LYCOS RETRIEVER 
Carbohydrate: Carbohydrate Loading
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Carbohydrate loading or Glycogen loading is a concept derived from research published in Sweden by Drs. Saltin and Hermanson in 1967. Their work lead to a deluge of muscle glycogen and endurance performance studies throughout the world. Using muscle biopsy techniques they studied athletes under a variety of dietary and athletic endurance protocols. It was shown that significant increases in muscle glycogen (the muscle storage form of glucose) could be achieved by increasing the carbohydrate intake over several hours to days before endurance performances.
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Carbohydrate (CHO) in the form of glycogen is the body's main fuel for high intensity activity. CHO is stored as long chains of glucose units in the liver and in the muscles in form of glycogen. The glycogen content of the liver is about 100 grams. This quantity can change depending on the amount of glycogen broken down from the supply of blood glucose and the amount of glucose supplied to the liver after food intake. Muscle and liver glycogen levels are relatively small and are reduced during training and competition (Brouns, 1993; Murray and Horswill, 1997).
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Carbohydrate loading will increase endurance for extended aerobic workouts. If your endurance drops off sharply during your workout you may benefit from this easy technique. Your body has different metabolism processes to break down each type of food. The carbohydrate metabolic process is the most efficient metabolic process. It allows your body to store reserves which can be released during extended aerobic exercise. By "loading" on carbohydrates the body will store reserves in the form of ATP.
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Carbohydrate spares the use of protein as an energy source. When carbohydrate consumption is inadequate, protein is broken down to make glucose to maintain a constant blood glucose level. However, when proteins are broken down they lose their primary role as building blocks for muscles. In addition, protein breakdown may result in an increased stress on the kidneys, where protein byproducts are excreted into the urine.
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Carbohydrate loading may be an effective way to get that extra edge you need to compete. Or you may find that a hearty pasta dinner the night before your event is all you need. To discover what works and what doesn't, experiment with carbohydrate loading as part of your training. If you're uncertain about your specific carbohydrate needs, consult your doctor or a registered dietitian.
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Carbohydrate addiction is caused by an imbalance - an over release of the hormone, insulin, when carbohydrate-rich foods are eaten. Among its many jobs, insulin signals the body to take in food (it has been called the "hunger hormone") and, once the food is consumed, signals the body to store the food energy in the form of fat.
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Carbohydrate Loading