Nutrition – and sports drinks – for exercise
There is a lot of information around what, and when, you should eat and drink to recover from your exercise session.
For many of us doing regular training over a regular week, water is the best way to re-hydrate. And, if you use your own water bottle and bring it from home, it’s ‘free’.
When electrolytes matter
Replenishing electrolytes becomes a necessity only after or during long periods of intense exercise, such as marathons, Tour de France, a tennis match that lasts 5 hours! For the rest of the time, sports drinks taste great, contain sugar and give our teeth a good acid wash. And even this is fine if it’s an occasional treat – like any other carbonated or sugary drink.
Replacing electrolytes does not make it a healthy option.
Acidic drinks
Eating and drinking many foods result in a degree of acid in the mouth – sometimes it’s the nature of the food. After any meal, oral bacteria feed on the debris and produce acids that coat the teeth and gums.This occurs in plaque after any and every meal.
Sipping, over prolonged periods or regularly on sports drinks or sodas, exposes the teeth to an almost continual attack from acids. And this weakens tooth enamel.
‘Everything in moderation’ still applies. Enjoy your exercise, drink plenty of water and save that electrolyte replacement for after a long workout – or day in the garden – on a hot day!
