(AP)
Living is the Land of Milk and Honey as we do, where an almost overwhelming variety of food options are virtually at our fingertips, 24 hours a day, It is interesting that some of our oldest foods are better at keeping us moving than anything we can design in a lab.
I am referring to the use of chocolate milk as a post-exercise recovery drink, and pickle juice to guard against dehydration while exercising in intense heat.
A recent study of cyclists tested the recovery properties of electrolyte replacement drinks such as Gatorade, protein and carbohydrate replacement drinks, such as Endurox, and low-fat chocolate milk. Surprisingly, chocolate milk proved best.
Exercise longer than a few moments begins to deplete the body of glycogen, a carbohydrate used by muscles as fuel. Aerobic exercise depletes the body of its stored glucose as oxygen is driven to the muscles to break down the glucose into fuel. When glycogen stores in the muscles and the liver fall athletes will experience fatigue, poor coordination, loss of concentration or light-headedness. To prevent these effects and maintain performance, the body must be restocked fast. Chocolate milk has been shown to be the best choice for the job. Researcher Joel M. Stager PhD, an Indian University kinesiology professor told WebMD, “Chocolate milk has an optimal ratio of carbohydrates to protein to refuel tired muscles”.
On an equally interesting note some very notable organizations, including the NFL’s Philadelphia Eagles, drink pickle juice on the sidelines to prevent muscle cramping when playing in hot weather. Pickle Juice contains very high sodium and electrolyte concentrations, much more in fact, than Gatorade. Sodium helps the body retain fluid and electrolytes function to prevent muscle cramping, both of which are concerns in hot and humid weather; this is why the Eagles head trainer, Rick Burholder relies on pickle juice, or as he calls it, his “secret weapon” when the mercury starts to rise.
We have a whole lot of options when it comes to what we put into our bodies; and for the casual athlete, it may not really make all that much difference, but for competitors, everything counts. Before you spend your money on well marketed “hydration” or “recovery drinks”, check out all of your options; and check your fridge.
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