Is Isotonic Drinks Drinkable Every Day?

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Do you often consume isotonic drinks? Do you know what is in it?

What is an isotonic drink?

Isotonic drinks are often equated with energy drinks or energy drink, but both are different things. Isotonic drinks including types sport drink which contains carbohydrates, minerals, and electrolytes, while energy drinks contain more substances that are not needed by the body such as caffeine, taurine, guarana, creatine, and various additives used to stimulate the body.

Isotonic drinks are drinks intended for athletes, to replace fluids, electrolytes, and sugar in athletes quickly. This type of drink can be quickly absorbed by the body because it has the same osmotic concentration and pressure as the liquid in the body.

At least isotonic drinks contain at least 12 to 16% carbohydrates, as well as water, 19 grams of sugar, 200 mg of sodium, and 80 calories per 250 ml, depending on the brand.

Isotonic drinks are good for people who are severely dehydrated

In fact, 70% of body composition is liquid. Therefore fluids have an important role to maintain body functions, such as regulating body temperature, protecting organs and tissues in the body, and becoming lubricants in joints.

But the amount of fluid in the body changes according to the level of activity that we do everyday. The body secretes fluid through urine, urine and sweat.

The liquid released by the body does not only consist of water, but also various electrolytes contained in it, so that when we sweat, we will also experience a shortage of electrolytes. A liter of sweat consists of 0.02 grams of calcium, 0.05 magnesium, 1.15 grams of sodium, 0.23 potassium, and 1.48 grams, and this can vary by person.

Dehydration can happen to anyone, but the most at risk for dehydration are athletes or people who exercise extreme, or when the body is severely dehydrated which can cause various adverse effects on the body, such as headaches, hallucinations, fatigue, and convulsions. .

Therefore, this drink is suitable for drinking by people who are severely dehydrated because isotonic drinks have good rehydration ability, namely the ability to restore body fluids to normal conditions. When rehydration occurs, electrolyte replacement occurs in the body.

When athletes do exercise for at least 30-40 minutes, there will be a decrease in carbohydrates in the body which is usually used as the main energy source, an increase in body temperature, and a decrease in circulation of fluid in the body which can cause fatigue.

Water alone is not enough to replace the fluid that comes out of the body when doing strenuous exercise. As a result, athletes need drinks such as isotonic drinks that can replace carbohydrates, water, and electrolytes that disappear quickly.

In addition, various studies have also proven that athletes who consume isotonic drinks while exercising or in matches can improve performance and reduce fatigue due to dehydration.

Is isotonic drinks needed for daily needs?

It was mentioned earlier that isotonic drinks are drinks that are specifically for athletes or for people who are severely dehydrated, such as people who experience acute or chronic diarrhea. However, not a few people know that isotonic drinks are not drinks that can be drunk everyday. Surveys conducted in America show that of 78 teenagers, at least 56.4% almost consumed daily isotonic drinks. The reason they consume isotonic drinks is also diverse, such as isotonic drinks have a good taste, are healthier than carbonated drinks, and can eliminate thirst properly. Then is this drink healthy and good for daily consumption?

Isotonic drinks are actually only suitable for consumption by people who do regular exercise at least 90 minutes a day. If you do not do heavy exercise and do not experience severe dehydration, it is advisable not to frequently consume isotonic drinks. This is caused by isotonic drinks having high sugar levels. So if you consume it regularly without being accompanied by exercise, it will only add to your calorie consumption in a day and can cause you to experience overweight.

Based on research conducted in New Zealand, consumption of isotonic drinks is associated with an increased incidence of overweight, type 2 diabetes mellitus, heart disease, and high blood pressure due to the high levels of sugar and sodium contained in it. In addition, the consumption of improper isotonic drinks will aggravate the work of the kidneys. So, consuming water is the most appropriate choice to meet your fluid and electrolyte needs, and prevent you from dehydration.

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