Energy Drinks Might Not Be Helping Your Workout As Much As You Think

We all know that eating a wholesome diet and getting in your fair share of exercise is essential for developing a healthy lifestyle. The food and drinks you consume can have a big impact on how well you're able to perform in the gym. It's important to make sure what you choose to put into your body aligns with the output you desire.

Dietitian Kate Patton tells the Cleveland Clinic that exercising in the morning for an hour or less before you eat is fine, but you can't fast all day and then try to exercise. She recommends fueling up 2-4 hours ahead of time with a meal consisting of protein, carbs, and water. It may be tempting to add energy drinks to your pre-workout lineup, but all carbonated beverages, in general, should be avoided. Energy drinks, in particular, can have an adverse effect on your workouts. Let's examine the reasoning behind this.

Downing an energy drink before a workout might seem like an easy way to boost endurance, but Verywell Fit says these beverages and exercise don't mix. On the one hand, energy drinks are often filled with caffeine, guarana, ginseng, and an amino acid called taurine, which can give you a rush that improves your performance. According to a 2018 study published in Current Sports Medicine Reports, taurine may help your muscles contract and eliminate waste. However, what energy drinks lack is the ability to keep you hydrated. They're simply not formulated to help your body replace the fluids it loses from sweating while you workout. As a result, you can easily wind up feeling nauseous and bloated.

Not to mention, caffeine is a mild diuretic and can have similar effects as that of taking a laxative. If you don't want to worry about having to run to the bathroom between every other set, stay away from the caffeine until after your workout is complete.