Hydration in Arizona: Is Gatorade Helping or Hurting You?

Are Sports Drinks Good for You or Bad for You?

Everyone has been out for a run, playing a round of golf or exhausted from a sports game and wanted that cold drink to help quench your thirst and begin replenishing your system. Too often we go to grab the greatest marketed product since cigarettes. 

PepsiCo owns the Gatorade brand and is well marketed with hundreds of Athletes in the spotlight sponsored. Yes, the same Pepsi blue can sugary Cola owns the “healthy” Gatorade company. Marketed as the end all solution for hydration and replenishment, these sports drinks have a small amount of necessary ingredients and a high amount of unnecessary sugars and flavoring.

The factor most concerning with sports drinks is the sugar content. Gatorade has about 13 cubes of sugar. Powerade has as much sugar as three Kit Kat bars. One 12oz can of Pepsi has 41 grams of sugar. While a 32oz Gatorade has 55 grams of sugar. While the total fluid ounces may be larger in the Gatorade, both of these sizes are the “go to” and single sitting consumptions. Ultimately, more times than not, you’ll consume more sugar form a Gatorade than a cola drink in one sitting.

Let’s dive a little deeper and address some of the common questions relating to the use of sports drinks.

Sugar and Glucose - Risks/Benefits

Although Glucose is commonly held in high regard for energy use during workouts, sugar (sucrose) is not ideal for long term health, and has nothing to do with hydration. 

Diabetes is a main concern for both adults and children, and high sugar content shuttled into your system puts you at a much higher risk for developing onset Diabetes.

Sugar can cause early onset obesity in children. This is concerning with parents giving their children too many sports drinks too often. Although we know this use of sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade is out of genuine concern and meant to benefit their children, oftentimes parents overlook healthier alternatives.

What about Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are important, however many people don’t realize there are many options outside of sports drinks to get an adequate amount for replenishment. Sodium, Calcium and Potassium are some of the most common electrolytes. As some of you may know, Sodium is also sale. Using a small amount of Pink Himalayan Salt to your water can help hydration. Calcium can be found in dark leafy vegetables, beans and peas and lean fish such as salmon. Potassium is most commonly associated with bananas, however you can also find large amounts of Potassium in black beans, sweet potato, spinach and watermelon.

When and how often to hydrate?

Since everyone’s needs are different based on their health conditions, activity level, lifestyle, sun exposure, etc. needs can greatly vary.

Typically, people are now told to use thirst as a general rule of thumb. If you feel thirsty, grab a drink of water. Not a soda or other beverage, just stick with water as often as possible.

For fitness and working out, it is commonly recommended to begin hydrating 2 hours before working out, then intervals throughout strenuous workout. The name of the game is to beat getting dehydrated before it happens.

What are Some Alternatives?

Believe it or not, nutrition can play a huge part in hydration. It’s not only what you drink, but what you eat or supplement with the water which can aid in hydration.

Healthy diets with fruits and vegetables (such as mentioned earlier like watermelon, leafy greens, etc) will help your body retain water and place it to use better.

Other options such as coconut water and natural spring/mineral waters can also be easy quick grabs when at the gas station or grocery store.

What if I’m Already Dehydrated?

Dehydration is actually more harmful than most think. In some extreme cases, hospitalization is necessary.

For many active people, dehydration can happen fast and quick solutions are few and far between.

We currently have IV therapy available for anyone ranging from the elite athlete to the weekend warrior on the pickleball courts. Having an IV infusion can quickly and effectively treat dehydration.

Our Naturopathic Doctor can recommend and administer these IV’s inside our office at a cost effective price. 

RECAP of Hydration & Sports Drinks:

Downsides

• Large Sugar Content

• Nutrient Deficient

• Risk of Early Obesity in Children

Healthy Alternatives:

• Mineral Rich Fruits/Vegetables (Watermelon and Leafy Greens)

• Coconut Water

• Natural Spring/Mineral Water

• Water W/ Pink Salt

Dehydration Treatment

• IV Therapy (schedule appointment for details)

Aaah Wellness Hydration Specials / Supplements

For the month of July, we are offering a special on PhytoGanix by Metagenics. PhytoGanix features 20+ whole foods in each serving, including: organic fruits and vegetables. Mixing this in water, you will have the ideal delicious and healthy aid to your hydration needs during the hot summer or strenuous activity. We typically recommend drinking 1 serving daily in order to help your body get the nutrients it needs.

On sale of only $52.77 (usually $73) for 27% off! See our shop for details and to order now!

If you are interested in IV therapy or would like a free consult to discuss the benefits and uses, please make an appointment with our office by calling (480) 396-4400.

Stay safe and stay healthy with Hydration 101!