WHEN YOU CAN’T AFFORD TO MISS A SESSION

PROBIOTICS

“A healthy gut is vital for the efficient absorption of nutrients from your diet, and this can be compromised during intensive exercise,” warns Marc Fell, Team Sky nutritionist. “Probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive and immune system, which will minimise the risk of illness and increase the amount of time available to train or compete.”

Take a daily dose of probiotic containing lactobacillus and/or bifidobacterium species containing at least 1010 live bacteria. “The amount and type of probiotic bacteria in foods and supplements can vary so read product labels. Take them in the morning with breakfast, but be aware that probiotics need to be taken for several weeks before you see positive health effects,” says Fell.