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Isotonic Drinks, the Right Friend When Exercising

Mineral water is commonly consumed to replace fluids that come out of the body when exercising. However, to maintain electrolyte balance in the body after exercise, isotonic drinks can be an option. When on the move or exercising with a fairly heavy intensity, the body's electrolyte fluid can be reduced. Isotonic drinks can help the body maintain electrolyte balance which is important for daily activities.

Know the Benefits of Isotonic Drinks

In general, isotonic drinks are developed to replace electrolyte fluids and energy lost during activity. These drinks usually contain minerals, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, potassium, and carbohydrates (sugars) which are the source of energy. Isotonic drinks are one type of beverage that is consumed after exercising. This drink has a concentration of sugar and salt similar to fluids in the body. Therefore, isotonic drinks can replace lost body fluids quickly. In addition to replacing electrolyte fluids, consuming isotonic drinks before exercising can have a protective effect and reduce muscle damage that occurs during exercise or strenuous activity. By maintaining the body's electrolyte fluid balance, isotonic drinks can prevent muscle damage, and increase the stability of muscle cells. Actually there are also other types of sports drinks, namely hypotonic and hypertonic drinks. Hypotonic drinks have lower concentrations of salt and sugar, but still can provide additional energy, these drinks can work quickly to replace fluids lost due to sweating. While hypertonic drinks contain high concentrations of salt and sugar, as well as carbohydrates, so they can be consumed as additional nutrients when preparing themselves when they want to undergo strenuous activities, or sports that are quite intense.

Guide to Eating Isotonic Drinks

Before you start light exercise, such as walking, running, or biking, you should drink about two glasses two hours before starting the sport. That ensures that you stay well hydrated when you exercise. Then during activity or exercise, you can drink every 15-20 minutes to keep your muscles well hydrated. If you plan to go for a walk or work out in the gym, you can prepare a 600 ml water bottle to meet the adequacy of fluids until after you exercise. In choosing to consume mineral or isotonic water, all have the same benefits as a substitute for the liquid that comes out. It's just that most sports drinks contain high levels of sugar and also contain preservatives, so it should not be too excessive in consuming isotonic drinks. In fact, actually an isotonic drink guide is only needed if you are exercising with moderate and heavy intensity within 1 hour. In addition, consider also the consumption of isotonic drinks for children because basically these drinks are not suitable for their body's metabolism. If necessary, consult the need to consume isotonic drinks in a nutrition doctor to adjust to your physical condition.

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