Mouth and Esophagus

Mouth and esophagus health is important for athletes because problems with either inevitably lead to food intake restrictions that limit nutrient consumption and, ultimately, lead to malnutrition. Given the predisposition of athletes to consume a relatively high level of simple carbohydrates in snacks and sports beverages, which have a high cariogenic potential, frequent visits to a dentist to ensure healthy teeth and gums are advised. In addition, the high abdominal forces inherent in many sporting activities (e.g., weightlifting) may predispose athletes to hiatal hernias that lead to esophagitis. An acutely irritated esophagus is painful, makes swallowing difficult, and inevitably leads to food restrictions.

Placing food in your mouth initiates a series of events that begin the digestive process. Chewing breaks apart food so it can be more completely mixed with digestive enzymes, and salivary amylase begins the digestion of carbohydrates (mainly the conversion of cooked starch to dextrins and maltose). The secretion of saliva and amylase occurs from the thought, sight, smell, and taste of food. All the food placed in the mouth is covered with saliva, which contains the glycoprotein mucin. This mucin has excellent lubricating properties that help foods slide into the stomach through the esophagus without irritation. The pH of the mouth is approximately neutral (between 6.0 and 7.0), which does not change in the esophagus.

The feel and taste of foods and drinks in the mouth have much to do with whether they are acceptable to an athlete. These food and drink properties, commonly referred to astheir organoleptic properties,may be altered during exercise,which is an importantconsideration for the athlete. Therefore, taste testinga sports beverage while lyingon a couch and watching television is not an appropriate strategy for determininghow palatable this sports beverage will be during exercise. Put simply, food and drinktaste and feel differently while you're exercising than while you're not. If you're acyclist wishing to try a carbohydrate gel for your next race, try it after you've beencycling for a while or you could be in for a big surprise during the event. In summary,always try a food, whether it's a sports beverage or snack, during the activityfor which its use is intended.