Why It's Not Good to Drink Oral Rehydration Solutions and Sports Drinks Every Day
For many, it has become customary to quench their thirst with oral rehydration solutions or sports drinks. These options are sometimes justified as healthier alternatives to sodas or boxed juices, for example. But how true is this? Given these new habits, specialists and entities have called for precautions regarding the frequent consumption of these drinks. The National Institute for Food and Drug Surveillance (Invima) has been one of them, issuing a statement urging "authorized and correct use of oral rehydration and rehydration solutions," while recalling that these are over-the-counter medications.
TL;DR
- Oral rehydration solutions are medications for specific conditions like vomiting, diarrhea, or excessive sweating, not for daily hydration.
- Frequent use of rehydration solutions can lead to electrolyte imbalances and excess sodium, straining kidneys and increasing risks of hypertension and kidney stones.
- Sports drinks are designed for intense, prolonged exercise (over 60 minutes) and are ultra-processed, containing high levels of sugar and sodium.
- For children, sports drinks can increase the risk of cavities, overweight, intestinal issues, and insulin resistance.
- Water is the best option for daily hydration; rehydration solutions and sports drinks should only be used when necessary and under specific circumstances.
- Rehydration solutions should be clearly labeled as medications and used only when indicated, following medical advice.
- Sports drinks should be consumed only in contexts of intense physical activity.
- Mixing rehydration solutions with alcohol is discouraged as it can mask intoxication symptoms and affect fluid absorption.
- Selling rehydration solutions in bars and clubs is illegal due to their medicinal nature.