My Thoughts: A difference in our realm of sports

So I've realized I haven't shared too much specifically to the athlete with a disability. So today I've decided to share with you all a theory of mine which I would love some input on.

The majority of us play our sport in a chair and a majority of that majority stay in a chair for most the day. The amount of leg usage is much less (if not zero) in comparison to the able bodied person. What's important to know is that leg usage and the natural motion of walking does a lot for our digestive system. There's also no argument that our biggest, most energy using muscles are located in our legs....welllll there's the problem.

Since a lot of calorie burning comes from leg sprints, running, biking, etc. we have to account for the lost "normal" physiological actions bodies go through. For example, a paraplegic will burn less calories then a same sized able bodied person through the transport from one location to another. I know that we have strong arms, shoulders, etc. and that most able bodied people wouldn't be able to push as far or hard or as long as us, but arms in comparison to legs is not a fair comparison.

For this reason I put into question two things:

1. Hydration
2. Fiber

Due to our "cramped" form when we play (buckled in, pressure points, knees bent up, etc.), I think that we need more hydration in order to first stay hydrated and second help our digestive flow. You would be surprised how much a difference drinking water all throughout the day will do for your health. I was able to climb out of a 3-4 month sickness my freshman year at Illinois just by carrying around a nalgene bottle at all times filled with nothing but water.

The second part, fiber, also poses an interesting question. Fiber has been very much pushed by health experts and dietitians, especially to lose weight. The DRI's or Daily Reference Intakes as stated by the USDA states that adult men need 38 grams of fiber/day and adult women need 25 grams/day. Now, I don't know if any of you have tried to get your full amount of fiber for one day, but it is tough! Obviously easier for females, but still difficult! On top of that, I believe that fiber could actually hurt the athlete with a disability.

Fiber does a great job of pushing the digestive system along. This is because fiber acts as non-absorbed material that literally "pushes" food through the system. What it can also do is give us a sense of "urgency" (if you know what I mean) or even have an opposite effect and make our stomach and abdominal area feel like stone. Gas related pressure can build up and hurt us, especially against belt buckles or other seat constraints.

I'm not telling any of you to not eat fiber, I am only giving you my theory as to what I think differences are between the able bodied and disabled athlete. My suggestion is to be smart when it comes to eating close to work outs or competition, or whatever it is you do actively. I normally eat my fiber around dinner time after I've done all my daily exercising or what not. It's a comfort zone that is worth looking for.

Anyway, that's just my theory. I'd love to hear some feedback as to what any of you think or experiences involving this matter.