Energy Drinks for Sports Women
Fluids are essential for proper body temperature regulation and healthy functioning of body cells. Even a minimal fluid loss of 2-3 percent of the body weight can seriously affect performance. If the loss is 7-10 percent of body weight it can lead to heat stroke. The loss of fluid via sweat during a physical activity is immense. On an average, intense physical activity over a period of one to one and a half hour can result in fluid loss amounting to 6 pounds of body weight.
What are Energy Drinks?
Energy drinks are canned or bottled beverages. Most of them are carbonated drinks containing energy producing agents like caffeine and sugar.
Components of Energy Drinks
Caffeine is the main ingredient of energy drinks. People who are sensitive to caffeine are advised not to consume much energy drinks. They may experience anxiety, palpitations, irritability, difficulty in sleeping, and indigestion as a result. They can select those brands that have a low level of caffeine. Sometimes B-Vitamins too are added in low quantities. They help in converting food into energy. Guarana, an herb that is an additional source of caffeine, is included in some energy drinks.
Energy Drinks and Sports Drinks
Energy drinks are not the same as sports Drinks. Sports drinks such as Gatorade are consumed to help people stay hydrated during exercise. They also provide carbohydrates in the form of sugar and electrolytes.
How Energy Drinks Benefit Sports Women?
Energy drinks help prevent dehydration. One advantage they have over water is that they act as sources of energy, at least partially. For example the carbohydrates in energy drinks help fuel active muscles, preventing fatigue. Some of the most common energy drinks are Red Bull Energy Drink, Monster Energy Drink, Full Throttle Energy Drink, XS Energy Drink, Redline Energy Drink, Rock Star Energy Drink, and Spark Energy Drink.
Energy Drinks: Facts
Function
Researchers are yet to find out how the ingredients of energy drinks function as a whole. Many ingredients are believed to work synergistically with caffeine to boost its stimulant power.
Individual Differences
There are individual differences in the way body reacts to energy drinks. Generally they are known to boost the heart rate and blood pressure, and like any other stimulant - prevent sleep.
Not Advisable during Exercise
Energy drinks should not be used while exercising as the combination of fluid loss from sweating and the diuretic quality of the caffeine can leave the user severely dehydrated.
Never Mix with Alcohol
The combination reduces the depressant effects of alcohol while enhancing the “feel good” factor. As a result one may consume more alcohol without feeling its effects while the alcohol in the blood rises to an alarming level.
A proper balance is required in the consumption of energy drinks. They cannot be an alternative to water or sports drinks. One cannot surely use Mountain Dew as a sports drink. While consuming energy drinks it is always better to remember the dos and the don’ts.