With the increasing popularity of sports drinks since the last decade and the appearance of a hundred brands in the market, it is extremely important to know the advantages and disadvantages of sports drinks before we opt for one. The major purpose of sports drinks is to replace the electrolytes and water that is lost during intense physical training. But do the benefits really outweigh the side effects? This question has led to the emergence of two schools of thoughts and arguments have raised whether the sports drinks have some drawbacks or harmless as plain water.
Intensive exercise can deplete the body of many cations such as sodium and potassium which cannot be replaced with just water. In such an instance, the role of a sports drink kicks in. Besides, it also provides the body with ample carbohydrates that release energy needed for intense muscle contraction. This scenario makes sports drinks extremely necessary while exercising for more than an hour. When the temperature and humidity is really high, body can lose much more water and sodium than usual through sweating and replacement in necessary in such an instant.
REPLACING WATER WITH SPORTS DRINKS
Although water is the universal medicine to all problems, it won’t be a suitable replacement if the duration of workout is more than one hour. During long sessions, consumption of sports drink has been reported to increase the running time by 27% in general population. This is because sports drinks provide a continuous supply of simple carbohydrates that are easily hydrolyzed to yield energy needed at that time. The condition is that the drink should be isotonic which aids in rapid absorption in the body and instant energy. But the perfect amount of serving is the key because excessive consumption leads to nowhere but additional weight gain.
BENEFICIAL OR SIMPLY A WASTE OF MONEY?
As statistically proven, many gym experts are now of the view that sports drinks are just a waste of money for individuals working out in the gym for mere fitness purpose. These products are actually destined for people involved in intense workout regimens such as marathon runners. People who are trying to lose weight via running or cardio exercises would just put on extra weight after consumption of such drinks.
Due to such harmful effects on the body, these products are contraindicated for regular use in exercising individuals.
Being a casual athlete, consumption of such drinks can add onto extra calories and thus more time and effort required attaining the goal weight.
Many sports drinks contain caffeine whose regular intake can lead to insomnia, anxiety and hyperactivity.
Excessive sugars that are present may cause obesity, diabetes and dental problems in the long run.
Artificial coloring and food dyes are can be responsible for allergic reactions such as asthma and carcinogenesis is aggravated leading to thyroid carcinomas and cancers.
Regular consumption increases the risk of hypertension, abnormal cardiac rhythm and even stroke.
Sports drinks do not quench thirst and you would eventually find yourself running for water.
THE BEST ALTERNATIVE
As already discussed above, for workout regimens lasting more than an hour, water wouldn’t be a suitable option. But this finding is only limited to professional athletes and marathon runners. For individuals who are just fitness enthusiasts and staying healthy is the only purpose of their workouts, switch to water from your high caloric energy drinks. Water would not only relieve dehydration but would also prevent the body from the untoward effects of other refined drinks. Because as they say “Water is the ultimate hub of life”.
MAINTAINING THE BALANCE
Sports drinks, when used in moderate amounts, by professional athletes can help boost energy, improve their performance and speed up recovery time. They have also been fund to increase lean muscle mass. But when overdosed, they can just act like soft drinks – adding empty calories and increasing weight thus hindering your goal towards fitness. This maintaining a balance between intake of water and sports drink is crucial for a healthy, active lifestyle.
ERADICATING THE MYTHS
Unawareness is one of the major problems these days among lay men which have led them to believe that sports drinks are not anything other than poison. Such extremist views are not true either. Though having its share of adverse effects, the sports drinks seem to enhance performance when used with caution. Thus to attain the maximum benefit from all that you eat and exercise, consultation with a hypnotherapist can prove to be very effective. Such specialists help the clients get rid of lame beliefs regarding health and food. They would even help you decide which would be the best option for you – water or sports drinks – and how much either of this is required.