

There are various brands and types of sports drinks out there, so knowing which ones are the best is tricky. Much of that depends on your activity levels and what kind of hydration your body needs. If you’re looking for a sports drink, then you may want something that hydrates your body and provides more energy than water. So, let’s talk about the ingredients you want to ensure your sports drink has.
Sports Drinks Ingredients
A performance drink is essential for workout sessions. These fitness drinks help keep hydration levels at optimal levels so that you perform your best. But, before buying a sports drink, you should know what ingredients they should have.
1. Sodium
It is an essential ingredient that your sports drink should have. It stimulates your thirst, lets your body know you need replenishment, and helps you retain fluids. When looking for sports drinks, go for the one with plenty of soda, especially if you are an athlete with an intense training routine.
2. Carbohydrates
Our body needs carbohydrates to perform well in difficult training schedules. For instance, low-carb drinks will inhibit your performance if you are a marathon runner. However, if you’re still active but don’t undertake intense training, you may need a sports drink with sugar and carbohydrates but switch to a low-calorie drink, such as a zero-sugar sports drink.
3. Electrolytes
Carbohydrates are not the only ingredient that should be in your sports drink. Electrolytes also play a significant role, especially for your muscles performing at their best.
- Magnesium is a common electrolyte found in most sports drinks. It helps with muscle contractions and promotes recovery after a workout. It is also beneficial for the heart when paired with another electrolyte, calcium.
- Potassium is another electrolyte that should be in your sports drink. After intense training, you lose a lot of potassium. So, your sports drink with potassium can help you recover this depleted electrolyte.
- Chloride works with sodium to provide proper fluid absorption into the body. It helps in dehydration and allows your body to use the fluids absorbed rather than sweating them out.
- Many sports drinks do not have any vitamins. But if you are looking for a beverage that keeps your body performing at its best and keeps your mind and immune system working sharp, then check your sports drink label if it mentions vitamins. Your body will need vitamins after a long workout. Common vitamins in sports drinks are A, C, E, and B.
How Should a Sports Drink Taste?
The beverage’s taste is essential; otherwise, you won’t drink it. You want it to be palatable and lightly flavoured. Strong-flavoured sports drinks become overwhelming after two or three sips. A drink that tastes almost like water will be more drinkable when you rest after exercising.
When to Take a Sports Drink?
It is recommended to have a sports drink before your workout session. For instance, if you are a runner, then take 5 ml at least hours before the session. You should also drink the beverage after your workout to restore your hydration levels.
Temperature of Sports Drink
You may think that the temperature of your fitness drinks is not essential. But, actually, it’s quite the opposite. A chilled sports drink is more palatable than the one at room temperature. However, this choice is totally on you.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you’re looking for a sports drink, then ensure that it has all the ingredients mentioned above. You can ask a healthcare provider if you need to know which sports drink will benefit you. He/she will ask you about the intensity of your workout and any medical condition. And, based on this, a specific type of fitness drink that will help you perform at your best capability will be recommended.