Are your hydration techniques really dehydrating you ? With the hot temperatures rising and summer in full swing, staying hydrated is more important now then ever.
Not all hydration is the same though, in fact most “hydration/energy” drinks are so full of sugar that they actually DEHYDRATE you.
I can’t stress enough how important it is to read nutrition labels. While fruits contain natural sugar, it is the added sugar in products you really need to be concerned with. That is pure sugar that is just dumped into a product, this unnecessary sugar is the culprit of decay throughout the mouth.
When you are sipping on one of these drinks all morning or even drinking multiple ones a day you lower the pH in your mouth and make it an environment more conducive to breakdown
What’s in Your Sports Drink?
Let’s breakdown one of the most common sports drinks Gatorade and it’s better choice counterpart G2
The nutrition facts for a 32 oz bottle of Gatorade are based on the average serving size, which is 8 ounces. One cup of sports drink contains about 320 calories, and the sugar content in Gatorade is about fourteen teaspoons. The 20 oz bottle contains thirty-four grams of sugar and 36 grams of carbohydrates, 150 calories. In comparison, the calorie count of a 12-ounce bottle of G2 is seven grams of sugar and only about 30 calories.
The calories in a 32 oz bottle of Gatorade vary, but most are low. The sugar content is about 10 percent lower than a 12-ounce can of soda. The sodium and potassium levels are similar, with G2 containing approximately 50 calories. The sodium content is slightly higher than its competitor, Powerade, and contains 35 grams of sugar. The amount of carbohydrates in a bottle of Gatorade is approximately double that of a standard can of soda.
How does this relate to my teeth?
14 TEASPOONS of SUGAR!!! If your child plays sports the likeliness they are drinking some type of sports drink is high. I see athletes everyday in my practice and they are always telling me “I eat healthy, I don’t eat candy, I don’t drink soda, why do I have all these cavities”. In my practice I have what’s called my “Sugar Shack” it’s my what’s eating you station. Here I have about 50 common drinks you can get in stores. I have dumped out all the liquid and filled with sand EXACTLY how much sugar is in each so that people can see what they are drinking on a daily basis. So while you may not be eating candy bars, you are basically drinking the liquid version.
I am not saying you can’t drink these things but your best bet as some of these sports drinks have an excellent vitamin/ electrolyte balance you need for your body especially when you are sweating so much is to rinse with water after you are done drinking so that the sugar is not just residing in your mouth..
What should you drink ?
READ THE LABELS..... YOU ARE LOOKING FOR HOW MUCH ADDED SUGAR IS IN YOUR DRINK!
. Staying hydrated is essential for everyone, and especially for teenagers who are constantly on the go and active. Proper hydration helps to regulate body temperature, maintain healthy skin, and keep internal organs functioning correctly. However, many teenagers are unaware of the importance of staying hydrated and often reach for sugary drinks instead of water. Drinking sugary drinks can lead to health problems such as obesity, diabetes, and tooth decay. So, what are some drinks that teens can drink to stay hydrated that do not have a lot of sugar?
1. Water: This may seem obvious, but it is the best and most natural way to stay hydrated. Water has zero calories, no sugar, and it helps flush out toxins from the body.
2. Coconut water: Coconut water is a natural electrolyte that contains potassium, sodium, and magnesium. It is low in calories and sugar and is a great way to replenish fluids after exercise.
3. Herbal tea: Herbal teas such as chamomile, peppermint, and green tea are a great way to stay hydrated. They contain antioxidants and have anti-inflammatory properties that can help to reduce stress and improve overall health. Just make sure your reading the labels and it is not "sweetened"
4. Infused water: Infusing water with fruits such as strawberries, lemons, and cucumbers is a delicious way to stay hydrated. It adds a natural sweetness to the water without any added sugar.
5. Milk: Milk is not only a great source of calcium but also a good way to stay hydrated. It contains electrolytes and is low in sugar, making it an excellent choice for teens. If you are drinking milk at night, make sure to rinse prior to bed as milk breaks down in natural sugars that can cause decay.
Hydration is vital for overall health and well-being. Drinking water and other hydrating drinks can help maintain healthy skin, regulate body temperature, and keep internal organs functioning correctly. Instead of reaching for sugary drinks, try some of these hydrating options to stay healthy and hydrated.
Comments