After intensive sports sessions, whether for amateur or professional athletes, recovery plays a crucial role. Indeed, sport has an impact on our health, and recovery represents all the measures implemented to regain normal muscle activity after exertion. Recovery is not only about rest; it is also linked to diet and hydration.
During physical exercise, the body loses water and micronutrients. These losses can be partially replenished during exercise with isotonic drinks, such as our Holyfat electrolyte-rich drinks. However, it's still important to eat and hydrate properly after exercise, particularly to replenish nutrient stores. Indeed, physical activity will result in the use of micro- and macronutrients to produce energy. Thus, lipids, carbohydrates, and proteins will be used by the muscles.
Recovery drinks are a practical and effective solution for quickly replenishing reserves after exercise by providing all the nutrients the body needs.
The functions of the recovery drink
- Hydrate and provide minerals
Hydration is essential during exercise. Sweating causes a loss of water and minerals. Thus, despite the intake of water or isotonic drinks during exercise, water loss is greater than water intake. It is therefore essential to hydrate after physical activity.
Dehydration can, among other things, cause cramps, muscle or ligament pain and therefore increase the risk of injury. Furthermore, mineral losses caused by sweating will reduce their functions in the body.
The recovery drink allows you to hydrate yourself while providing certain minerals essential for muscle and nerve functions such as potassium, magnesium and zinc for example.
- Replenish glycogen stores
During physical activity, muscles consume energy. They first draw on carbohydrate stores, then on lipid stores. Muscle energy comes primarily from the breakdown of glycogen into glucose through glycogenolysis. Glucose is therefore the primary energy source for muscles. Therefore, it is important to replenish glycogen stores.
Consuming a recovery drink containing carbohydrates will provide you with the nutrients needed to replenish your glycogen stores.
- Promote recovery and repair of muscle fibers
Muscles are one of the body parts most impacted during physical activity. Indeed, the amino acids that make up muscle proteins are used to create energy substrates. Amino acid utilization is low, but it nevertheless has consequences on the functioning of the muscular system. Therefore, it is important to restore protein stores.
Some foods intended for athletes contain collagen, which contributes to muscle regeneration, as well as to the regeneration of connective tissues such as ligaments and tendons. This helps prevent certain injuries, such as sprains.
Consuming a recovery drink containing protein will therefore be beneficial for regenerating muscles following physical activity.
In summary…
The recovery drink is rich in nutrients essential to the functioning of our bodies. It provides macro- and micronutrients that will play a role in restoring reserves and repairing damaged tissues.
Please note: it is important not to confuse recovery drinks with energy drinks. Energy drinks are generally very sugary soda-type drinks to which stimulants (taurine, caffeine, etc.) have been added. They can cause problems and are not recommended during exercise.