How to best quench your thirst

Not all mineral salts and fluid supplements are the same. Thanks to sports research, we know that the concentration of mineral salts and sugars in a drink has a great influence on the time needed for it to pass through the stomach and be assimilated by the intestine; it affects the speed with which the thirst is quenched. We also know that low-sugar drinks are useful on some occasions; they are assimilated more rapidly and are therefore most suitable during exertion. At other times, such as after exertion, it is important for fluids to give the body energy in addition to the mineral salts lost through perspiration.

We also know that not all kinds of sugar have the same effects on the body. Before and during exertion fructose is best, possibly together with maltodextrin; they prevent abrupt fluctuations in blood sugar and insulin levels (the hormone which serves to balance the blood sugar) which can cause loss of efficiency and hinder fat consumption during physical exercise. After exertion, drinks containing maltodextrin or saccharose are the best; at this time, variations in the blood sugar and insulin levels aid the reconstruction of energy reserves in the muscles, increasing the speed of recovery.

For these reasons Enervit has created a range of different drinks; they can all be used at any time, but if they are used in accordance with their characteristics, they will quench the thirst more effectively and immediately.

Lower concentration, quicker thirst quenching
Mineral salts and fluid supplements can be divided into three categories, depending on their salt and carbohydrate concentration; this concentration is measured in milliosmoles per 1000ml (mOsm/1000ml). Isotonic drinks are those with a salt and sugar concentration similar to that of plasma (approx. 300mOsm/1000ml); they pass rapidly through the stomach and are quickly assimilated by the intestine They constitute an effective response to thirst under all circumstances. Hypertonic drinks (over 300mOsm/1000ml) are more concentrated than plasma; they are assimilated more slowly, but as they have a high carbohydrate content they are useful in replenishing the energy reserves as soon as exertion is over. Hypotonic drinks (under 300mOsm/1000 ml) quench the thirst most quickly; they offer a low calorie intake, pass through the stomach most quickly, and are assimilated equally rapidly by the intestine.