Headache Prevention - Sports And Energy Drinks And Proper Hydration In Sports

Proper hydration is critical to avoid sports headaches

. Drinking energy drinks is almost universal now, but they all contain caffeine or caffeine containing compound such as Guarana. The problem is that caffeine is a diuretic; diuretics make you urinate more frequently and cause you to become de-hydrated.

Many of these energy drinks are promoted as having extra energy ingredients such as Gingko Biloba, Siberian Ginseng or Taurine. These can help but the dose is usually not enough. In short these energy drinks are expensive and a dumb idea for sports.

Most sports drinks contain lots of sugar and artificial colourings. Of course everyone knows that a blue drink will make you run faster! But the sugar can increase your thirst. Remember the days when oranges were given to children at half time during a game. This provided natural energy and some liquid without causing bloating.

The best drink to avoid headaches is water plus a good multi vitamin which contains a good dose of all the B vitamins. Have your vitamin in the morning and again before you play. If you are playing sport in the evening and you know it will be hot, skip the afternoon coffee or energy drink and have water. Gradual hydration in the hours before sport is best; this prevents you from having to drink too much at once, which can cause nausea.

Mild dehydration causes headaches and reduces your metabolism by at least 5%, severe dehydration can be a significant medical problem.

How do you know if you are starting to get dehydrated? Thirst tells you that you are already becoming de-hydrated. Pre-plan. It doesn't matter whether you are playing competitive sport, or a social round of golf, or an afternoons sailing or even gardening. Hydrate first if you don't want a headache.

If you are competing in the hot sun then the effect are much worse and comes on much faster. Remember you are de-hydrated if you are drinking and not passing urine.

A great sporting tradition is to have a few beers after playing. Beer is fine but drink water first and in between beers. If the weather is very hot the beer will cause a rapid escalation of your already dehydrated state and your head will be pounding for sure.

Not everyone gets headaches easily but everyone suffers from dehydration, treat yourself carefully and you will recover much faster from any sports activity. Ignore it and you will suffer. Dehydration will cause you more muscle pain

Just remember, alcohol, caffeine, sports, hot sure and not drinking enough water will cause dehydration, which is a sure fire recipe for a headache.

by: Ian Newton

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