general well being
Energy drinks and exercise. Are they good for you?
Over the last few years energy drinks have become part of many people’s daily lives. When you just don’t seem to be able to make it through your day, you pop open a can and “Poof” instant energy. But what’s in these drinks and what are they doing to our bodies? Do they actually benefit our training?
These energy drinks basically fall into three different categories, caffeine (and other uppers), scientific replenishing and water. The difference is vital to your health, workouts & lifestyle. Lets take a closer look.
Caffeine energy drinks
Scientists are not entirely convinced about the benefits of these drinks and lean towards caution in recommending them. Though they have not banned them, they have started by strongly recommending children avoid them and if you think about how long it took scientists to admit smoking cause’s cancer, it’s not a good sign. These drinks have high doses of caffeine and other stimulants such as ephedrine or opium extracts. Chemicals put strain on your kidneys and excess caffeine can cause insomnia, heart palpitations and other heart and general health issues.
Also, caffeine dehydrates you, so if you are drinking these caffeine energy drinks you will notice you sweat more which means you will need to take more breaks throughout your workout and drink a lot more water. So though you may train that little bit extra and more franticly you will feel like you over did it the next day and need more rest time. So what was the benefit of mixing these drinks and your exercise? Oh yeah, there wasn’t one.
Scientific replenishing drink (sports drinks)
These drinks are free of the above chemicals which is a great start don’t you think. They are designed to replace water, sodium, electrolytes and potassium (which you lose through sweat whilst working out)- vital to keep the body functioning properly. They keep athlete’s hydrated and able to perform at their optimal best in extreme competitive events. These drinks have proven themselves in marathons and high intensity professional sports time and time again.
Water
I guess this one needs little explanation. It rehydrates the body replenishing the water lost through perspiration. It will help you maintain adequate blood flow, ensure you avoid feeling dizzy, fatigued, muscle cramps and overheating.
Which one is right for you???
I would recommend to steer clear of the caffeine drinks as they are full of chemicals and we just don’t know what kind of long term effects they are having on our bodies. Like all drugs, which they are, they have a high and a comedown. So expect to feel extra tired the next day & once you build a tolerance you will need more to get the same buzz.
If you are training in a controlled environment for about an hour or two, water will definatly do the trick. It will give you all the health benefits with no cost to your health and little to no cost financially. How can you beat Free and Good for you?
If you are running a marathon or playing sports outside in extreme heat with little opportunity to keep sipping on water, then a sports replenishing drink will assist you in remaining hydrated through the event.
So the answer is clear and simple…. Just like water!