In general, drinking plain water while engaging in most activities lasting under an hour and eating a healthy diet will prevent dehydration. Only athletes who are sweating heavily and for long periods of time require sports drinks such as https://drinkharlo.com/products/electrolytes-collagen-creatine.
Water
Water is the best drink to consume during exercise and sport. Although some studies have shown that sports drinks can improve performance, they are not essential for most people. If you plan to workout for more than one hour, choose a drink containing carbohydrate as well as electrolytes. This will help your body perform optimally.
Depending on the intensity and length of your exercise, you may lose different types electrolytes such as sodium, calcium, and potassium. These minerals support hydration and help maintain muscle contractions. Some people may need to replenish minerals in addition hydration during exercise. This is especially true for those who have diarrhea or vomiting or sweat a lot.
Many sports drinks contain a lot of sugar and little electrolytes. They are therefore less healthy than plain water. They also contain large amounts of artificial dyes that can cause tooth decay or other health problems.
These sports drinks are a mix between water and sugars (glucose sucrose or fructose), along with electrolytes. They also contain vitamin C and other vitamins as well as flavourings. They are designed to improve athletic performance and are typically marketed to athletes and recreational exercisers.
Electrolytes
Electrolytes such as calcium, sodium and potassium are essential minerals which help cells maintain fluid equilibrium. They are also important for other body functions such as controlling nerve function and regulating muscle contractions. You should be able to get enough of these through your diet, which should include whole foods such as fruits, vegetables, meats, nuts and seeds, as well as unsweetened beverages. If you suffer from frequent headaches, or other symptoms which may be caused by low electrolyte levels in your body, consult your doctor.
Some sports drinks also contain amino acids, which are supposed to boost muscle recovery. This is not necessary for people who regularly exercise, as their diets usually contain enough protein.
Although research is ongoing, experts believe that drinking a sport drink before, during and after vigorous exercise will improve performance. It will increase carbohydrate accessibility, decrease muscle fatigue and prevent the negative effects of being dehydrated.
Calories
Before you consume a sports beverage, consider the intensity of your workout and its duration. If your workout is moderate to intense or lasts for more than an hr, you might want to drink a sports drinks to improve your performance. Otherwise, it is a good idea to stick with water for hydration because you can get all the electrolytes and flavor you need from foods like fruits and vegetables. In general, you should limit your intake of sugary drinks, such as soda, juice, and lemonade.
Sugar
Most sports drinks are a mixture of sugar and electrolytes. They provide fuel to athletes, delay fatigue while exercising, prevent dehydration, and replenish electrolyte loss. The carbohydrate content of these drinks can vary, but the majority are between 6 and 8%.
