1. SPORTS DRINKS AND YOUR TEETH?
Many dentists may warn you about the dangers of consuming sports drinks for your teeth. It is true that the combination of carbohydrate in a somewhat acidic environment can cause dental cavities and/or erosion, however sports drinks are no different to many foods and fluids (including fruit juices, citrus fruits, soft drinks, beer, and wine) in this fact, whilst being more effective in maintaining hydration and fuel during exercise. Furthermore, by helping to prevent dehydration, sports drinks can actually help protect teeth, as one of the most important defences against decay is our saliva (and if you’re dehydrated, you produce less saliva). Remember to always maintain good dental hygiene by brushing twice a day and flossing daily, and minimise the contact time between the sports drink and your teeth (for example by swallowing immediately and rinsing your mouth with water regularly whilst using a sports drink). Also, don’t wash your mouthguard with a sports drink before putting it in your mouth.
2. SPORTS DRINKS AND SALT?
Sodium (or salt) is an important component of a sports drink. The amount of salt in Powerade Isotonic is less than that found in milk, and much less than the salt content of most breads. This is primarily because too much salt makes the drink unpalatable, resulting in your drinking less – which isn’t going to help you hydrate!
3. SPORTS DRINKS AND GASTRIC UPSET?
Gastric upset can occur during exercise, particularly if you are dehydrated, as this means the blood will be preferentially sent to the muscle, rather than to the gut. Consuming Powerade Isotonic helps prevent this dehydration, thereby maintaining a good blood supply to the gut for absorption of the fluid. Remember to start drinking early, to help prevent dehydration rather than waiting until it’s too late to drink all your fluid.
Powerade Isotonic is designed to be consumed at full strength. Being Isotonic means that it is absorbed rapidly from the gut as the concentration of its components are equal to those in the body already. The amount of carbohydrate is within the recommended range for optimal uptake from the gut, thereby delivering a ready supply of fuel to muscles which are working hard. Diluting it only results in a lower concentration of carbohydrate, and particularly of sodium, which could impact on the capacity to hydrate and fuel during and after exercise.
Powerade recommends trialling Powerade Isotonic during training sessions before using it in competition, in order to determine your own individual gastrointestinal comfort. Remember you may be able to train your gut to tolerate more fluid if you build your fluid intake gradually.
