5 Golden Rules of Bio Sports

Participating in sports, as we know, is good for the health, but what about the environment? According to the research of ASEF, an European environment protection organization, sports and bio-sports, are not quite the same. They explain it in their green guide of bio-sports, written by doctors.

Are you a “bio athlete”?

If you :

• engage in sports activity infrequently
• you go to a gym or golf course;
• use public transport or the car to get to your place of sport;
• ingest energy drinks and/or dietary supplements;
• buy your sports equipment according to its aesthetics and innovation;
• throw away your used sports equipment.

You are not a bio athlete. There are still lots of things to work on.

On the other hand, if you:

• practice a sports activity several times a week;
• practice jogging;
• walk to your place of sport;
• opt for a healthy and balanced diet;
• look at the composition and manufacturing process of your sports equipment;

You are a bio-athlete according to ASEF. Continue like this.

The 5 golden rules of bio sports

Being a bio-athlete, that is to say, an athlete concerned about the environment and the impact of their physical activity on it, it is above important to respect some rules, maybe change some habits and especially to be open to certain received ideas. Here are the 4 main rules to combine sports practice and a respect for the environment.

Rule # 1 – Eat healthily

For some, a healthy sport, which gives more visible results on the body, starts with a diet rich in protein.

However, a bio-athlete must above all eat balanced, proteins should not exceed 10 to 15% of calories consumed. Eating or drinking too much protein increases the presence of ammonia and uric acid in the body, which can be difficult to eliminate. Beware of bone problems.

Instead, favor fruits and vegetables that promote rehydration and are sources of energy. Good news for vegans who love sports. The latter must, however, be careful not to suffer from deficiencies. For that, we do not forget to consume vegetable proteins!

For meals and snacks, avoid prepared dishes, too rich in salt and fat. And contrary to popular belief, also avoid energy bars in case of prolonged physical activity. The latter may contain palmitic acid, diabetes factors and hydrogenated vegetable fats, often accused of increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Rule # 2 – Transpire

To play sports is to accept to see one’s body temperature rise and, therefore, the body will sweat.

For the environment and your health, avoid traditional deodorants containing aluminum salts, involved in the development of breast cancer and so-called “antiperspirant” clothing, which may contain silver nanoparticles and other chemicals.

Rule # 3 – Do not stimulate chemically

For the practice of a sporting activity to be profitable and healthy, there is no question of doping. Dopant products certainly offer you better performance but endanger your health.

If doping products do not interest you, there is no question of swallowing an energy drink before going for a run! This can cause tachycardia, tremors, dizziness, epileptic seizures, muscle weakness, discomfort or even heart attack. As for food supplements, know that they are not without risk! Consult your doctor before taking any. Are better performance and results today worth reduced health tomorrow? Think about it.

Rule # 4 – No smoking

Smoking is bad for the health in general but it definitely does not favor the resumption of a sports activity. Why? The lungs of a smoker are altered and their red blood cells are poorly oxygenated.

During sport, the body has trouble getting oxygen and the athlete suffers more quickly cramps, fatigue, side effects, shortness of breath. Not to mention the risk of cardiac discomfort once the activity is over.

On the other hand, if you try to stop smoking, the resumption of a sports activity can help you. You will easily notice the evolution of your level.

Rule # 5 – Avoid pollution

Running is good, it helps to maintain your body, your heart, your lungs and it can be very pleasant for the mind as well.

But running in a non-polluted place is better! Why, because an air saturated with exhaust gas causes asthma, cough and cardiovascular problems.

In addition, if you breathe air saturated with ozone while running, you may see reduced lung capacity.

Sport, good for health and for the environment?

To be healthy, you have to play sports. Because, on the health side, sport has only advantages if it is practised in good conditions. It helps to stay in good physical shape and preserves certain diseases, including those of the heart. Moreover, to practice a regular sporting activity, it also gives the body the means to age better, while preserving a complete autonomy as long as possible.

Playing sports also allows good mental health. Yes, endorphins secreted during the practice of physical activity can stop negative emotions. It is scientifically proven, playing sport is a formidable weapon against depression.

In addition, at a time when we are all, for the most part, sedentary, playing sports helps to keep the body streamlined and fights against obesity. It is also very good for the heart, and it helps to lower the level of cholesterol in the blood.

Some sports are more polluting than others

Skiing, motorsports and golf are three extremely polluting sports. Because of ski lifts, ski trails and snow cannons, skiing harms wildlife and consumes too much water and electricity.

Motorsports, requiring the construction of circuits and the consumption of fuels, pollute and also harm the fauna and flora. For its part, golf usually uses fertilizer and pesticides as well as a lot of water to keep the green in the best possible condition, which seriously damages the groundwater while wasting.