Alkaline Water or Sports Drinks?

10/06/2011 , by Admin No Comments Fitness

Every athlete knows the importance of replacing electrolytes during and after performance.  So why are athletes and trainers moving away from sports drinks in favor of alkaline water?

Early research determined that water alone could actually contribute to dehydration during training and competition because of the body’s natural reaction under these circumstances.   The properties of water available at the time did not allow for fast enough absorption and the number of active ions (electrolytes) per serving of water was insufficient to replace the level of electrolytes being used.

As the awareness and popularity of alkaline ionized water has emerged, the old concepts about water’s ability to rehydrate and replace electrolytes is changing.

Evolution of Sports Drinks

In the mid-1960’s, “Gatorade” was introduced to the sports community to replace electrolytes lost by training and competing athletes.  Since that time a number of “energy” and “sports” drinks have flooded the market touting improved and/or extended performance through reintroduction of electrolytes into the body.

While sports drinks have been proven an effective way to rehydrate the body and replace electrolytes, high sodium content has become an increasing concern among researchers.  The sodium content concern has been compounded by other ingredients added to these drinks to improve taste and “boost energy.  Fructose, artificial sweeteners and stimulants like guarana, taurine and caffeine are often found in “energy drinks” marketed to appeal to those wanting to “run faster & jump higher.”

The short term result is longer or improved performance, but at what cost?  Fatigue is the body’s natural response when its resources have been used up.  While sports or energy drinks do replace electrolytes, stimulants cause the body to draw either draw on reserves from other areas of the body or trick the body into believing it is rejuvenated enough to continue performing at inappropriate levels.

Few realize that sugar and high carbohydrate content actually work against proper hydration.  The excess sugar and carbohydrates make it more difficult for the body to absorb nutrients from food.  While the body’s energy levels are being fueled by the sugar and carbohydrates found in these drinks, their makeup can actually inhibit the body’s ability to absorb fluids – ultimately leading to dehydration and longer post-performance recovery times.

The Alkaline Alternative

The two biggest concerns among athletes and fitness buffs are hydration and replenishing electrolytes.  Alkaline ionized water addresses both – without sugars, stimulants or artificial sweeteners.

The very properties of the water with its reduced molecule cluster size allows the cells of the body to absorb the water and at a higher rate.  Even non-athletes notice an increase in energy levels and stamina.

Through the ionization process, minerals found in the water become electrolytes, readily available to replace what has been depleted while training, performing or competing.  These electrolytes are formed when minerals in the source water passing through the electrolysis chamber during ionization.

While most sports drinks focus on sodium and potassium for electrolyte replacement, proper hydration and muscle support rely on a balance of electrolytes.  Alkaline ionized water contains a blend of minerals  – calcium, magnesium, sodium, and potassium – all electrically charged through ionization to create a more balanced blend of electrolytes.

The result is a natural, sugar-free, additive-free “energy drink” that both rehydrates the body and replaces a broader spectrum of electrolytes for long-term peak performance.

water ionizer

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