EXCELLENCE IN
ATHLETICS
Maximizing Peak Performance Through Healthexcel's System Of
Metabolic Typing
There are three major
components in the consideration of excellence in athletics:
talent, training and potential. Of the three, potential
is the foremost, for on the foundation of potential will depend
the capacities for and qualities of expression of the other two
categories: talent and training.
Talent can be
God-given. It can also be learned, a skill honed by time and
experience. It can remain in a raw, undeveloped state, or it can
be matured to maximum perfection. But, without availability of
potential, talent is restricted -- like a sailor on a boat without
a sail, or a saxophone player without wind.
Training and
conditioning are certainly vital to the development of peak
performance. No one can dispute that. But, without the
availability of full potential, the fruits of training and
conditioning are wasted. Of what benefit are training and
conditioning to a long distance runner who develops the flu the
day before the race?
TAPPING FULL
POTENTIAL
So, just what is meant
by potential? Potential refers to genetic capacity, design limit,
inherited abilities: physical, mental, emotional and spiritual.
Everyone has a different design limit; some are like a race car,
others are like a Mack truck. Some are gifted with speed, others
with strength and endurance. Some are creative and intuitive,
while others are more logical, rational thinkers, etc. But,
whatever the unique combination of genetically inherited
capacities one may possess in one's potential, the ability to
manifest, express and utilize one's full potential is highly
dependent upon the presence of one essential, imperative
ingredient: ENERGY.
If one does not have
the energy needed to express his full potential, whatever talent
is possessed will be limited; whatever training and conditioning
has been accomplished will be wasted. Whatever aspect of life is
considered, energy will be found to be the basic consideration for
the quality of that aspect of life.
What else is emotion
if not energy? The ability to feel and to have emotion, whether it
be love or hate; anger or laughter; is dependent upon the
availability of energy. Fatigue or the absence of energy can
reduce the tidal wave of emotion to a mere ripple. Aggression,
competitiveness, drive, motivation, high emotion and the sustained
will to win are all dependent upon the body's energy production
and its sustained availability.
What else is thought
if not energy? When one is "too tired to think," the
ability to think clearly and quickly is diminished. Mental
reaction time slows; mental lapses and "space-outs"
occur. Quick reaction time, intelligence, concentration, the
ability to focus and yet see the big picture at the same time,
awareness itself, all are dependent upon energy availability.
And naturally, all
physical activity is dependent as well upon sufficient energy
production by the body. The activity of the senses (sight, touch,
hearing); speed; agility; coordination; strength; endurance;
quickness; all the bodily processes (cellular, organ, glandular,
etc.) -- each depends upon energy availability.
If ever there can be
said to be a bottom line ingredient necessary for the
manifestation of peak performance in athletics, it would have to
be energy. The ability to manifest one's genetic potential, to
reap the rewards of training and conditioning, and to express the
fullness of one's talent, all require peak and sustained
production of energy by the body -- the realization of optimum
health.
WHERE DOES ENERGY
COME FROM?
So, where does energy
come from? How is it produced and maintained in the body? There
are three major areas in the body which are involved in the
production and maintenance of energy: the autonomic nervous
system; the endocrine system; and the oxidative system (the
intracellular combustion of nutrients with resultant energy
production). Through the numerous processes of metabolism, an
interaction -- or energy exchange -- occurs between the body and
the environment. Air, water, light and food are used by the body
for the maintenance of life. All of the nutrients found in food --
vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc. -- comprise the fuel for
the cells, the body's "engines of metabolism".
Then, all one needs to
do is to eat a well-balanced meal and everything will be fine,
right? . . . Wrong, or at best, only half right. Enter metabolic
individuality and the need for Metabolic Typing.
ENERGY INDIVIDUALITY
Every human being is
unique. We are as different from one another in all the
facets of our beings as we are in our fingerprints. Genetically
inherited differences in size, shape, strength and efficiency
extend from the outward physical structure to the internal makeup
of organs, glands and systems, right down to intracellular
processes of metabolism in the cells. These differences translate
into variances in energy output on the part of the cells, organs,
glands and systems, which in turn give rise to individuality and
infinite variation in physical characteristics; psychological,
behavioral and emotional traits; and conditions one becomes prone
to.
