Ah, Gatorade—the iconic sideline sip that promises to turn you from benchwarmer to baller. But does it really live up to the hype, or is it just slam-dunking your wallet? It’s like the sixth man of beverages, always there, but is it really contributing to the game?
If you’ve ever dribbled down the court wondering if that neon liquid is your ally or just a flashy spectator, you’re in the right arena. Lace-up and put on your game face; we’re about to dissect whether Gatorade is the real MVP for basketball enthusiasts.
Ready for the tip-off?
If you’re interested in proper hydration, we did the research to answer all your questions. We will explore things like, is drinking water ideal for maximum hydration? How much sugar is too much? Does Gatorade do what it claims?
Key Takeaways:
According to Sanford Health, basketball players can lose up to 4.6 liters of sweat during a two-hour game. Gatorade replenishes the water, and essential electrolytes lost while sweating, which is why players drink it before, during, and after a ball game.
Sports drinks, like Gatorade, can play an essential role in player performance. A basketball player can lose up to 7 pounds of water during a ball game, which can decrease overall performance on the court. Fortunately, Gatorade can help replenish lost fluids.
How effective is Gatorade for basketball?
Gatorade has been the chosen sports drink for replenishing lost fluids and electrolytes for over 57 years. However, due to growing sugar concerns, people opt for low to no sugar sports drinks like BioSteel or Gatorade Zero.
To understand how this sports drink is good for basketball, you must first understand what happens when you sweat. Sweat is a liquid made from 99% water and 1% salt and fat released when your body becomes overheated. The evaporation of sweat from your skin cools your body; it also reduces the electrolytes (Sodium, Chloride, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium) in your body.
Some common symptoms due to the loss of electrolytes:
- irregular heartbeat
- fast heart rate
- fatigue
- lethargy
- convulsions or seizures
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea or constipation
- abdominal cramping
- muscle cramping
- muscle weakness
- irritability
- confusion
- headaches
- numbness and tingling
If you experience any of these symptoms, be sure to rehydrate. If you continue to experience these items after proper hydration, seek medical attention immediately.
How Do Pro Players Stay Hydrated?
For basketball players, keeping hydrated begins long before the game. The ideal approach to keep yourself hydrated during a strenuous game is to have good hydration habits outside of it.
It is more of a lifestyle than a means to save oneself throughout and following the match. But when you look beneath the surface, you’ll discover that each professional organization has different approaches to hydration, health, and athletic lifestyle.
- NBA – It may look like most of the NBA stars are drinking Gatorade, and some of them are. Many players in the NBA prefer to make their own mixture of protein and alkaline drinks to avoid the sugars in Gatorade.
- WNBA – WNBA stars start their days with lots of water, and then 20 minutes before a game, they start drinking Gatorade. During the game, they drink sports drinks to replace lost sugars and a slight drop in electrolytes that they experience.
- Euroleague – Most players prefer to integrate water into their routines. If they are one of the people that sweat profusely, which increases the loss of electrolytes, they will pick up a sports drink to help them recuperate.
Many basketball players claim that Gatorade helps them return lost electrolytes and sugars, which they lose during an intense game, showing that athletes at the professional level benefit from sports drinks.
The more they sweat, the more they will need a quick solution. Since fluids take about 20 minutes to hydrate the body, many players start drinking Gatorade to prepare and continue drinking past the end of the game for replenishment.
Water vs. Hydration Drinks
It takes over 90 minutes of intense activity before an athletic body benefits from a hydration drink.
That is to say that an athlete going all out will not need anything more than water to stay hydrated until they have pushed themselves to the limits for over an hour and a half – for example, basketball players can reach a point of near dehydration by the end of a game if they do not refuel before, during, and after.
Water is essential to the human body and should always be considered when maintaining optimal health.
However, athletes need to focus on hydrating with sports drinks to replace electrolytes lost through sweat when working out or playing sports, which is especially important when playing for an extended period or in hot weather conditions.
Gatorade is popular for many athletes as it contains electrolytes and sugars lost during intense activity. While water is still the best option for overall health, Gatorade can help athletes perform at their best by replacing lost fluids and nutrients.
Unfortunately, the adverse effects of sports drinks can include dehydration, weight gain, and tooth decay. Drinking plenty of water when consuming sports drinks is essential to stay hydrated and avoid these adverse side effects.
How Advertising Affects Athlete’s Hydration Choices
It’s no secret that some of the biggest names in the NBA have been sponsored by Gatorade. From LeBron James to Kobe Bryant, many of the league’s biggest stars have had endorsement deals with the popular sports drink.
While Gatorade is undoubtedly an effective way to stay hydrated, it’s important to remember that the company sponsors not all athletes. Many players prefer to hydrate with water or other beverages.
As the saying goes, “you are what you eat,” especially for athletes, who need to be careful about what they consume before, during, and after games.
While Gatorade may be a good way to stay hydrated, it’s important to remember that other options are available. Athletes should consult with their trainers and doctors to find the best way to stay hydrated for their particular situation.
Low Sugar Alternatives to Sugary Sports Drinks
Players looking for a less sugary alternative to Gatorade can consider any of the following drinks:
BioSteel: Biosteel Hydration Mix is a blend of electrolytes and BCAAs designed to help you maintain your electrolyte balance during workouts and to help support muscle recovery after training sessions.
The electrolytes in Biosteel help support energy production, while the BCAAs in Biosteel help muscles recover from workouts and are also involved in muscle protein synthesis (growth).
Highly Recommended Read:
Lately, BCAAs seems to be on every label as a selling point, but are they essential for the body? You’re in luck because we wrote an excellent resource demystifying BCAAs. When you’re done reading this article, check out our article on What Are BCAAs, & Are They Worth the Hype? (8-minute read).
Powerade Zero: This drink is available in many different flavors and is marketed as a healthier alternative to Gatorade. Powerade Zero has no calories, fat, or sugars.
BodyArmor: BodyArmor is available in multiple flavors and is marketed as a sports drink for athletes. It is available in both regular and sugar-free varieties.
Vitaminwater Zero: This drink is available in many different flavors and has no calories, fat, or sugars.
Propel – Propel is available in multiple flavors and has no calories, fat, or sugars.
All these drinks are sugar-free and can be a good option for athletes looking to stay hydrated without the extra sugar.
Final Thoughts on Hydration
Gatorade is a popular choice for many athletes, but it’s important to remember one size does not fit all. Finding the sports drink that meets your needs is vital for your on-court performance. Also, athletes should consult with their trainers and doctors to find the best way to stay hydrated for their particular situation.
Photo altered by dejittr.com | Photo attribution: dan carlson
