In your body, all materials are bathed in water. Water can be stored inside the cells, intracellularly, or in spaces between the cells, extracellularly. Swelling of body parts occurs when extracellular fluid volume increases, regardless of the status of intracellular fluid. Swelling of the legs should not be taken lightly. Understanding its cause is the key in determining if sports drinks could be an appropriate remedy.
Cellular Fluid Balance
It is an extremely important task to keep a proper amount of water where it belongs. The body achieves this by concentrating sodium extracellularly and potassium intracellularly. Extracellular sodium level regulates fluid volume. The higher the serum sodium level, the larger the fluid volume retained, with intracellular fluid remaining relatively stable. Swelling happens when the body fails to control sodium level or fluid volume.
Sports Drinks and Electrolytes
One of the characteristics of sports drinks is their electrolyte content. The major electrolytes are sodium and potassium, which increase fluid retention and keep you hydrated. During exercise, sports drinks consumption replenishes sodium and potassium losses from sweating, therefore maintaining their normal levels and helping to retain water in your body. In situations when sweating is insignificant, excess sodium and potassium is excreted through urine in healthy people. If a lack of electrolytes was the cause of the swelling, sports drinks would be a viable option. Otherwise, it may provide little relief to your legs because sodium increases fluid retention, possibly making matter worse.
Sports Drinks for Swelling
You should note the circumstance of the swelling, whether it is persistent or temporary. Although they are similar in appearance, their etiologies can range from electrolyte imbalance to venous insufficiency. Researchers at the University of Iowa confirmed this in an article published in the Journal of the American Board of Family Medicine. They performed a systematic review of existing literature and found no practice guidelines for leg swelling when the etiology is unclear. For individuals who were subsequently diagnosed, sports drinks were not a recommended treatment.
When Your Legs Swell
Keep in mind that swelling in the legs is a symptom, not a cause. In a review from Harvard Medical School, the authors suggested that a thorough medical history inquiry and physical examination should be performed prior to determining appropriate treatment. Given that electrolytes from sports drinks are intended to increase fluid retention, consumption is unlikely to improve excess fluid accumulation as present in swelling. If you experience swelling in the legs, consult your health care providers as soon as possible.
