Alkaline Water, Gatorade Improve Runner’s Endurance

Alkaline water and Gatorade® combined improved runner’s endurance, study shows

A study recently published in the Serbian Journal of Sports Sciences revealed that alkaline water and Gatorade® combined reduced heart rates and blood lactate levels in runners during exercise.

Eleven participants, nine men and two women were selected to participate in the study. Researchers compared the effects of Gatorade® enhanced with alkaline water to Gatorade® taken alone as a control drink.

The runners in the study drank 1 liter of Gatorade® per day. Their lung capacity, heart rate, and blood lactate levels were monitored while they ran on a treadmill. Each runner rated their total exertion using a scale called the Borg Scale.

Three performance improvements were noted by researchers and the runners:

• Increased serum bicarbonate levels  – 31.2 vs. 26.5  mmol/L
• Lower rates of exertion – 13.5 vs. 14.3 (Borg Scale)
• Blood lactate levels were lower – 3.9 vs. 4.6 mg/dL

What the test results mean

Serum Bicarbonate Level – measures the amount of serum carbon dioxide in your blood. The normal range is 20 to 29 mmol/L.  The high serum bicarbonate levels recorded show that the athlete’s bodies were in an alkaline state. Improving body alkalinity is commonly used by athletes to increase endurance.

Lower Rates of Exertion – Scientists measure exertion on a scale called the Borg Scale. When the study runners who drank alkaline water and Gatorade® together felt it took less effort to run than it did drinking Gatorade® alone.

Blood lactate levels – Lactic acid levels in the body increase during strenuous exercise. Lactic acid causes the burning feeling that comes with exertion, and contributes to sore muscles afterward.  The alkalized Gatorade® reduced painful lactic acid levels in the test athlete’s bodies.

How Alkalinity helps Athletes

Many athletes alkalize their body for maximum endurance before working out by taking bicarbonate of soda or some other alkalizing agent. Increasing body alkalinity improves endurance by helping the body overcome the effects of the lactic acid produced in the muscles. This study reveals that the benefits of alkaline water can be added to Gatorade® by mixing it with alkaline water.

Researchers in the study concluded that alkaline water supplementation seems to work by increasing serum bicarbonates, and reducing blood lactate accumulation. They recommended future studies to fully explore the performance enhancing effects of alkaline water.

How to make an Alkaline Water and Gatorade performance beverage

Simply buy Gatorade® powdered drink mix, and use alkaline water to make it with. For maximum potency, consume within 24 hours of mixing.

Has the FDA evaluated alkaline water and Gatorade for athletic performance?

Not yet. These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration.  The preceding information and/or products are for educational purposes only and are not meant to diagnose, prescribe, or treat illness. Please consult your doctor before making any changes or before starting ANY exercise or nutritional supplement program or before using this information or any product during pregnancy or if you have a serious medical condition.

References

Ostolic, S.M. “Al. Drinks with alkaline negative oxidative reduction potential improve exercise performance in physically active men and women: double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled, cross-over trial of efficacy and safety..” Serbian Journal of Sports Sciences. 5.3 (2011): 83-89. Print.

Gatorade® is a registered trademark of Gatorade®.