Powerade is one of the most popular sports drinks for athletes. "Athletes who exercise and sweat for more than 60 minutes can benefit from [Powerade's] carbohydrates, electrolytes and vitamins, which help aid in hydration and energy," according to Livestrong. But, that doesn't mean that Powerade is the best choice out there. Here's why health experts say you should ditch the Powerade and find a new way to hydrate:
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1. It's loaded with sugar
One 20 fl oz. bottle of Powerade contains 34 grams of sugar, according to its nutrition facts. If you're having Powerade and not working out for more than 60 minutes, you're adding an unnecessary amount of sugar to your diet.
2. It can lead to weight gain
Having alll of that sugar without effectively working it off can lead to a considerable amount of weight gain. It can also cause your teeth to decay, too! You'd be better off by having a bottle of water instead...
3. There's a lot of sodium in there, too!
Not only do you have to be on the lookout for sugar, but you should also be aware of the sodium content in each serving of Powerade. One 20 fl oz. bottle can have 150-250 milligrams of sodium!
4. Powerade has sneaky serving sizes
Depending on the bottle size, you could be given at least 2 servings of Powerade. Considering how much sugar, sodium and carbohydrates there are, you could really be doing some damage to your waistline.
5. Drinking too many electrolytes can have negative effects
Powerade is a great drink for those who are exercising for long periods of time and need to replenish their electrolytes. But if you're not active, you could be at risk for developing hypernatremia, which is caused from having too much sodium in the blood. Symptoms include dizziness when changing positions, vomiting and diarrhea.
6. It also can lead to consuming excessive amounts of magnesium
According to Livestrong, magnesium transports other electrolytes across your cell membrane. But, having too much magnesium can cause muscular and neurological damage. Make sure you're having plenty of water when drinking Powerade to ensure that you're consuming magnesium in moderation.
7. Too much Powerade can lead to high blood pressure
All of that sodium can really take a toll on your body, especially when it comes to your blood pressure. Having too much salt in the diet can lead to high blood pressure and cause heart attacks and strokes, according to The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
8. It can cause high blood sugar, too!
Most athletes need to replenish their sugar after working out, so they turn to Powerade to do so. But if you're having it without exercising, drinking too much sugar can lead to high blood sugar in the cells, which can be dangerous, according to Livestrong.
9. It gets its color and taste from some pretty unhealthy ingredients
Powerade contains sucralose, acesulfame K, and artificial colors. Sucralose has been linked to dizziness, migraines, and blurred vision, while artificial colors have been linked to cancer!