Just as each human
being has inherited unique characteristics and capacities, so too
has each inherited specific genetic requirements for the raw
materials (vitamins, minerals, enzymes, etc.) necessary to
maintain life in a state of optimum health. Any variation from
this genetic requirement causes a loss of homeostasis, a metabolic
imbalance, which automatically results in deficient energy
production.
The symphonic
interplay of the numerous vitamins and minerals is highly complex.
Each influences numerous others; phosphorus alone, for example, is
known to affect (either raise or lower) at least nine other
nutrients. Each nutrient not only influences many other nutrients,
but also directly affects the autonomic nervous system, the
endocrine glands and intracellular oxidative mechanisms. For
example, potassium tends to stimulate the parasympathetic system,
while calcium excites the sympathetic system. Too much potassium
in relation to calcium can cause "parasympathetic
dominance," causing a systemic shift into alkalinity,
resulting in tendencies toward lethargy, apathy, depression, loss
of muscle tone, drive, concentration and emotion. On the other
hand, excess calcium can cause "sympathetic dominance,"
resulting in hyperactivity, explosive temper, irritability,
anxiety, high blood pressure, and a general systemic shift toward
acidity.
From an endocrine
standpoint, a high calcium to potassium ratio can cause
insufficient hydrochloric acid production, poor digestion and a
weakened thyroid gland, leading to weight gain, energy loss and
lethargy. Excessive potassium can result in hyperthyroid activity,
nervousness, excessive hydrochloric acid production and acid
indigestion.
METABOLIC ENERGY
PRODUCTION
The process of the
combustion of nutrients within each cell for the purpose of energy
production is known as oxidation. The oxidative process is quite
complex and requires the successful completion of activity in a
step by step process involving some 18-20 steps. At each step is a
specific requirement for vitamins and minerals. Should those
requirements not be met, the process of energy production on the
cellular level gets "uncoupled," resulting in deficient
energy production. On the other hand, when the nutrients are
available according to the individual's genetically program-med
requirements, the result is optimal and sustained energy
production. Following the example from above, an excess of
potassium causes the utilization of carbohydrates to be too rapid,
whereas an excess of calcium can result in the combustion of
carbohydrates being too slow, each resulting in faulty energy
production, but for literally opposite biochemical reasons.
But, when all the
nutrients are available in the proper amounts, in the correct
balance, at the right place and at the right time, maximum energy
output is possible, and one's full genetic potential is available.
Then, the autonomic nervous system, the endocrine system and the
oxidative system work harmoniously, efficiently and in balance
with one another. Only then -- with the maximum energy production
available -- can one's maximum potential be realized.
These general concepts
can be more clearly understood when applied to a more concrete
situation. Below are listed many characteristics that would be
specifically desirable for a football or basketball player, but
which are also considerations for any athlete of any age. Those in
the sympathetic column are known to arise from the strength of the
sympathetic nervous system and its associated organs and endocrine
glands. Those in the parasympathetic column stem from
parasympathetic strength. Note that what one has, the other lacks!
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SYMPATHETIC
|
TRAITS
|
PARASYMPATHETIC
|
|
yes
|
Speed
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Agility
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Good Muscle
Tone
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Fast Reflexes
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Fast Reaction
Time
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Good Physical
Coordination
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Good Hand/Eye
Coordination
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Physical
Quickness
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Mental
Quickness
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Aggressiveness
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Good
Concentration
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Strong Drive
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Over-achiever
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Motivation
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Competitiveness
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Discipline
|
no
|
|
yes
|
Strong Will to
Win
|
no
|
|
yes
|
High Emotion
|
no
|
|
no
|
Large Muscle
Bulk
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Strength,
Power
|
yes
|
|
no
|
High Weight
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Good Immunity,
Good Health
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Stamina/Endurance
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Fast
Repairing, Rebuilding, Healing, Rejuvenating
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Strong
Intuition
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Creative
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Instinctive
|
yes
|
|
no
|
Team Player
|
yes
|
|
no
|
"Big
Heart"
|
yes
|
Most players have
some, if not most, of the characteristics listed. Hardly anyone,
however, would have all of them, and very few would be likely to
sustain them at a maximum level through four quarters. Some may
have speed, but they lack endurance. Others may have good muscle
bulk, but they lack tone. Some may lose their concentration or
emotional will to win by the third quarter. Others may have a
tendency toward illness or take a long time to recover from
injuries or to rejuvenate in time for the next game.
