Athletes need more antioxidants to protect against the byproducts of exercise and they need more natural Cox-2 inhibitors to protect against inflammation. The following recommendations - in the form of a balanced and varied diet - ensure an adequate supply of energy, nutrition, and protective elements, and therefore represent a healthy approach to eating. The carbohydrates can supply extra energy, which is especially important in the latter stages of exercise, while protein helps to protect against muscle loss. Increased oxygen utilization during exercise can increase the production of free radicals (unstable molecules that can cause tissue damage at the ...