We all know the importance of hydration after exercise. Hydration plays a critical role in everything from muscle recovery to protein synthesis and nutrient absorption. Hydration also helps regulate body temperature and joint function so you usually can't get good results as an athlete unless you're properly hydrated. In this blog post, we'll figure out the best sports drink for hydration!
The importance of hydration stems from the fact that our blood contains 93 percent water and transports oxygen and essential nutrients to provide energy and maintain health. Water is required for all metabolic processes, many of which influence performance maintenance and recovery, as well as training effectiveness.
Is anything more hydrating than water?
Well, yes. Many sports drinks are made with special ingredients to keep the body hydrated while working out. Sports drinks are marketed to replenish glucose, fluids, and electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium) lost during strenuous exercise, as well as to improve endurance. Some brands also contain B vitamins, which are linked to increased energy. Sports drinks either contain carbohydrates in the form of sugar (e.g., glucose, sucrose) or do not contain sugar and are instead flavored with low-calorie sweeteners. The specific amount of sugar and electrolytes in sports drinks is intended to allow for rapid hydration and absorption.
While avoiding soda in favor of popular sports drinks is certainly a healthier option, most sports drinks contain only slightly less in terms of sugar and calories. Contrary to what you might think, sugary sports drinks are the best for hydration and provide users with the needed energy boost. It is fine for activities requiring sustained energy, such as running a marathon, but less than ideal as a regular workout hydrator. Electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium) are also added to sports drinks to replace minerals lost through sweating.
What drink will hydrate you the fastest?
There is no better source of energy than a sports drink if you need a quick boost before or during a hard workout. The carbohydrates and electrolytes in it will quickly enter your system and replenish your body's reserves, allowing you to continue. Drinking a sports drink during exercise is generally more enjoyable than drinking a non-drink gel.
Which drink is the best option for athletes to use to rehydrate?
A good sports drink contains electrolytes, which replace those lost through sweat during workouts. This is especially important for sessions lasting more than 90 minutes when moisturizing with water alone is insufficient.
Powerade and Gatorade dominated the sports drink market for decades. Today, those two companies still dominate store shelves, but they are facing increasing competition.
Smaller beverage companies and start-ups have begun to dominate the market with niche sports drinks aimed at specific activities and types of exercises, such as runners or cross-fit enthusiasts.
Best sports drink for hydration
These are the best hydration sports drinks on the market.
Gatorade: Gatorade was developed to reduce dehydration, and its electrolyte content makes it more efficient in rehydrating than water. Water, sugar, and electrolytes like sodium and potassium are the main ingredients in the drink, which fuel athletes and replenish the fluids lost during intense activity.
Nuun: Nuun's entire product line promises to help you push through tough workouts, but Nuun Endurance is specifically designed to help you sweat for 90 minutes or more. Marathoners, triathletes, and other long-distance exercisers use it extensively, both professionally and recreationally. Each tablet contains 15 g of sugar, 380 mg of sodium, and 200 mg of potassium, as well as chloride, magnesium, and calcium. These ingredients work together to prevent cramps and keep your muscles moving during long workouts.
Harvest Coconut Water: Harmless Harvest Coconut Water is known for being the most natural, organic, electrolyte-rich drink available. The thirst-quenching drink is made entirely of coconut water sourced from organic young coconuts grown in Thailand and contains a variety of nutrients such as potassium, calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium. Coconut water is an excellent natural electrolyte drink for rehydrating and restoring electrolyte balance.
Each 8-ounce serving of Harmless Harvest Coconut Water contains 15 grams of carbohydrates and 60 calories, which aid in glycogen replenishment.
Protein Shakes with Core Power: Protein consumption soon after a workout has been shown to improve your body's ability to recover. These chocolate shakes have 26 grams of protein, which includes all nine essential amino acids, as well as calcium and vitamin D-3 (and they taste like dessert, which certainly helps).
Keto Electrolyte Drink Mix LMNT: With zero sugar and artificial ingredients, this electrolyte drink mix is preferred by dieters. Each packet contains 1,000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium, and 60 mg of magnesium, as well as all-natural flavors like orange salt, raspberry salt, and citrus salt. This drink is not for everyone as it is very salty.
How can dehydration be avoided?
Tea, coffee, beer, alcohol, and artificial drinks contain dehydrating substances such as caffeine and other chemical components. Most people ask the question: when are sports drinks appropriate for hydration. While there is no single standard for people to follow, you are advised to take your drink before and after the activity. Paige Ellis says you can also drink little by little whenever you feel thirsty.
With the Vivoo app, you can monitor your hydration level and even get personalized suggestions on what to do to stay hydrated.
