Sports and hydration

Ionised alkaline water - 'natural doping'"

A sufficient amount of water in the body is one of the most important factors determining good results and well-being in sports. While doing sports, we lose much more fluids and mineral salts than with low physical activity, so it is necessary to restore the lack of fluids in the body. Not only the amount of water is important, but its properties as well. Ionized alkaline water is vastly suitable for people doing sports, due to its unique properties that are acquired during electrolysis.

A natural antioxidant for greater endurance

Ionised alkaline water is a natural antioxidant. Antioxidants are essential for the body in sports, as well as in any other activity, because they strengthen the overall immune system, stop cellular DNA damage and activate the body's vital processes. This is important in sports because it allows you to withstand higher loads and thus perform better. High levels of physical exertion, physical and emotional exhaustion, overworking and overexertion lead to oxidative stress (in other words, faster deterioration of the body). Scientists have shown that antioxidants, most notably vitamins C, E and selenium, naturally help to combat these problems. Antioxidants also stimulate the production of enzymes, which are essential for weight management, digestion, food absorption, maintaining hormone levels, and are important for beauty - healthy nails, hair and skin. Thus, the antioxidant properties of ionised alkaline water reduce oxidative stress caused by high exercise, increase endurance, and allow for more intense workouts.

Neutralization of forming acids

The pH of ionized alkaline water is higher than that of regular water, which reduces the chance of lactic acid forming in the muscles during exercise. During intense exercising, lactic acid is not produced. When the cells start to lack oxygen during a heavy workout, the muscle produces lactic acid. As a result, pain is often felt after the workout. As alkalis destroy acid, drinking a lot of ionized alkaline water reduces the pain: the blood is replenished with extra alkaline substances, giving them to the muscles.

The molecular structure of ionized alkaline water is significant. Smaller molecular compounds dilute the blood. As the blood is more fluid, it makes it easier to carry oxygen where it is needed. The more oxygen there is, the less likely lactic acid will form (this is when the cells begin to run out of oxygen). Without oxygen, anaerobic phenomena occur, making it harder to work, you get tired, and the muscles start to hurt faster. Also, due to the smaller molecular formations, ionized alkaline water is more efficient: it is absorbed faster, penetrates tissues easier, removes toxins accumulated in the body, and helps to control weight.

Easily replenish depleted sodium reserves

Ionized alkaline water has a higher amount of alkaline minerals. It has been scientifically proven that very intense work or exercise significantly reduces the amount of sodium in the blood, which is responsible for the regulatory processes of the alkaline buffer. In other words, if it decreases, our body becomes acidic. Ionized alkaline water has a higher concentration of sodium ions than ordinary water, making it easier to recover lost reserves.

Helps control weight

A frequent motive of a person doing sports, especially in the spring, is to strengthen the body and lose unnecessary weight gained during the winter. Water plays a crucial role in weight control, and it transports food to and removes waste from the cells. Ionized alkaline water is more fluid, penetrates tissues easier, and removes acidic toxins accumulated in the body, the main cause of overweight. An obvious example of that is that fat is soluble in ionized alkaline water.

MAIN BENEFITS OF IONIZED ALKALINE WATER FOR THOSE WHO DO SPORTS:

• The Source of Powerful Antioxidants - increases endurance, stimulates the production of enzymes important for weight control, digestion.
• Higher PH - helps neutralize lactic acid formed during sports and thus protects against muscle pain after training.
• Smaller Molecular Clusters (penetrates into tissues easier) - liquifies the blood, making it easier to carry oxygen and reducing the chance of accumulating lactic acid.
• Higher concentration of alkaline minerals - replenishing sodium stores lost during sport.

THE SPECIALIST ANSWERS

Vitalijus Smackis, Head of the sports club "Sporto kodas", coach, biochemist

www.sportokodas.lt

What are the benefits of ionized alkaline water for those doing sports?

"During an intense workout, the body's muscles often contract, which causes the body to become severely acidified. Such a process reduces the ability of muscles to contract one's endurance. The use of alkaline water during a workout allows you to reduce or eliminate the acidification process. This allows for an intensive and optimal workload of the muscle groups trained for work."

What are the dietary characteristics of athletes? How does ionized alkaline water help fight acidification in the body?

"Many athletes train very often, reduce their body weight to meet weight categories, so the food they eat is high in protein and polyunsaturated fat. Such a diet leads to acidification of the body. Ionized alkaline water saturates cells with water, penetrates the cells easier, and removes residual products (toxins) from the body. More alkaline substances enter the cells, helping to balance the alkali and acid balance."