Electrolytes help you maintain the proper amount of fluid in your body, which is very important for anyone and especially for athletes during training. There are many electrolytes in the body, including sodium and potassium, and we must get them in the diet to keep our body functioning properly.
So…where do we get electrolytes in the diet? Numerous foods and drinks have electrolytes, but athletes can look to a very simple source to get electrolytes before, during, and after training – sports drinks. Sports drinks are an extremely popular way for athletes to get hydrated, but they do more than provide fluid. Most sports drinks contain electrolytes that will help athletes replenish those lost during training. Ever tasted your sweat? It usually tastes a bit salty, so you are losing sodium (and other electrolytes) when you sweat and you need to replenish them.
What is the best sports drink? In terms of electrolytes, read the labels of the drink to make sure that electrolytes are included. You will find that some drinks contain more sodium than others, so if you are watching your sodium intake, you should opt for the drink with less sodium. Case in point: Powerade has 55mg of sodium, while Gatorade contains 110mg per serving.
There are other things to consider when choosing a sports drink, which we will cover in future Boulder Sports Performance nutrition posts…..
Nicole
Do you know if Emergen-C provides electrolytes? The little package says 7 mineral ascorbates, 32 mineral complexes, B vitamins. It lists sodium (60mg) and potassium (200 mg), but doesn't speciafically say "electrolytes." I like the taste and convenience, but does it have what we need?
ReplyDeleteHey, I would be interested in hearing your thoughts on protein supplements. I have been reading that Whey protein (the most commonly recommended type of protein) supplement is actually not fit for consumption in about 80% of the populace based, and that an individual's blood type should be the basis for determining the type of protein powder. I have also read that if you are not compatible with whey protein it will not be absorbed by the body and can actually be harmful.
ReplyDeleteHi Kate-
ReplyDeleteGood question - yes, Emergen-C does have electrolytes. The sodium and potassium that it contains are considered electrolytes and are in similar amounts to most sports drinks. Along with these electrolytes, Emergen-C has many other vitamins too.
Thanks for your question!
Nicole
Jonathan-
ReplyDeleteGreat questions...I will do a blog post soon on whey protein and protein supplements.
Thanks for the suggestion-
Nicole