Sodium-Potassium Pump |
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Neurones and muscle cells are electrically excitable cells, which means that they can transmit electrical nerve impulses. At the cellular level, these impulses are due in part to the relatively high levels of potassium ions and low concentrations of sodium ions in the cell, creating a protein pump called the Sodium-Potassium Pump. The Sodium-Potassium Pump is an enzyme in the cell membrane which has the following key functions:
- Is the driving force that facilitates the transport of glucose, amino acids and other nutrients into the cell.
- Creates an osmotic gradient that drives the absorption of water into the cell.
- Regulates cell volume.
- Is critical for electrolyte movement.
- Is critical to sending Nerve Impulses. In Nerve Cells, 70% of the ATP is consumed to fuel the Sodium-Potassium Pump
- The Potassium gradient generated by the Sodium-Potassium pump is used in the Calcium translocator which plays a key role in all muscle contractions.
Abnormalities in the function of the Sodium-Potassium Pump are thought to be involved in heart disease and hypertension.
Potassium is an essential nutrient found in virtually all cells. Excess salt (sodium) in a diet may hyperactivate the Sodium-Potassium Pump stressing cellular performance. Potassium is an important electrolyte to consume before, during and after exercise. Bananas and Milk are an important source of Potassium.
VO2 Max
VO2 max is also referred to as maximal oxygen consumption, maximal oxygen uptake or aerobic capacity) and is the maximum capacity of an individual’s body to transport and utilize oxygen during exercise. VO2 max is considered the measurement in determining one’s level of cardio vascular fitness and maximum aerobic power. VO2 max is measured either as the rate of oxygen consumption in liters per minute or as the rate of milliliters of oxygen per kilogram of bodyweight per minute.
Men on average have a 40-60% greater VO2 max than women. Endurance athletes that participate in endurance sports such as swimming, cycling, running, hiking, cross-country skiing, distance speed skating and rowing have high VO2 max thresholds. These sports also tend to increase lung capacity, increasing VO2 max potential. Although there is a significant genetic component to VO2 max (heredity can play up to 25 – 50 % of the various between individuals), exercise, diet and environment play an important role in improving ones genetic VO2 max makeup
Engaging in endurance sports throughout one’s life is an excellent way to increase longevity. On average, beginning at age 25, VO2 max begins to decrease 1% per year or 10% per decade. Endurance athletes who maintain a steady routine of vigorous exercise or participate in endurance sports show on average a decrease in VO2 max of only .5% or 5% per decade. Some endurance athletes will show a decrease in VO2 max of only 3.6% over 25 years. Although maximum benefits are achieved when a regular routine engaging in endurance athletics is established in one’s twenties, any age is a good time to begin reducing the rate of VO2 max decline.
Diet also plays an important role in slowing VO2 max declines. Maintaining a nutritious diet through the years while maintaining an ideal and efficient weight plays a significant role in maintaining a higher VO2 max.
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