MAXIMIZING STRENGTHS
-- MINIMIZING WEAKNESSES
Whatever the
situation, The Healthexcel System of Metabolic Typing provides the
capacity to maximize and maintain the strengths and minimize or
eliminate totally the weaknesses. By understanding (1) how to
determine the individual biochemical (nutritional) requirements
and (2) how to influence the autonomic nervous system, the
endocrine system and the oxidation rate, The Healthexcel System of
Metabolic Typing can provide the proper fuel for the individual
metabolic type. This will influence the potential capacities of
the athlete before the game, during the game and after the game.
Those who have speed
can build endurance. Those who have bulk can develop tone and
flexibility. Whatever the weakness, it can be turned into
strength. During the game, instead of one's talent diminishing
with fatigue, peak performance can be sustained until the end
through the insurance of the optimum fuel supply for the energy
systems of the individual's metabolic type being provided.
The name of the game
is ENERGY. If the body does not receive the proper fuel, then it
will be unable to produce sustained levels of peak energy
throughout a game OR throughout a season. If adequate energy can't
be produced, then the chances of winning are undermined before
the game even starts. When the body fails in energy
production, speed decreases; agility lessens; coordination is
disrupted; thought processes slow; concentration is lost; mental
lapses and "space-outs" occur; hand/eye coordination is
disrupted; drive, motivation and the will to win are undermined;
high emotion is deflated; strength is weakened; endurance is
lessened.
Whatever the strong
points of the individual athlete that have given him the
competitive edge, they are now lost. Fatigue and loss of energy
are the great equalizers. With them, greatness drifts into
mediocrity; the high tide of victory easily turns into the low
tide of defeat.
And after the game is
over, win or lose, injuries need to heal, the potential of peak
performance needs to be restored. But, if all the raw materials
are not acquired by the body in the proper balance for which there
is a genetic need, then healing will be slow and restoration of
potential will be relegated to wishful thinking.
To acquire peak
performance and athletic excellence, one must develop the optimal
physical potential within the individual metabolic design limits.
A lineman has a different design limit than a safety or a
quarterback. But each has his own optimal potential that needs to
be addressed. If one accepts that his design potential is indeed
different, it should make sense that what each person needs to
develop that potential should also be different.
WHICH DIET IS RIGHT?
This concept of
Metabolic Individuality demonstrates the fallacy of the
"well-balanced diet for everyone" approach to nutrition,
or the allopathic approach of giving so-called "energy
foods" or utilizing specific nutrients for energy, strength,
endurance, etc. The question should be: "What is
a well-balanced diet for a lineman, a safety or a
quarterback?" The Healthexcel System of Metabolic Typing
provides an answer to these questions.
The reality is: foods
which build energy in one kind of metabolism will suppress energy
in another. What causes one metabolic type to put on
fat, will cause another type to lose fat. What will increase
speed and reaction time in one person will diminish it in
another. What enhances and speeds healing in one metabolic
type will slow it in another metabolic type. Nutrients
that stimulate aggression and high emotion in a lineman may cause
lethargy, poor concentration and a loss of competitiveness in a
quarterback.
Every athlete,
professional or amateur, of any age and from any sport can benefit
from an understanding of his or her own Metabolic Type. Every
aspect of athletic performance is influenced by diet and
nutrition. Proper nutrition for each individual's metabolic type
assures peak performance. Just as important, it also assures
tissue integrity and will thereby maximize protection against
injury as well as maximize healing and rebuilding processes
when necessary.
Not only are the kinds
of foods important, i.e., those that contain the proper balance of
nutrients for the individual's requirements, but also the quality
of foods is critical for performance and should not be
overlooked. Junk foods, being devoid of natural nutrients, provide
"empty calories." Although often pleasing to the palate,
they are poor sources of energy and actually disrupt the natural
balance and efficiency of the body's energy-producing systems.
Just as any intelligent person would only "feed" the
proper kind of fuel to his automobile's engine, so too should the
intelligent athlete understand his or her own unique nutritional
requirements and feed his or her body's engines of metabolism
accordingly.
Metabolic Typing
is the systematic, testable, repeatable and verifiable scientific
means whereby each individual athlete's optimal nutritional
requirements can be determined. Only by supplying each individual
athlete's body with its own specific and unique "fuel
supply" can training and conditioning come to maximum
fruition, can talent be fully utilized, and full potential be
maximized. Only then can one achieve excellence in athletics and
sustain peak performance.
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