Sports drinks are beverages that typically provide hydration, essential electrolyte minerals and carbohydrates to replace fluids and nutrients lost through vigorous exercise and sporting events. Athletes who don't re-hydrate during exercise with sports drinks or other fluids may risk dehydration and constipation, a condition defined by the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse as having a bowel movement fewer than three times per week. Besides good hydration, adequate fiber intake is also essential for preventing and treating constipation.
Sports Drinks for Constipation
Dehydration is a common cause of constipation. Sports drinks provide water and the electrolyte mineral, sodium -- a combination that re-hydrates your body more quickly than water alone, according to MayoClinic.com. By helping you avoid dehydration, sports drinks may thereby help prevent constipation. Sports drinks can also help remedy electrolyte imbalances that can cause constipation, according to ZocDoc.com. Electrolyte-infused sports beverages may be especially useful in combating dehydration and electrolyte imbalances resulting from lengthy and intense exercise, heavy sweating and alcohol consumption. While vigorous exercise can cause dehydration and constipation if fluids lost through sweat are not replaced with sports drinks or other liquids, a lack or exercise can also cause constipation.
Energy Drinks and Constipation
Consuming non-caffeinated sports drinks that provide electrolytes is a good way to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that can cause constipation. However, so-called "energy drinks" designed to enhance performance for sports or other activities often contain caffeine and may therefore contribute to constipation. Consuming caffeinated beverages may lead to constipation by causing dehydration, according to the NDDIC. Also, while drinks designed for athletic purposes don't normally contain alcohol, some caffeinated energy drinks provide alcohol, which can further contribute to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances that cause constipation. Read the label.
Causes
Besides dehydration, electrolyte imbalances and lack of exercise, other factors and conditions may also cause constipation, and sports drinks may not be sufficient treatment for constipation caused by an underlying health condition. According to the NDDIC, diseases that may cause constipation include: irritable bowel syndrome, problems with the rectum and colon, problems with intestinal function, stroke, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, metabolic disorders such as diabetes, and systemic disorders including lupus. Pain medications, blood pressure medications and antacids may also cause constipation, as may lifestyle factors such as a lack of dietary fiber, abuse of laxatives and changes in routine such as traveling, notes the NDDIC.
Considerations
Constipation that doesn't improve with increased fluid and fiber intake may require medical treatment. If left untreated, constipation can cause health complications including hemorrhoids, rectal prolapse and fecal impaction. Depending on the severity and underlying cause of your constipation, your doctor may prescribe one of several types of laxatives for constipation relief.
Your doctor may also recommend other remedies such as discontinuing medication use, or, in some cases, surgery to correct a serious condition of the colon. For most people who don't have a serious medical condition, eating a high-fiber diet, staying hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids such as sports drinks, water or juice, and leading an active lifestyle that includes daily exercise will help treat constipation.
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