Energy drinks are all the rage right now, especially when it comes to keeping the body fueled for endurance sports. Companies specializing in power drinks have successfully marketed their brand of drinks as the natural companion to an intense workout. The idea is that during a prolonged strenuous exercise, you endure dehydration and the lost electrolytes, particularly in the minerals sodium and potassium, must be replaced. Sports drinks replenish the body with sodium and potassium, therefore accounting for the lost electrolytes in body sweat. On the surface, it makes sense. However, when you read the fine print on the back label, you’ll realize that energy drinks do not offer any good nutrients that our bodies need.
A bottle of Gatorade contains around 56 grams of sugar, including sucrose syrup and glucose-fructose syrup. Unlike coffee, Gatorade is often guzzled raising blood glucose levels, leaving behind the traces of extra fat. In addition to causing symptoms of symptoms irritation, restlessness, and nausea, it can make you at risk for a number of diseases caused by high sugar levels, such as type 2 diabetes and insulin resistance.
Despite what corporate America spews out, the truth is you don’t need to inundate yourself with sugar water to keep hydrated. Pure, simple water is the only source of rehydration you need. It doesn’t lead to a sudden rise in blood sugar levels followed by a drop, and it doesn’t contribute to obesity. As the key replenisher to exercise, water provides the necessary oxygen to your muscles and helps maintain muscle tone. Water also flushes out toxins in your system left over by the process of burning calories.
