What's in your sports drink?

by Neil M. Champion Formula

Sports drinks are beverages available over the counter specifically formulated for athletes as a source of rehydration. Usually this contains electrolytes or carbohydrates to boost energy and small amounts of minerals like sodium and potassium and sometimes other ingredients.

Such drinks can be consumed before, during, and after exercise. Most of it must taste good, in order to encourage consumption among athletes and the like.

We’ll discuss a little bit what major sports drinks contain and what these ingredients do to your body.

Fluid

It is said that athletes lose no more than 2% of their body weight during exercise. If you sweat more than 2%, this will increase your body temperature and cause a disorder in your physical and mental performance, and might pose stress and risk in your heart. The fluid in sports drinks aim to replenish the fluid lost in sweat during a strenuous activity. Water can be consumed as well, but the carbohydrates and electrolytes in sports drinks might make them a better choice in certain situations.

Electrolytes

Both sodium and potassium are lost in sweat. For cells to function properly, they need to have optimal levels of sodium and potassium and those levels can get thrown out of whack when you’re dehydrated. Electrolytes play a huge role in muscle contraction, and help to balance fluids in the body. The most common electrolytes that are being used in sports drinks are sodium chloride which is basically just salt and potassium chloride. Although, manufacturers need to consider adding smaller amounts of salt, because it might cause or encourage different diseases in the long run.

Carbohydrates

Sports drinks usually contain two forms of carbohydrates --- glucose and fructose, which helps promote absorption in the gut. The intensity and duration of your exercise depends on the glucose in your body. This is the very reason that makes this macronutrient a critical part of a sports drink because the muscles rely on carbs for quick acting energy. Ideally, a sports drink must consist of between 6-8% carbs, because it contains a similar amount of salt and sugar to that of blood, thus helping the body absorb the fluids more rapidly.

Vitamins and Antioxidants

Antioxidants such as vitamin A, C and E, selenium and B vitamin complex supplies energy, increases body performance and stamina, keeps your body healthy and strong, and helps to defend cells against free radical damage. The presence of vitamins in sports drinks are vital because they play a key role in energy metabolism.

A properly formulated sports drink should promote hydration, sustain endurance performance, and replace electrolytes. Good thing, E3 champion formula contains all of the above mentioned ingredients, specifically designed for high performance champion athletes. Consuming this comprehensive and balanced formulation can boost your performance, endurance and recovery.

It helps to know what’s in your chosen sports drinks. Doing so helps your body reach its full potential safely. As an athlete, always prioritise what is best for your health. Learn how to listen to what your body tells you, and what it needs as well.