BioTech USA
BioTech USA Multi Hypotonic Drink, Orange Flavoured - 1000 ml
€21.95Unit price€21.95 / lUnavailable
What Are Isotonic Drinks All About?
In recent years, dietary supplements for athletes have surged in popularity. Among these, isotonic drinks have emerged as inconspicuous yet powerful allies for every sports enthusiast.
The term “isotonic” combines the Greek words “isos” (equal) and “tonos” (tension). Isotonic drinks are beverages that maintain the same osmotic pressure as human blood plasma, meaning the ratio of nutrients to fluids mirrors that found in human blood.
This property ensures that the water from the drink is directly absorbed by the lymphatic system. Isotonic drinks, therefore, help compensate for fluid loss within a particularly fast time frame, often crucial in sports where even slight dehydration can lead to physical exhaustion.
Isotonics and Electrolytes: What's the Connection?
A small loss of fluids during exercise can lead to a drop in performance. Isotonic drinks for athletes, rich in carbohydrates, also fulfill an additional role. They are effective energy providers, thereby preventing performance dips over long distances.
During intense physical exertion, the body can lose up to three liters of sweat per hour. Besides water, this cooling liquid consists of dissolved minerals, especially sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals, present in isotonic drinks and summed up under the term “electrolytes,” ensure proper hydration management in the body, influencing enhanced performance and endurance during exercise.
Isotonic Drinks for Athletes – When Are They Necessary?
Whether it's tennis, cross-country running, cycling, or strength and endurance sports, when exercise is involved, the human body sweats, signaling the need for rehydration.
In isotonic drinks for athletes, along with carbohydrates and electrolytes, one can find amino acids essential for all metabolic processes. Some sports drinks contain branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), such as valine, leucine, and isoleucine. These help counteract muscle loss and promote proper cell hydration. This feature of isotonic drinks is especially beneficial during intense workouts and long-distance runs. Several products also include glutamine and arginine, which can hasten post-exercise recovery and improve blood flow.
Are Isotonics Healthy?
Isotonic drinks are less suited for recreational sports activities. Despite being low in calories, their sugar content ensures less fat is burned. Isotonic drinks are healthy when consumed during continuous, intense exercises, where the presence of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes is crucial for the body's proper functioning.
Isotonics in Powder and Tablet Form – What Should You Know About Isotonic Concentrates?
One intriguing application of isotonic effects is the isotonic concentrate. This powder, mixed with water in a shaker, is a blend of beneficial minerals and nutrients essential for the body. Containing electrolytes and additional minerals, it is a powdered substitute for isotonic drinks, correcting any deficiencies in the body's water management. Powdered isotonic drinks are available in various flavors.
Another way to harness the positive properties of isotonic drinks is through isotonic tablets. Similar to the isotonic concentrate in powder form, they contain all the necessary nutrients helpful for high-intensity workouts. Moreover, they are easy to dose and convenient to consume.
Choosing an Isotonic Drink with Good Ingredients – What Does It Entail?
When selecting an isotonic drink with quality ingredients, the most critical aspect is examining the nutritional content of the beverage. A good isotonic drink for athletes should feature:
- Simple and complex sugars – up to 4 g per 100 ml
- Mineral salts – 50 mg per 100 ml
- BCAAs – optional, in any proportion
- Vitamins – optional, in any proportion
Isotonics Post-Workout – Is It Worth It?
For the body to function optimally, hydration should not only precede physical effort but also be maintained during and after exercise. For this reason, isotonic drinks can be an effective alternative to other beverages consumed throughout the day, ensuring a steady supply of components that assist in maintaining proper hydration levels in the body.