ELECTROLYTE DRINKS: which to drink & which to ditch
OPTIMAL HYDRATION
Hydration involves more than water.
It is a balancing act of several ionic minerals (aka electrolytes) that regulate how, when, and where that water is stored.
Sports drinks are designed to provide the minerals needs to rehydrate after a workout, but they are not all created equal.
DITCH: processed sports drinks + beverages
ADDED SUGARS
can spike blood glucose & insulin, promote hormonal imbalance, and increase inflammation in the body
ZERO-CALORIE SWEETENERS
contribute to glucose intolerance, increase sugar cravings later, and many have negative side effects
FOOD COLORING
can trigger hyperactivity & allergic reactions in some individuals
DRINK: natural + clean hydration
NATURAL SALT
add a pinch of pink Himalayan, Celtic, or sea salt
INFUSE
infuse your water with flavor & nutrients from fresh fruit, cucumbers, or herbs
NATURE'S SPORT DRINKS
coconut water, cactus water, aloe vera juice, electrolyte water
HOMEMADE SPORT DRINK
1 tsp maple syrup, 1/16 tsp salt, and a squeeze of lemon in 20 oz water
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References
Kobylewski, S., & Jacobson, M. F. (2012). Toxicology of food dyes. International journal of occupational and environmental health, 18(3), 220–246. https://doi.org/10.1179/1077352512Z.00000000034
NTA Student Guide. (2019). Nutritional Therapy Association.Water and Electrolytes.
National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. (1989). Retreived from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/
Haas, E. M; Levin, B. (2006). Staying Healthy with Nutrition: The Complete Guide to Diet and Nutritional Medicine. Celestial Arts.