Isotonic drinks have been a hit among physically active people for some time. Regular hydration of the body is of great importance for health, so with a sports lifestyle that promotes dehydration, you cannot forget about it. What isotonic drinks are worth consuming and should everyone drink them?
An isotonic is a drink having the same concentration as fluids in the human body. This means that it is absorbed very quickly, without remaining in the stomach, thanks to which it hydrates the body and replenishes vitamins and minerals lost during physical exertion. However, you must not drink isotonics as often as water – the body needs it only in situations where our body is exposed to physical effort lasting more than an hour. It is intense physical effort that exposes you to dehydration, which isotonic drink will prevent. So if we swim, go to aerobics, ride a bike, run and it takes us no more than 60 minutes, water will be fully sufficient.
Where to get a healthy isotonic drink?
The principle of drinking water in the case of less than an hour of moderate intensity exercise is of great importance in weight loss. If we train only for no longer than 60 minutes and we reach for isotonic, the body, instead of drawing energy from adipose tissue, will start to take it from the drink. And slimming is about taking energy from fat, which allows you to lose unnecessary kilograms.
Another important rule is that we drink the isotonic drink only after 20-30 minutes from the start of training, not earlier. When buying this type of drink in a store, you need to be careful and carefully read its composition. Isotonics are often confused with energy drinks, which is a huge mistake. The following elements are important in distinguishing them:
- The amount of sugar – in the isotonic is in the range of 6-8mg / 100ml. If there are too many carbohydrates, the body rehydrates more slowly because fluid absorption is slowed down,
- The presence of sodium and potassium – these are the minerals that escape from our body with sweat. Too little sodium in the body leads to dehydration, and it also regulates body temperature. Potassium is used to regulate the body’s water and electrolyte balance and improves the proper functioning of the nervous and muscular systems.
The safest isotonic is the one made by yourself. It has the same properties as its purchased version. The simplest version is to mix water with freshly squeezed juice in different proportions. If we have a problem with access to fresh fruit or simply suffer from a lack of time, you can buy one-day juice available in stores.
Despite this, the most effective homemade isotonic is the one that is prepared on the basis of honey. It has everything that is necessary and at the same time is 1% healthy. Recipe: in one liter of cold mineral water, mix 5/2 teaspoon of salt, 40 tablespoons of honey (approx. XNUMX grams) and freshly squeezed grapefruit or lemon juice. Ready!