For many people, only certain situations warrant drinking an electrolyte beverage. Usually, you drink it after working out (since you’ve sweat a lot), are recovering from an illness, or are experiencing bouts of diarrhea. But are electrolyte-enhanced drinks really beneficial? What electrolyte beverage brand should you consider? Find out here.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals, like potassium, magnesium, and sodium, that conduct electricity when dissolved in water. They are present in the blood, tissues, and other bodily fluids, and are critical in many physiological functions, like blood pressure regulation, nerve and muscle health, and hydration.
It’s crucial that we maintain a balance in our electrolyte levels. Having too much or too little may lead to serious repercussions. For instance, too much sodium can raise our blood pressure. Too little potassium may result in muscle weakness, cramps, and even abnormal heart rhythms.
When Is It Beneficial To Drink an Electrolyte Beverage?
We naturally lose electrolytes when we sweat. That’s why companies often advertise their sports drink products using images of people working out. However, there are other occasions when imbalances in these critical minerals happen. Examples of these occasions include:
- Having ailments that result in vomiting or diarrhea
- Having kidney or liver problems
- Taking medicines, like laxatives or diuretics
- Having eating disorders
- Not drinking or eating enough
On occasions when we lose electrolytes, is it beneficial to drink an electrolyte beverage?
Experts say yes. But you have to be careful with your choice. They highlighted that some vitamin and immunity drinks might look appealing, but they might not have enough minerals to replenish your electrolytes.
If you’re working out for less than an hour, plain water is usually enough. However, doing an intense physical activity for 75 minutes and up may warrant drinking an electrolyte beverage.
Also, if you sweat heavily or want to replenish your electrolytes after sickness, look for options with zero calories.
3 Electrolyte Beverage Brands To Consider
Are you looking for electrolyte beverage brands that fit your needs? Consider Gatorade, Pocari Sweat, and Pedialyte.
Gatorade
Gatorade is already a household name when it comes to hydration. Their products for hydration promise to “help replace what’s been lost in sweat with drinks that are used by the pros.”
Gatorade Thirst Quenchers contain sodium and potassium, two electrolytes we lose during perspiration³, making it the perfect partner for intense workout sessions.
Note that their products come in various flavors and you have options to select zero-sugar or low-sugar beverages. Checkout Gatorade’s complete product lineup here.
Pocari Sweat
Next on our list of electrolyte beverage brands is Pocari Sweat from Japan.
Unlike Gatorade that comes with various flavors, Pocari Sweat is an electrolyte-enhanced mildly flavored water (as people claim it tastes sweet). From their official website, Pocari Sweat states that their product resembles the fluid balance of the body.
It’s also a great drink during or after perspiration due to physical activity or a hot bath. Learn more about Pocari Sweat’s product line here.
Pedialyte
Pedialyte brands itself as “the #1 pharmacist and pediatrician-recommended brand of rehydration drinks.”
They also explained that while leading sports drinks have twice the sugar, Pedialyte has twice the electrolyte sodium.
Despite its name, adults can also drink Pedialyte! You can drink it for flu recovery or to rehydrate after a serious workout.
Pedialyte also comes in various flavors and formulations for sports and immune support. Checkout their product lineup here.
Additional Reminders
Drinking an electrolyte beverage is generally safe, however, consult your doctor first if you have underlying conditions, such as heart, kidney, or liver problems. Also, if you’re experiencing ailments that result in diarrhea or vomiting, it’s best to get in touch with a physician first as they might recommend other ways to replenish your electrolytes, like Oral Rehydration Solution.
Learn more about Healthy Eating here.
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