THE NOT-VERY-HEALTHY SOURCES OF HYDRATION

In this article we take a closer look at unhealthy sources of hydration. Being aware of these less-than-optimum sources of hydration will help us recognize the potential risks associated with consuming them, so that we can make better choices.
First on the list is soft drinks/minerals/soda/fizzy drinks etc. There are several brands available and readily accessible all around us. They are high in sugars and calories and can lead to weight gain, dental problems, and an increased risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and heart disease.
Next on the list is energy drinks. These drinks are gaining increasing popularity but are not considered healthy sources of hydration. This is because they often contain high levels of sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants that can lead to energy crashes, jitters, and other negative side effects. Within 15 to 45 minutes after consuming an energy drink, one may feel more awake and alert because of the sugar, caffeine, and other stimulants. This is when the energy boost kicks in. After a while however, caffeine’s effects wear off, causing fatigue and sometimes headaches. Blood sugar levels drop may also drop suddenly leading to tiredness, irritability, lack of focus, and shakiness. This is the energy crash and at this point, the drinker may begin to crave more of the energy drink to fight off these effects, thus risking getting addicted. While energy drink addiction may not seem as harmful as drug addictions, they share behavioural similarities. Signs of addiction may include strong cravings, mental images of drinking energy drinks, and an inability to control intake.
Sports drinks are another category of drinks that may not be so ideal for hydrating. While designed for athletes, many sports drinks are high in sugar and sodium, making them a less-than-ideal choice for everyday hydration.
Fruit juices with added sugar are another class of drinks that are not healthy sources of hydration. While fruit juice (especially freshly squeezed juice) can be a healthy choice, many commercial brands contain high amounts of added sugar, making them more like a sugary drink than a healthy beverage.

Research has linked all the above-mentioned categories of beverages to increased health risks, thus they must be consumed with great caution, if at all.
Staying hydrated with water remains the best practice. For optimum health, it is best to avoid or limit consumption of these unhealthy sources of hydration.

Written by the fullproofnutrition.com editorial team

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