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Many athletes opt for coconut water-based “sports drinks” like BodyArmor and Prime over a traditional sports drink like Gatorade or Powerade, however as a hydration product for athletes, they miss the mark.
Athletes lose fluids and electrolytes through their sweat. The sweatier - the more fluid and electrolyte losses athletes need to replace to maintain fluid balance and hydration status. The main electrolyte lost in sweat is sodium or salt.
Everyone’s sweat concentration is different, but athletes can lose from 200mg to as much as 2,000+ mg of sodium per liter of sweat and an athlete may lose between 1 to 2.5+ liters of sweat per hour of training.
While coconut water-based drinks tout being packed with electrolytes, they’re rich in potassium, not the key electrolyte we are looking for in an ideal sports drink.
An ideal sports drink for athletes contains at least 100mg sodium per 8 oz serving - BodyArmor contains 20mg of sodium per 8 oz., Prime contains 5mg of sodium per 8 oz.
Not only does sodium in a sports drink help to retain fluid, it also helps to stimulate thirst, helping signal athletes to keep hydrating.
If you love BodyArmor or Prime, here’s some tweaks to make:
- Pair with a salty snack like pretzels or goldfish crackers
- Add a salt packet directly to the drink
- Pair with another electrolyte product like DripDrop, LiquidIV, LMNT, The Right Stuff or Nuun tabs
You can also make your own sports drink with this recipe:
- 1/2 cup 100% fruit juice of choice
- 20 oz water
- 1/2 tsp salt
Currently enrolling new clients interested in working with me through 1-on-1 nutrition coaching!
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