Super-humans exist, and no we aren’t talking the shield-throwing or armoured flying kind (yet), but those that have or are seeking to surpass the competition require uniquely profiled, exceptionally quantified and fastidiously applied nutritional intake. Unlike regular humans, super-humans need specific diets to enhance continual physical training, support rapid healing, amplify adenosine triphosphate production, raise buffer systems for lactate processing and others, while concomitantly maintaining current performance and improving future performance. Human augmentation incorporates ergogenic aids into primarily advancing musculoskeletal and cardiovascular system amplification.
Extraordinary Energy Requirement
Super-humans have significantly higher energy requirement due to their enhanced physical capabilities. An accelerated metabolism necessitates a diet prioritising specific carbohydrates and fats. Complex carbohydrates like whole grains, fruits, and vegetables primarily provide sustained energy but also support critical gastrointestinal functions by virtue of being best sources of fibre. Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, olive oil and certain fish are essential for brain function, inflammatory mediation and very long endurance energy balance.
Superhuman Strength and Muscle Repair
To maintain and develop advanced strength, super-humans need an abundance of protein in their diets. Protein with high bioavailability from sources like whole eggs, beef, poultry, dairy and selected legume combinations are crucial for muscle repair and growth. Additionally, all adult humans must consume all 9 essential amino acids, with all 20 amino acids essential for all human metabolic biochemistry. Including antioxidants like vitamin C and E from citrus fruits, berries, and nuts combat fatigue and oxidative stress from intense physical activity.
Enhanced Healing and Immunity
Super-humans likely face frequent injuries and illnesses due to their high-risk activities. To support rapid healing and robust immunity, their diet must be rich in vitamins, minerals, and anti-inflammatory compounds. Vitamin A from sources like carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach will aid in cell regeneration, while zinc from seafood, seeds, and legumes will enhance immune function. Omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish, flaxseeds, and chia seeds will reduce inflammation and promote healing.
Cognitive Function and Focus
It’s not just all brawn, many super-humans have to maintain extraordinary cognitive abilities that face commensurate demand during extraordinary circumstance. Therefore, food intake that supports brain health is vital with omega-3 fatty acids, particularly DHA, being essential for cognitive function. Rich sources of antioxidants, such as blueberries, cocoa, and tea, protect brain cells from damage and improve mental clarity. B-vitamins from whole grains, leafy greens, and eggs will support neurotransmitter function and energy production in the brain.
Hydration and Electrolyte Balance
Super-humans likely experience increased fluid loss through sweating and high-intensity activities. Proper hydration is critical to maintaining performance and preventing dehydration. Drinking water, along with electrolyte-rich beverages like coconut water and sports drinks, must be proportionate to lost fluids and maintain electrolyte balance. Including potassium-rich foods like bananas, potatoes, and yogurt further support electrolyte balance and muscle function.
Case Study: Optimizing Performance with Super-Human Nutrition
Meet Alex, a professional athlete striving for peak performance. Faced with intense physical demands, the pressure to excel, and the potential lucrative elements of ‘winner takes all’, Alex turned to Human Nutrition for a competitive edge.
Alex adopted a personalised nutrition plan based on food intake analysis, blood tests, and activity tracking. This plan included nutrient-dense foods, tailored to specific needs:
- Carbohydrates: Complex carbs from whole grains, fruits, and vegetables provided sustained energy. Situational, quick replenishment via suitably quick replenishing sugars was also a vital component.
- Protein: High-quality sources like whole eggs, meats, fish, and plant-based options supported muscle repair and growth. As for carbohydrates, situational replenishment via pre-processed, quickly digested proteins was strategically incorporated.
- Fats: Healthy fats from avocados, nuts, and seeds optimized brain function and inflammation control. Medium chain triglycerides featured more prominently during situations where fast replenishment was identified.
- Micronutrients: A focus on vitamins and minerals ensured cellular function remained uncompromised.
- Hydration: Electrolyte-balanced fluids maintain endurance, preventing cramping due to strong nerve connection and powerfully balanced action potential function.
Alex also incorporated functional foods for anti-inflammatory properties and for enhanced oxygen delivery. The combination of whole food nutrition and supplementation provided Alex with super-human nourishment without digestive strain or gastrointestinal upset. Ongoing monitoring led to significant performance gains, reduced recovery times, and ultimately the winner’s outcome.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the nutrition needs of super-humans is vastly different from those of regular humans. Their diets require careful planning to ensure they receive adequate energy, protein, vitamins, minerals, and hydration to support their enhanced abilities. By focusing on key nutrient timings, delivery and dietary strategies, super-humans remain in a constant state of functional improvement and will continually exceed their previous best.
A word on ergogenic aids:
Ergogenic aids are any device, technique, stimulus, practice, method, nutrition or supplement that improves exercise performance or training adaptation. The term is derived from the Greek words “ergon,” meaning work, and “genic,” meaning producing. These aids are used to improve physical and cognitive performance through preparing for, during or recovering from arduous conditions including very specific situations. Human Nutrition only relies on those ergogenic aids that have established research and scientifically proven efficacy in vivo.