Cola is a popular beverage that many people enjoy, especially when it's chilled. After exercising and sweating profusely, it's tempting to reach for an icy cold can of cola to quench your thirst and feel refreshed. But is it okay to drink cola after exercising?
Can you drink cola after exercising?
No, you should not.
While a chilled cola may feel refreshing, drinking it immediately after exercising not only fails to quench your thirst but also hinders your recovery. Additionally, cola contains not only carbonation but also high-fructose corn syrup, which is easily absorbed by the body and rapidly raises blood sugar levels, causing a quick rebound effect and promoting appetite, leading to weight gain. Therefore, it is best to avoid drinking cola after exercising.
Drinking cola accelerates fluid loss after exercise
Cola contains caffeine, which has diuretic and dehydrating effects. After exercising and sweating heavily, your body loses a significant amount of electrolytes. Drinking cola exacerbates fluid loss.
Drinking cola exacerbates fatigue
Excessive consumption of carbonated beverages disrupts the body's acid-base balance. Acidic substances can damage cell membranes. Consuming cola and other carbonated beverages after exercise increases the production of acidic substances in the body, accelerating the disruption of the acid-base balance. Accumulation of acidic substances in the body increases fatigue.
Drinking cola hinders post-exercise recovery
Drinking too much cola after exercising can cause bloating and discomfort in the stomach. Additionally, the caffeine in cola stimulates the central nervous system, which is not conducive to post-exercise recovery.
Drinking cola increases the burden on the kidneys
After exercising, the body breaks down a large amount of sugar, fat, and protein, resulting in the production of acidic substances. This can cause muscle and joint soreness and extreme fatigue. Drinking cola at this time introduces phosphoric acid and carbon dioxide into the body, exacerbating the acid build-up. If these acids are not promptly eliminated from the body, it can increase the burden on the kidneys and lead to acidosis.
