Beverages
Most beverages
are approximately 90% water. In fact, the beverage industry uses
between 3 and 15 litres of water for each litre of beverage produced.
Club Soda and Seltzer Water
- They are considered soft drinks, not bottled water.
Water, Beverages and Hydration
Sports Drinks
- Some
sports drinks don't hydrate better than water, but you are more likely
to drink larger volumes, which leads to better hydration.
- The typical
sweet-tart taste combination doesn't quench thirst, so you will keep
drinking a sports drink long after water has lost its appeal.
- An
attractive array of colors and flavors are available. You can get a
carbohydrate boost from sports drinks, in addition to electrolytes
which may be lost from perspiration, but these drinks tend to offer
lower calories than juice or soft drinks.
Juice
- Juice
may be nutritious, but it isn't the best choice for hydration. The
fructose, or fruit sugar, reduces the rate of water absorption so cells
don't get hydrated very quickly.
- Juice is a food in its own right and
it's uncommon for a person to drink sufficient quantities to keep
hydrated. Juice has carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and
electrolytes, but it isn't a great thirst quencher.
Carbonated Soft Drinks
- When
you get right down to it, the colas and uncolas of the world aren't
good for the body. The acids used to carbonate and flavor these
beverages will damage your teeth and may even weaken your bones.
- Soft
drinks are devoid of any real nutritional content. Even so, they taste
great! You are more likely to drink what you like, so if you love soft
drinks then they might be a good way to hydrate.
- The carbohydrates will
slow your absorption of water, but they will also provide a quick
energy boost. In the long run, they aren't good for you, but if
hydration is your goal, soft drinks aren't a bad choice. Avoid drinks
with lots of sugar or caffeine, which will lessen the speed or degree
of hydration.
Coffee and Tea
- Coffee
and tea can sabotage hydration. Both drinks act as diuretics, meaning
they cause your kidneys to pull more water out of your bloodstream even
as the digestive system is pulling water into your body.
- If you add milk or sugar,
then you reduce the rate of water absorption even further.
Alcoholic Beverages
- Alcohol dehydrates your body, and therefore not beneficial especially for the athlete.
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