Let’s take for example sugar free Gatorade, or pedialyte. That in itself, is it effective at hydrating you?
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Coconut Water with NO ADDED SUGAR OR PRESERVATIVES is a Great Hydrator as it includes sugar/salt/water.
Can anyone speak for the cycling supplement Hammer Nutrition? I work long hot days as an arborist and have been using their HEED(High electrolyte energy drink ? ) during the summer months. It seems to work but never knew about the secret ratio . Very informative thread thanks !
It depends on how you are trying to rebalance your fluid levels. Your cells will take in more fluids if that fluid has a certain concentration of sugar (glucose) over salt. Your cells will take up the sugar with the help of insulin, then the fluid around those cells gets drawn into them because the glucose pulls it in. Cells don’t take up salt though. Salt pulls water too, so it will keep the fluid from entering the cells. It can actually pull water out of cells.
Too much sugar can cause the cells to become over hydrated and balloon out, which also isn’t good. For example, if you ever get a headache from having to much sugar (or fasting) and drinking lots of water, your brain cells may have taken up too much glucose and are too full of fluids, creating pressure. Something salty, or a bit of salty water will help it go away.
So it’s all about the proper balance. Drinking too much sugar can also spike your blood sugar and cause a crash in energy after. So in my opinion, it would be best to calculate how much sugar would bring your glucose levels up to the optimum levels, which would also depend on your workout or activities. Then either eat the right amount of salt recommended daily in your diet (which would also depend on your activity), or add enough in your drinks to make up for what you aren’t getting in your food.
Other aspect: drinks besides water are usually at least 90% water. Alcoholic drinks are the only big exception there, and only straight liquor.
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