“It wasn’t a new racquet, a new workout, a new coach, or even a new serve that helped me lose weight, regain mental focus, and be the healthiest I’ve ever been. It was a new diet,” says World No. 1 Tennis player Novak Djokovic in his book, Serve to Win: The 14-Day Gluten-Free Plan for Physical and Mental Excellence.
Djokovic went gluten-free after earning a reputation for being unreliable, prone to illness, and even out of shape, something frequently blamed on asthma. His tale emphasises the importance of diagnosing and treating underlying health issues in order to improve athletic performance.
Likewise, Virat Kohli’s diet is free of refined sugar and gluten, while Drew Brees of the New Orleans Saints, the Garmin cycling team, and Olympians Ryan Hall and Amy Yoder all have gone public about their gluten-free diets. “Proper diet is important for all athletes at the top level,” says Saina Nehwal, former World No.1 badminton player.
Food choices make a difference
When disease is present, food choices can make a major difference. “Gluten is a group of proteins that are found in grains, which can cause health problems in some. Removing it from one’s diet can help to improve symptoms. Treatment includes compliance with a gluten free diet and replacement of vitamins which aren’t absorbed,” says Dr CRK Prasad, Senior Consultant Surgical & Bariatric Surgeon, Apollo Hospitals.
The symptoms of gluten intolerance include feeling bloated and gassy, having stomach cramps, and appearing anaemic. The health and performance of an athlete may be negatively impacted by gluten. “Inflammation brought on by gluten can damage the lining of the stomach, making it more difficult for nutrients to be absorbed. This lowers energy levels, inhibits muscle regeneration, and impairs overall athletic performance,” says Dr Ekta Singhwal, Dietician, Ujala Cygnus Group of Hospitals. According to Dr Ekta, a poor diet can have a significant negative impact on athletic performance.
1. Energy Levels: A diet high in processed foods, sugars and unhealthy fats can lead to energy fluctuations. Athletes may experience crashes in energy levels during training or competition, reducing their ability to perform at their best.
2. Nutritional Deficiencies: It may lead to muscle weakness, fatigue, and increased risk of injuries.
3. Inflammation: It can impair recovery, increase the risk of injuries, and hinder an athlete’s ability to adapt to training.
4. Digestive Issues: Certain foods, like gluten in the case of Novak Djokovic, can cause gastrointestinal problems. These issues can be distracting and uncomfortable during sports activities.
5. Weight Management: A poor diet can lead to weight gain, which can slow an athlete down and put additional stress on joints and muscles.
6. Mental Focus: A diet lacking in essential nutrients can affect an athlete’s mental clarity, concentration, and decision-making abilities during competition.
7 Recovery: Inadequate nutrition can delay recovery and increase the risk of overuse injuries.
You must understand your body first and organise food accordingly. A good diet helps you recover, provides you extra energy, maintains proper bodily functioning — Sai Praneeth, Badminton player
All essential tests must be performed to determine how the body is operating, what inadequacies exist, and these markers must be monitored continuously throughout the year. As the circuit is very demanding at the top level, athletes need to make the right choices when it comes to diet. — Sania nehwal, former world No 1 Badminton star
