Isotonics

Isotonics are products whose task is to regulate water and electrolyte balance, i.e. to supplement water and valuable electrolytes in the body that have been lost during intense physical exercise.

Isotonic drinks were created for people who lead an active lifestyle, who want to instantly cover the loss of nutrients and adequate hydration of the body. Isotonics can also be helpful in improving well-being and exercise parameters.

What are isotonics?

Isotonic is a functional drink whose task is to support the proper functioning of the body. Created for physically active people, the drink is distinguished by osmolality equal to the concentration of body fluids in the body.

The task of the isotonic drink is to instantly hydrate and strengthen the body, as well as provide the body with valuable nutrients that have been lost during physical exertion.

Isotonic drink - what does it contain?

What does isotonic consist of?

The main component of the drink is water, which, i.e., acts as a solvent for active substances. In addition to water, isotonic also contains electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium ions, as well as vitamins.

In addition, isotonic drinks may also include carbohydrates, most often in the form of monosaccharides - glucose, fructose or sucrose. Their task is to provide a dose of energy to the body and accelerate its regeneration.

Interestingly, however, the isotonic drink cannot contain too large a portion of carbohydrates, because it could disturb the osmolality of the fluid.

How do isotonic drinks work?

Thanks to the exceptional osmolality of isotonic drinks, the substances contained in them can very quickly penetrate cell membranes, and thus can effectively supplement vitamins or minerals lost during exercise.

Isotonics can irrigate the body at an express pace, provide it with valuable energy substrates and replenish the level of electrolytes.

Consumed during exercise or after training, they can have a positive effect on the body, reducing the feeling of fatigue, as well as accelerate the regeneration of the system. In addition, the nutrients contained in isotonic drinks can counteract muscle contractions and regulate the course of various processes occurring in the body.

Isotonic and energetic - differences

Sometimes isotonic drinks are mistakenly referred to as energy drinks. What are the differences between these fluids?

Energy drink is a stimulating drink, which task is to provide the body with a large dose of energy to act. In addition, energy drinks can fight fatigue and improve concentration. Often in their composition you can find significant amounts of caffeine and taurine, and the presence of electrolytes in products of this type is definitely lower than in isotonics. Additionaly, energy drinks are not able to supplement the loss of nutrients in the body and adequate hydration of the body.

Isotonic drinks, on the other hand, can supplement the losses of vitamins and minerals, as well as support the replenishment of fluids in the body. Thanks to the presence of carbohydrates, they can be a source of energy, but not at such a high level as energy, which usually contains significant amounts of sugar.

Consuming large amounts of energy drinks can also contribute to dehydration of the body, and not, as in the case of isotonics, to its hydration.

Who are isotonics for?

Isotonic drinks are products created for active people who perform intense physical effort. They can prove themselves, i.a. among long-distance runners or marathon runners.

It is recommended to consume isotonics after training, as well as during its duration, to supplement fluids and electrolytes in the body on an ongoing basis.

Consumption of isotonic drinks can positively affect the efficiency of the body, as well as improve sports performance. In addition, isotonics and the nutrients they contain can reduce fatigue, counteract muscle cramps, fasten regeneration and improve well-being. The addition of carbohydrates in the drink can, in turn, be a source of energy for working muscles.

Are isotonic drinks harmful?

Isotonic drinks consumed as intended by healthy and active people should not contribute to the occurrence of unwanted side effects. It can therefore be concluded that isotonics are characterized by negligible harmfulness.

It is worth remembering, however, that isotonic drinks are not products for everyone.

They can bring many benefits and greatly support the body among athletes who perform long and intense physical efforts. Isotonic drink, however, will not do much for people who practice only occasional, moderate physical activity.

It is worth paying attention to the fact that isotonics may contain more calories than ordinary water, which is why they may not be helpful among people on reduction. When taking isotonics on a slimming diet, the drink should be included in the daily energy balance.