Home Articles Health advice

 The recent American success in the Olympics has opened new areas of interest in athletics and sports across the country. Most have tried to unravel the secrets of fitness, by hitting the gym, going on crash diets, tanking up on energy drinks and so on, but in most cases to no avail.
 
Drinking pre and post workout can boost energy levels and also help tone the body - the catch however is what do you drink? While you may see a lot of athletes and sportspersons endorsing different brands of sports drinks that can boost your energy levels, remember not all of what you hear is actually true. Here are a few natural energy drinks that can help you go that extra mile.

Roll the Cherry off the Cake and into the Glass:  
Experts believe and research shows that one of the best ways to bounce back after a heavy workout is to replenish your body with antioxidants. Tart cherries though small are known to be the richest antioxidant fruits. Fitness experts as well as other sports professionals suggest that you feast on two glasses of cherry juice every day, beginning at least a week before you start your strenuous workout and keep this up for a day or two after your workout period.

Chocolate Milk can be your Sweetest Option
Its common knowledge that carbohydrates and protein are essential nutrients for any workout and there’s no better way of getting them than by sipping on a glass of low fat chocolate milk. Gold medalist Nathan Adrian and gymnast Aly Raisman of the Fantastic Five are also known to sip on low fat chocolate milk between races.  The presence of sugars and carbohydrates is what makes chocolate milk the most preferred option. It leaves no room for unnecessary fats and calories. In the words of Joe Dowell, a fitness expert, co-owner of the No.1 ranked gym in New York, "During training, the stress hormone cortisol increases. After training we want to lower cortisol, while at the same time provide the body with the proper nutrients to start the recovery process. By using a carbohydrate and protein shake, we can accomplish both things simultaneously."

Squash the Unwanted Myths of Drinking
Hypotonic drinks are another option to choose from. The purpose of these drinks is to replenish the body after a workout by remedying the main cause of tiredness. Dehydration is what causes the body to get fatigued and grow weak; at such moments, water alone will not satisfy every need and so you should probably consider drinks that are filled with electrolytes and salts to re-energize quicker. Squash is a pretty good option recommended by many. Add one liter water to about 100ml of squash with a pinch of salt. Mix this up well and drink it chilled after your workout.
    
Say Cheers and Drink Some Beer:
German researchers, after intensive studies have found that non alcoholic beer works best in endowing the body with innate polyphenolic compounds that are antipathogenic, antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory. It is advised that you begin with the drink at least a month before the strenuous activity and continue it for over two weeks following the workout.

Coconut Woman is Calling Out
Harry Belafonte sings in the song Coconut Woman, “Coco got a lot of iron, makes you strong like a lion” and this indeed is true. Coconut water from unripe coconuts is full of electrolytes including calcium, magnesium and phosphorous. Coconut water beats all artificially made energy drinks, mainly because it is natural and has no side effects. U.S sprinter and Olympic Gold medalist La Shawn Merritt is a strong supporter of coconut water as a health drink and was the spokesperson for the drink in May 2012.

It’s always best to choose natural beverages over artificially made ones as research shows that they are more effective and beneficial and negate any concerns about the consumption of banned substances or any additives that could be harmful. Most natural and commercially made sport drinks are recommended only for athletes and sports persons who go through prolonged and vigorous physical activity. Make sure that you don’t use these drinks a energy boosters for your kids after their play time or some small exercise routine.

References:

1. Nonalcoholic beer reduces inflammation and incidence of respiratory tract illness.Med Sci Sports Exerc, Vol. 44, No. 1, 2012.
2. Rehydration with sodium-enriched coconut water after exercise-induced dehydration. Ismail, I., Singh, R., Sirisinghe, R.G. Sports Science Unit, School of Medical Sciences, Universiti Sains Malaysia, Kubang Kerian, Kelantan. The Southeast Asian Journal of Tropical Medicine and Public Health 2007;38(4):769-85.

Warning: The reader of this article should exercise all precautionary measures while following instructions on the home remedies from this article. Avoid using any of these products if you are allergic to it. The responsibility lies with the reader and not with the site or the writer.

 More articles from the Health advice Category