not known whether it’s good science or done for the sheer joy of eating. However, the body does not have an efficient means of storing carbs. Eating a high carbohydrate meal raises blood sugar levels which stimulates the pancreas to produce insulin to drive the sugar into the cells to be either burned or converted and stored as triglycerides (fat). Those reserve fats are then burned for energy as needed. In 1995 Barry Sears stimulated a bit of controversy with his “Zone Diet” book and poked a hole in the theory of carb loading by proving that a 30/30/40, (protein/fat/carb) diet improved performance. In 1986 Stu Mittleman set a world record for the 1000-Mile Run, covering the distance in 11 days, and he did it with practically no carbs. His book “Slow Burn” details his low carb -- high fat concept. Stu says you can’t do it with carbs. The body burns fat far more efficiently than carbohydrates.

ElyteSport loading, however, is an interesting idea that can be quite effective. It works so well that it could even be a breakthrough in athletic performance. The technique is similar to carb loading but it’s done with electrolytes using ElyteSport concentrate. The goal is to condition the cells and the blood stream to maintain a higher level of electrolytes, which can be called on later to maintain a higher activity level for a longer period of time.

All performance is dependent on the 4 alkaline minerals, Na, K, Mg, and Ca, along with the anions, Chlorides, Phosphates, Sulphates, and Bicarbs. We know that a long athletic event or even a hard workout will deplete the electrolytes. You can taste the salts running down your nose as you perspire. What is generally not known is just how valuable they are. Without them, nothing moves. Absolutely nothing. You can not blink or think without electrolytes.

The technique is to use the concentrate straight (not diluted) just before you train or before the big event. ElyteSport is a concentrated electrolyte solution and is normally diluted at 16:1 with H2O. One liter makes over 4 gallons of drinkable solution. Pre-loading (drinking it straight) is more than a bit strong, but then so is a shot of booze. However, if done just prior to an event, ElyteSport concentrate will raise the level of electrolytes in the cells and provide a reservoir for greater endurance. That means you can drink H2O along the way without concern because you have pre-loaded with a high concentration of those vital electrolytes using ElyteSport which does not contain any sugar. Incidentally, you do not need sugar and a spiked insulin load at the starting gate. That’s a drain (stress) on performance. However, you could use some sugar about 45 minutes to 1 hour afterwards when you run out of glycogen, which is the glucose storage hormone. Carry a protein bar and nibble. They usually have plenty of carbs and will do the job at the exact time you need it with no strain on the system.

The technique for electrolyte loading is to pour about 2 ozs of concentrate in a glass and sip a small amount about 1 Tbls (yes, it is strong stuff), followed immediately with a drink of diluted ElyteSport or plain H2O, about as much as you need to dispel the strong flavor -- like a chaser. The idea is to finish the 2 ozs of concentrate with about a pint or less of diluted ElyteSport close to the time of your workout, ideally within 10 minutes. The high concentration (small amount of H2O) will permit a buildup of electrolytes with the potassium stored in the cells and the sodium in the blood stream.

You can then drink as much H2O as you need immediately before your event. The idea is to be out of the starting gate before the body and its marvelous kidney control system reacts to the high mineral concentration and dumps the high potassium, magnesium, phosphates, etc. into the bladder. As soon as you start running or cycling or whatever, the kidneys conserve everything (H2O and electrolytes); very little is dumped into the bladder at that time, so your pre-loaded electrolytes will be effectively stored and available later.

The high concentration of electrolytes in a balanced format should permit you to train and perform to a higher level. We hear this over and over. “ElyteSport permits me to train or run or cycle longer at a higher rate”. This technique can also be used to enhance performance at work or even study or play since the transmission of thought requires the same electrolyte activity to run the brain and the nervous system. (Where was this idea when I took my exams ?). The folks at E-Lyte also use this if they partied a bit too much the night before. So the idea is extremely versatile.

One more thing --- and this is critical. “No more cramps”. In case you missed that I’ll say it again. “No more cramps”. ElyteSport is almost a secret weapon in the world of cramping athletes. Read “Taking a Peek Inside a Cramp”

There is little risk associated with drinking the concentrated solution as is (undiluted) as long as it does not exceed 2-4 oz and you don’t repeat it along the way unless you have an ample supply of H2O. You should only drink the concentrate ONE time at the start of the race. Once you start you will need to re-hydrate with water or diluted ElyteSport along the way. It has been used with children for over 20 years and even given to a child of 3 to help with temperature control.

Caution:  Do not attempt to pre-load if you have had any kidney difficulties such as a high BUN or Creatinine levels. Please consult your Health Care Professional before attempting to self-administer any supplement to enhance performance.