Healthy Drinks

Healthy drinks contain carbohydrates, electrolytes, amino acids, folic acid and are low in sugar. HDX Hydration Mix delivers a proprietary blend of the most important ingredients for healthy hydration.

Carbohydrates

During anaerobic exercise, the process of glycolysis breaks down the sugars from carbohydrates for energy without the use of oxygen. This type of exercise occurs in physical activity such as power sprints, strength resistances and quick explosive movement where the muscles are being used for power and speed, with short time energy use. After this type of exercise, there is a need to refill glycogen storage sites in the body with healthy drinks (the long simple sugar chains in the body that store energy), although they are not likely fully depleted. To compensate for this glycogen reduction, athletes will often take in a large amount of carbohydrates in the period immediately following exercise. Typically, high glycemic index carbohydrates in healthy drinks are preferred for their ability to rapidly raise blood glucose levels.

Antioxidants

Periods of intense performance increase free radical damage in your body. The Selenium in HDX Hydration Mix healthy drink mix boosts Glutathione, the “master antioxidant” and one of the most powerful free radical scavengers available to your body. Intense activity creates massive wear and tear on the body. In order to repair, antioxidants are needed to protect muscle damage.

Amino Acids

For the purpose of protein synthesis, protein or individual amino acids are ingested as well. Branched-chain amino acids are important in healthy drinks since they are most responsible for protein synthesis. Often in the continuation of this anaerobic exercise, the product from this metabolic mechanism builds up in what is called lactic acid fermentation. Lactate is produced more quickly than it is being removed and it serves to regenerate NAD+ to the cells where it’s needed. During intense exercise when oxygen is not being used, a high amount of ATP is produced and pH levels fall causing acidosis or more specifically lactic acidosis. Lactic acid build up can be treated by staying well-hydrated throughout and especially after the workout, having good cool down routine and good post-workout stretching.

Healthy Drinks Contain Electrolytes

Electrolytes are composed of Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Sulphate and Phosphate and serve three general functions in the body:

• Many electrolytes contain essential minerals lost during exercise
• Electrolytes help maintain pH balance required for healthy cells and the sodium potassium pump
• The osmosis of fluids in the body are controlled by electrolytes

Healthy Drinks Contain Folic Acid

Vitamin B9 (folic acid and folate inclusive) is essential to numerous bodily functions and is contained in healthy drinks. The human body needs folate to synthesize DNA, repair DNA, and methylate DNA as well as to act as a cofactor in biological reactions involving folate.

Healthy Hydration

There are other factors that qualify healthy drinks:

• Healthy drinks are not carbonated. Carbonated drinks will leave you feeling bloated.
• Healthy drinks don’t contain a lot of sweeteners. Sugar slows the absorption of water and could trigger low blood sugar during exercise.
• Fructose sugar is one of the best carbohydrates in healthy drinks for replacing muscle glycogen stores and providing immediate alertness.

See Also: Sports Drinks Sports Hydration