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Rehydration after exercise with common beverages and water.
J González-Alonso1, C L Heaps, E F Coyle
1Department of Kinesiology and Health Education, University of Texas, Austin 78712.
International Journal of Sports Medicine
|July 1, 1992
Summary
Diet cola was less effective for rehydration than water or carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions after exercise. Water and CE solutions aided better body weight regain following dehydration.
Area of Science:
- Exercise Physiology
- Sports Nutrition
- Human Physiology
Background:
- Exercise-induced dehydration impairs physiological function.
- Effective rehydration is crucial for recovery and performance.
- Common beverages vary in their rehydration efficacy.
Purpose of the Study:
- To compare the rehydration effectiveness of caffeinated diet cola (DC), water (W), and a 6% carbohydrate-electrolyte (CE) solution.
- To assess whole-body rehydration, gastric emptying, and blood volume restoration.
- To evaluate rehydration following exercise-induced dehydration in a controlled environment.
Main Methods:
- Nineteen subjects exercised in heat to achieve ~2.5% body weight loss.
- Rehydration involved consuming fluids equal to lost weight over 2 hours.
- Gastric emptying and body weight changes were monitored.
Main Results:
- All subjects remained hypohydrated after 2 hours.
- Diet cola (DC) resulted in significantly lower body weight regain (54%) compared to water (W) (64%) and CE solution (69%).
- Gastric emptying was complete for all beverages by the end of the rehydration period.
Conclusions:
- Carbohydrate-electrolyte solutions and water are more effective for rehydration than diet cola.
- Optimal rehydration strategies are essential for athletes post-exercise.
- Further research could explore other beverage compositions for rehydration.