Alternative to Commercial Sports Drinks

Are you a long-distance runner, biker or other athlete? If so, you may be wondering which sports drinks will provide you with optimal health, performance & energy. Read this article for alternatives to the often sugar-laden drinks on the market.

ALTERNATIVES TO COMMERCIAL SPORTS DRINKS

As you’re preparing for your longer races this Spring (Boston, anyone?), you may be wondering what to drink to replace the electrolytes that you lose during distance running. Gatorade, and other commercial sports drinks, are a convenient option. Yet many of these drinks have excess sugar, as well as chemicals that may not be most supportive for our bodies.

Following are some healthier alternatives that you can experiment with during your long runs. Enjoy, and let me know how it goes!

1. Alacer’s Emergen-C is a powder you add to water that contains vitamins, minerals and a range of electrolytes (except for sodium). They come in individual packets of various flavors, and you can find them in any health food store.

2. Accelerade contains a 4-1 ratio of carbs to protein, which seems to work well after long runs (and very possibly during as well, according to recent studies). Add to 12 oz. of water. A colleague used it for a 55 mile bike tour and never felt the stress of the activity. You can buy it at any health food store.

3. You can always swallow salt tablets if you tend to lose salt while running – just do so judiciously. You can also add sea salt to your diet. Avoid table salt, because it is refined and contains no trace minerals important for your energy.

4. Coconut water is extremely hydrating and rich in electrolytes. It contains 15 times the potassium of artificial sports drinks and is a natural source of vitamins and minerals. As it is high in alkalizing minerals, it helps keep the body cool. As an added bonus, it may normalize intestinal function and raise metabolism. (see healthycoco.com for more info)

5. Electrolyte Stamina is another powder you add to water. It contains Vitamin C, as well as trace minerals and elements (2 flavors available - lemon or orange). Visit www.traceminerals.com.

6. Bioplasma is a homeopathic remedy that melts in your mouth. It contains all 12 Biochemic Cell Salts, providing your cells with minerals they may have sweated out in a workout. This is salt in minute amounts, not like table salt, and it may be safer than salt tablets (i.e., if you do not require all 12 salts, it should not cause an imbalance).

Debbie Roth is a Holistic Health Counselor and Director of Nutrition Within LLC. In her practice, she works with runners and other athletes to maximize their performance and overall energy levels. In addition, Debbie helps clients with weight, stress management and/or eating disorder concerns to learn new ways of relating to food and self-nurturing. Debbie has given a range of talks on nutrition-related topics, ranging from Fueling the Long Run to Overcoming Cravings. She received her formal training in holistic health at the Institute for Integrative Nutrition in New York City, and she is certified by the American Association of Drugless Practitioners. Debbie also has a Master in Spiritual Science from the Peace Theological Seminary, a Master in Spiritual Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, a Master in Public Policy from Harvard University, a Master in Sociology from Columbia University, and a B.A. in international development from Johns Hopkins University. Debbie is an avid half-marathoner, and she runs and practices in Santa Monica. You can reach Debbie at 424-645-4199 or at info@nutritionwithin.com, or check out her website at www.nutritionwithin.com.

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