You don't have to be a sports fan to know all about Gatorade, the widely popular brand of sports drinks owned by PepsiCo. Gatorade's products are marketed relentlessly as a must-have for professional athletes and weekend warriors alike, with advertisements in traditional media as well as other outlets, such as video games. Go to any gym or sporting event, and you're likely to see a player drinking it. And even if you drink it, you may not know why people drink Gatorade after exercise.
Hydration
The No. 1 reason to drink Gatorade -- or any other fluid -- after exercising is to keep your body hydrated. When you exercise, your body loses water through perspiration. Drinking Gatorade after exercising replaces the lost fluids and contributes to the general health of your body, which is comprised largely of water, and your muscles, which are 75 percent water. Consuming fluids fends off dehydration, which can lead to elevated temperature and even stroke. Gatorade is effective in this sense because many believe it tastes better and thus they are more likely to drink larger amounts of it than they would water.
Electrolytes
Through aggressive branding, Gatorade has made the word "electrolyte" -- naturally occurring substances that contribute to healthy cell function -- commonly known. Gatorade is scientifically designed to replace such electrolytes, which are lost when you work up a sweat during exercise. The primary electrolytes in Gatorade are the minerals sodium, chloride and potassium. The sodium in Gatorade, which is not present in water, is especially important in helping you retain fluid.
Carbohydrates
Carbohydrates are important to athletes because the glucose they provide to your bloodstream boosts your ability to maintain your energy levels. Typically, sports drinks are comprised of anywhere between 4 and 8 percent carbs. Gatorade's Performance Series has been measured at 21.7 percent carbs. While this may sound like the carbs in Gatorade aren't beneficial post workout, they're useful after a workout if you're preparing to exercise again shortly, such as a double-header in baseball or at a track meet.
Gatorade Versus Water
You may wonder whether it's worth plunking down a few bucks for Gatorade every time you exercise rather than drinking water, an all-natural and cheaper means of rehydrating your body. The University of Wisconsin conducted a study to answer this very question in 2006. The findings: Gatorade's glucose levels better fight muscle fatigue than does glucose-free water, but overall, it's only slightly better than water for athletes.
References
- Brafton News: Gatorade's Got Game: Sports Beverage Sees Sales Increase From In-Game Ads
- Victor Liberi: The Importance of Hydration for Athletes
- Gatorade: Frequently Asked Questions
- Athlete in Me: Sports Drinks and Recovery Drinks
- "J. Undergrad. Kin. Res."; The Physiological Effects of Gatorade vs. Water During Prolonged Exercise; Ashley Danielson, et al.; 2006
Member Comments