Tag: Homemade sports drinks

According to a study published in Medicine & Science in Sports & Exercise, even a 2% drop in hydration can reduce a cyclist's power output by up to 11%. This makes understanding what is the best drink for long bike rides a critical component of every rider's performance and safety strategy.

Swimming for just one hour can burn anywhere from 400 to 600 calories, yet many swimmers overlook the critical need for proper hydration, mistakenly believing their immersion in water eliminates the risk of dehydration. This oversight can significantly impact performance, stamina, and overall safety in the water.

According to a study published by the National Institutes of Health, fluid retention was 10% higher with an isotonic beverage compared to distilled water over an 8-hour period in an indoor environment. This indicates that, under certain circumstances, an isotonic drink is indeed good for hydration, particularly by promoting greater fluid retention within the body. However, its effectiveness depends heavily on the intensity and duration of physical activity.

According to a 2025 review of sports drinks, many popular commercial options are high in sugar and artificial additives. Determining what is the best healthiest sports drink involves looking beyond marketing to the core ingredients that genuinely aid in hydration and performance.

In the 1960s, a team at the University of Florida developed an isotonic formula to boost the performance of their football players and combat dehydration during intense exertion. An isotonic beverage is a specially formulated fluid containing carbohydrates and electrolytes at a concentration similar to that of human blood plasma. This unique composition allows for rapid absorption and provides both hydration and energy during sustained physical activity.

Your body can lose a significant amount of fluid and electrolytes through sweat, even during a moderate walk, which is why knowing what should I drink after walking is crucial for proper rehydration and recovery. Replenishing these fluids and minerals is key to preventing fatigue and muscle cramps.

According to Healthline, a 12-ounce serving of Gatorade can contain over 20 grams of added sugar, raising concerns about its daily use for casual hydration. This leads many to question: is there a drink better than Gatorade for optimal health and performance?

Dehydration of as little as 2% of body mass can impair endurance exercise performance and negatively affect cardiovascular function and body temperature regulation. This makes knowing what is the best drink for a long run crucial for both performance and health, ensuring your body has the right fuel and fluid balance to go the distance.

One study found milk can be a better post-workout option than many traditional sports drinks due to its unique blend of carbs, protein, and electrolytes. With so many options available, asking "what is the healthiest sports drink out there?" requires a deeper look into your personal activity and nutritional needs.

Suero is a traditional Mexican remedy for dehydration, often compared to Gatorade, but is far from identical. While both are used to replenish fluids and electrolytes, suero often has significantly less sugar and can be made at home with simple ingredients like water, lime juice, and salt.