Blog post 1 assignment

                My research question is what do pre and post work out products such as Gatorade, whey protein, and energy drinks do to either support or hurt the body?  I decided on this question because it is a topic that has a clear effect on my life.   I have experimented with all of these products in my experiences with sports and lifting weights.   I would like to know if these products support my efforts as an athlete, and aid in my attempts to build strength, energy, and recovery or if they have a negative effect.  This topic is important because a lot of athletes try to do whatever they can to be in there top shape and performance without knowing the best way of doing it.  Commercials supporting Gatorade and energy drink brands like red bull, and rock star are flooding the air waves with popular athletes endorsing them.  Many people get caught up in these ads and believe that these products will get them an advantage on the field without any research, rather they just a trust in the advertisement.  There is a reason that companies advertise and it’s to sell products and tell you the best of the product while overlooking its short comings.   I expect to find that these products are helpful for building muscle, refueling, and gaining energy, but also can have a negative effect if taken improperly or in the wrong scenario.  I have looked up the positives and negatives of each of these products and there is a trend showing that they are helpful if you are active and they are used at the right times and not abused.  Gatorade for example helps to regain electrolytes, and carbohydrates, and is effect in refueling athletes quickly.  Gatorade however can be hurtful in that in can cause weight gain, vitamin toxicity, Hyponatremia, and it increases the chances of high blood pressure, and high blood sugar.  My research indicates that energy drinks can help to improve performance and mental concentration in theory, but there are many concerns about the amount of caffeine that they put into the body.  It has been proven that Whey protein can help to improve an athlete’s performance, but there is evidence that if it is taken in high doses it can have harmful side effects.  Clearly I am coming across scholars who have differing viewpoints on each of these products.  Of all the products the one with the most questions and debate behind it is by far energy drinks.  All the products seem to be safe for most people if they are taken responsibly in moderation.  I believe that these products are beneficial to athletes and can have an effect on performance.   I also see the other side of the argument however because I believe that if abused these products have the potential to have negative effects on a person’s health.  Right now I believe that these products are ok to be used.