Blog Details

NEW YORK, July 26, 2021 – Athletes participating in the Olympic Games in Tokyo are facing extreme heat and humidity with conditions expected to be worse than any Olympic Games during the past several decades. Dr. Matt Chalmers, a health and wellness professional who treats many athletes, offers the following insight and perspective:

“Many athletes do not train in high temperatures, so their bodies and muscles are not used to it. As they sweat, they not only lose water and become dehydrated but also lose electrolytes and minerals. Electrolytes are what make the nerves in the muscles and brain work. If electrolytes are not replaced, the athlete could have issues with hyponatremia, a condition where there is a low level of sodium in the blood which can cause lethargy and decrease their athletic ability.

“As the athlete’s body loses water and electrolytes, the contractive force of their muscles will decrease and reduce their speed, agility and overall strength. Heat that leads to dehydration will also increase injuries in large muscles like hamstrings.

“Athletes can combat extreme heat and humidity by slowly acclimating their bodies in advance, as well as hyperhydrating and taking minerals in the weeks leading up to the competition. The longer they can be out in the heat during the period of time leading up to the competition, the less of a shock it will be to their system. Humidity can cause breathing difficulty for some athletes so training in the environment they will compete in is critical to performance. Also, many sports drinks do not have the full complement of minerals that are lost through sweat so taking a multi-spectrum multimineral is critical.”

Dr. Matt Chalmers is a health and wellness professional, practicing doctor, author and speaker. He has a Doctor of Chiropractic degree, a Bachelor of Science in Health and Wellness, is a Certified Clinical Chiropractic Neurologist, a Certified Chiropractic Sports Practitioner and has additional certifications in spinal decompression and quantum reflex analysis. Dr. Chalmers is the author of the bestselling book “Pillars of Wellness” and has a patient list that includes many prominent athletes and public figures.

Disclaimer: The information contained in this news release is for informational purposes only. Before taking any action based on this information you should consult with your physician or healthcare provider. This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions regarding a medical condition.