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Since the 2000 Olympics, caffeine has been banned by the International Olympic Committee. The level that is banned is approximately 8 cups of coffee.\u00a0 If the IOC found that much caffeine in your urine<\/a>, they would assume that you are trying to gain a competitive advantage.<\/p>\n Does Caffeine Really Help?<\/strong><\/p>\n Research is all over the place, but the majority\u00a0seem to suggest\u00a0that caffeine will not benefit athletes in the shorter distances or those with high intensity. But it can improve performance in an endurance event<\/a>. Runner’s World<\/a> published an article about a research study that contradicts that claim, as well as a study that supports it!<\/p>\n Personal differences in tolerance to caffeine, metabolism, diet, and others can have an impact on the benefit of caffeine use.\u00a0 Doctors don’t recommend the use of caffeine to enhance performance. <\/em>Caffeine is present in much more than coffee and Coke.\u00a0 Most energy drinks, sports drinks, and energy bars contain some level of caffeine.\u00a0 Ingested during a race it can also provide a needed boost to help you continue at your desired level of exertion.<\/p>\n How It Works<\/strong><\/p>\n According to a Rice University professor<\/a>, “Caffeine mobilizes fat stores and encourages working muscles to use fat as a fuel.\u00a0 This delays the depletion of muscle glycogen and allows for the prolongation of exercise.”\u00a0 To optimize this caffeine needs to be ingested early in an event or before-hand.\u00a0 This prevents the body from switching to glycogen too early.<\/p>\n Caffeine may also impact the brain, making you feel that your level of exertion is lower than it actually is.\u00a0 This will also allow you to push longer and harder. It may also help keep your muscles relaxed.<\/p>\n Nasty Side Effects<\/strong><\/p>\n Caffeine does have some bad side effects including:<\/p>\n Tips or Recommendations<\/strong><\/p>\n Sources:<\/p>\n Do you drink coffee regularly?\u00a0 Do you use it to “improve your performance”? What do you think about this topic?\u00a0 Leave a note in the comments section.<\/p>\n\n
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