Photo: Ron Lach

Is Gatorade more hydrating than water?

While Gatorade can help you stay hydrated, it's best to only drink it when needed. For people who aren't exercising for at least one hour, five days per week, water is the best bet for staying hydrated. Electrolytes coming from natural sources without added sugars and dyes are recommended.

healthline.com - Gatorade: Is It Good for You? - Healthline

What 5 foods make arthritis worse?

5 Arthritis Trigger Foods to Avoid Pasta. Wheat products — like pasta, bread, crackers, and bagels — may spell trouble for your joints, especially...

Last updated Jan 30, 2018

What are the side effects of ashwagandha?

Large doses of ashwagandha might cause stomach upset, diarrhea, and vomiting. Rarely, liver problems might occur. When applied to the skin: There...

Last updated Dec 29, 2019

Promotion

Gatorade is considered a sports drink. It contains electrolytes that help you stay hydrated. However, it also contains added sugar and calories, which may not be beneficial if you’re trying to eat healthfully or lose weight. According to Gatorade’s website, the drink was “born in the lab” when researchers looked at why athletes were falling ill after strenuous exercise in the heat. They found that these athletes were losing electrolytes and fluid with exertion but not replacing them. Gatorade was developed to replace crucial electrolytes and carbohydrates while hydrating at the same time. While it’s marketed as a sports drink, athletes aren’t the only ones drinking Gatorade. Children drink it at lunch or after soccer practice, and it’s even developed a reputation as a hangover cure. But while Gatorade may contain less sugar than soda, is it actually good for you?

The ‘good’ of Gatorade When you exercise, it’s important to stay hydrated. Water is the most logical form of hydration. However, sports drinks like Gatorade contain sugar and electrolytes like sodium and potassium. Sports drinks can help replace what we lose during longer duration exercise, especially in the heat. Electrolytes are minerals that maintain your body’s ionic balance. This balance is essential for nerve, muscle, and brain functioning. An imbalance may lead to an electrolyte disorder. Examples of electrolytes include: calcium

magnesium

chloride

phosphate

potassium

sodium Electrolytes and carbohydrates help athletes refuel and rehydrate. This is what makes sports drinks popular. Electrolytes help regulate the body’s fluid balance while the carbs provide energy. Gatorade claims their product hydrates better than water because of these additional ingredients. Some research backs their claims. A report from the University of California at Berkeley says that sports drinks might be better than water for children and athletes who engage in prolonged, vigorous physical activity for more than one hour, especially in hot conditions. However, you should note that people exercising for less than 60 to 90 minutes may not need Gatorade to maintain or improve performance. So, what about use of sports drinks for the average person?

What are side effects of ashwagandha?

Ashwagandha's side effects include upset stomach, nausea, and drowsiness. Because of ashwagandha's side effects, avoid it if you are pregnant or...

Last updated Aug 2, 2020

What nuts can shrink prostate?

Pumpkin Seeds And Brazil Nuts Pumpkin seeds are especially helpful for BPH, or enlargement of the prostate gland. Just a few ounces a week of...

Last updated Oct 21, 2021

Promotion

What is the healthiest thing to drink all day?

Water is the best choice for quenching your thirst. Coffee and tea, without added sweeteners, are healthy choices, too. Some beverages should be limited or consumed in moderation, including fruit juice, milk, and those made with low-calorie sweeteners, like diet drinks.

hsph.harvard.edu - Healthy Drinks | The Nutrition Source

In the beginning, there was water—abundant, refreshing, providing everything the body needs to replenish the fluids it loses. Humans relied on it as the only beverage for millions of years. Milk was introduced with the advent of agriculture and the domestication of animals. Then came beer and wine and coffee and tea, all consumed for taste and pleasure as much as for the fluids they provide. The newcomers—sugary beverages including soda, sports drinks, and energy drinks—offer hydration but with a hefty dose of unnecessary calories that the body may have a hard time regulating. Alternatively, “diet” drinks offer sweetness without the calories, but does that make them a healthy choice?

With so many options, it’s easy to be confused about which beverages are best for our health. Follow the links below for an in-depth look at each, but if you’re short on time, here’s the takeaway:

Terms of Use

The contents of this website are for educational purposes and are not intended to offer personal medical advice. You should seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The Nutrition Source does not recommend or endorse any products.

What is the secret to good health?

Not smoking, eating a healthy diet, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy weight, and keeping blood glucose, blood pressure and cholesterol...

Last updated Jul 1, 2020

Can stress cause cancer?

Stress can speed up the spread of cancer throughout the body, especially in ovarian, breast and colorectal cancer. When the body becomes stressed,...

Last updated Jun 3, 2021

Promotion

When is the best time to take blood pressure?

Take it first in the morning before eating or taking any medications. Take it again in the evening. Each time you measure, take two or three...

Last updated Sep 6, 2020

Imagine Your Moment Of Freedom!

Fluxactive Complete is conveniently packed with over 14 essential prostate powerhouse herbs, vitamins and grade A nutrients which work synergistically to help you support a healthy prostate faster

Learn More »

Promotion

What are the main uses of zinc?

Zinc uses range from metal products to rubber and medicines. About three-fourths of zinc used is consumed as metal, mainly as a coating to protect...

Last updated May 17, 2018