Created by a team of University of Florida physicians, Gatorade is a scientific formulation intended to aid in the prevention of dehydration and other heat-related conditions, according to the Gatorade official website. This lab-created sports drink contains electrolytes, which have benefits that far outweigh water when it comes to rehydration.
What Is It?
Electrolytes help to maintain water and pH levels in your body. Electrolytes are also important for the muscle functions required for participation in physical activity. Exercise depletes these electrically charged minerals, which require immediate replacement. Gatorade contains sodium, potassium and CHO, all quick action electrolytes, according to the University of Massachusetts. CHO, or Chemical Formula Carbon Hydrogen Oxygen, is a mix of glucose and glucose polymers that increases fluid absorption.
Rapid Rehydration
Electrolytes in sports drinks such as Gatorade aid in rapid rehydration during and after exercise. According to Evergreen State College, electrolytes -- sodium and potassium specifically -- reduce urination. This enables your stomach to empty quickly after drinking, resulting in a rise in fluid retention and nutrient absorption within the lining of the intestines. Glucose levels in Gatorade are below 6 percent, making for a balanced carbohydrate and electrolyte base that also helps speed up absorption.
Better Than Water
The electrolytes in a bottle of Gatorade make the drink a better option for athletes than water, according to Pennsylvania State University. While a bottle of cold water may be refreshing after physical activity, it cannot replenish the sugars lost through exercise that lead to fatigue. A glass of cool water also cannot replenish the sodium that you lose through sweating. In fact, it can lead to a dangerous condition known as hyponatremia. Drinking excessive amounts of water during exercise can dilute the sodium that remains in your body during and after exercise, resulting in serious cardiovascular and neurological health concerns. Such a scenario is avoidable by drinking Gatorade, which contains sodium, instead of plain water.
Diabetic Benefits
If you are a diabetic, you may want to consider carrying a bottle of Gatorade with you when you exercise. According to the University of Massachusetts Diabetes Network, diabetics often require carbohydrate replacement during and immediately after any form of physical activity to prevent hypoglycemia. Exercise also increases urine output -- a scenario that can quickly lead to dehydration. Drinking Gatorade helps fend off hypoglycemia and dehydration by replacing lost carbohydrates and electrolytes.
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