Recovery drinks are used to rejuvenate your body after any physical activity. The drink may be used to further your fitness goals. A recovery drink may also be used to restore your depleted energy, electrolyte and fluid supplies. These drinks increase the quality and the speed of your body's recovery.
Types
Every recovery drink is used for a different reason. Sports drinks, protein shakes, water and carbonated water are a variety of products used as recovery drinks. Sports drinks are used mainly to restore the electrolytes and glycogen you lost during exercise. Protein shakes are used to provide nutrients to your muscle tissue to increase your size and strength. Water and carbonated water are used to prevent dehydration after exercise.
Protein Drinks
Protein powders may be combined with a variety of liquids to create a recovery drink. These liquids include milk, water and juices. Protein combined with carbohydrates has been proven to increase the release of insulin after a workout and improve the use of these nutrients during recovery. Protein drinks are most effective as muscle-building and recovery drinks if they are used in the hour following the physical activity.
Carbonated Water
Carbonated water is produced by filling water with dissolved carbon dioxide. The FDA considers carbonated water a soft drink. Most types of carbonated waters contain high levels of sodium. Carbonated water will help you regain the fluids lost during exercise and some of the electrolytes. Carbonated water has been known to give you a bloated feeling and gas.
Conclusion
If they are used in combination with each other, protein drinks and carbonated water may serve as an adequate recovery drink after an exercise. Consult with your physician or a fitness professional to make sure that is combination is best for your health and fitness goals.
References
- "Exercise and Health"; Prof. T. A. Asmangulyan; 1997
- Southern Pacific Masters Association: Why Bother with Recovery Drinks
- I Love Quitters: Breaking Down the Water Hype
- "Preventive and Social Medicine"; K. Park, J. E. Park; 1995
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