Milk, a Hydrating Food After Physical Activity
When working out, it’s important to consume milk, water or fruit juice to compensate for water lost though perspiration.
During physical activity, a person can lose almost 2 litres of water an hour. This amount can vary depending upon the air temperature, intensity of effort, and several other factors. Whatever the amount of water lost through perspiration, it needs to be replaced through adequate consumption of fluids before, during, and after physical activity.
Water isn't the only thing that counts for fluid intake! Soup, fruit juice, milk, chocolate milk, and drinkable yogurt also help hydrate the body. Milk, whether it's white or chocolate, is an ideal choice of beverage to help rehydrate after physical activity1-3 because it contains water and also electrolytes (e.g., potassium and sodium).2,3 These ensure the replacement of perspiration losses and promote better fluid retention in the body.2
Sources
- Roy BD. Milk: the new sports drink? A Review. J Int Soc Sports Nutr 2008;5:15.
- Shirreffs SM et al. Milk as an effective post-exercise rehydration drink. Br J Nutr 2007;98:173-180.
- Lee JK et al. Effects of milk ingestion on prolonged exercise capacity in young, healthy men. Nutrition 2008;24:340-347.
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