Many sports drinks on the market these days tout the restorative power of electrolytes, but what exactly are electrolytes anyway and why are they so important?
Electrolytes are minerals found in our body that carry an electric charge. The most common electrolytes in our diets are sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium, and they keep our body's PH in check. Electrolytes are also responsible for regulating our hydration levels, which is why sports drinks are constantly harping on their power to "replenish" and "rehydrate."
Electrolytes are extremely important, but they're also commonly found in most nutritious foods and drinks in our diets, and it's pretty hard to significantly deplete them unless you're very dehydrated. Electrolytes are lost during sweat, but unless you're exercising at a high intensity for a long duration, water can be just as effective at keeping you hydrated. Check out this Washington Post article to see other information on when it may be a good time to have sports drink.
Another thing to keep in mind is that lots of sports drinks are also loaded with sugar, which may give you a quick energy boost, but hey, so will a candy bar. If you are going to be exerting yourself and want to reach for an energy drink or a sports drink, here are a few good options:
Who knew Gatorade had an organic line? It tastes as good as the original, without the chemicals, and there's no added color.
Nooma uses stevia, a natural sweetener without the high calorie profile, so it tastes great and won't be a diet buster.
If you're looking for something simple but still want the added benefits of electrolytes and nutrients, propel is just your average water with a boost. Can't get much simpler than that.
Another enhanced water alternative, deionized water with added electrolytes for optimum hydration. No sugar, no artificial flavoring or anything!
The bottom line is you may want to reach for a healthy sports drink if you're really exerting yourself, but it's not always necessary. Our bodies are very good at naturally keeping our electrolytes in balance as long as we're properly nourished, so you don't need to micromanage them unless you're losing significant fluids, in which case go ahead and enjoy a sports drink. Just remember not all sports drinks are created equal, so always check the label if you're trying to steer clear of sugar and chemicals!
2020 has undoubtedly been a tumultuous year. The COVID-19 pandemic changed our daily routines and habits, leaving many to wonder what going back to "normal" will ever look like. Companies and individuals have faced tremendous challenges, with no area of our lives left untouched by the disease.
The bicycle market saw its own unique impacts from the pandemic. Many people turned to exercise and outdoor recreation to pass the time and safely get some fresh air. As a result, bike sales increased at the same time that transporting materials became harder than ever. Here at Loco Cycles, production plans have been delayed tremendously — and we're not alone in that problem.
The world of bicycle helmets has changed a lot over the past 20 years. Now they are being designed with a range of high-tech, futuristic features you didn't even realize you needed until now. From smart helmets that alert you to approaching cars to helmets that purify the air you breathe, check out these 3 cutting-edge helmets on the market now.
Sign up to get the latest on sales, new releases and more …
© 2021 Loco Cycles.
