G2 (Gatorade) Health WARNING!

I honestly do not understand the need for “drinks” such as G2 (Gatorade).

The ingredients in these “performance” drinks accomplish the exact opposite of the reason you are exercising in the first place – For better health!

Let’s just take a look at some of these ingredients!

**Acesulfame potassium –

“Acesulfame potassium is a zero-calorie sweetener that is 200 times sweeter than sugar. It is derived from acetoacetic acid and fluorosulfonyl isocyanate. Acesulfame potassium works in the body by stimulating the secretion of insulin in a way that may lead to reactive hypoglycemia. While the FDA approved of its use and consumption by American citizens, the Center for Science in the Public Interest believes further research should be conducted to ensure that it is safe to eat. The CSPI thinks that acesulfame potassium may be carcinogenic due to experimentation of the substance on lab rats.

Additionally, in lab rodents, acesulfame potassium has produced lung, breast and rare organ tumors, various forms of leukemia, and chronic respiratory diseases. Due to the fact that the substance acesulfame potassium contains methylene chloride, long-term exposure may lead to a number of issues for people consuming it, including headaches, visual disturbances, mental confusion, nausea, depression, effects on the liver and kidneys…”

Read More: Artificial Sweeteners: Why You Should Completely Avoid Them to Stay Healthy

**Monopotassium Phosphate

“used for a source of potassium (which is an electrolyte), and as a preservative. The problem with phosphates is that they cause an imbalance of phosphorus to calcium in the body. Too much phosphorus causes calcium to be drawn out of the blood, and in most cases our bones. Over long-term this can weaken our bones and increase the susceptibility of fractures.”

Read More: The Optimal Sports Drink – ditch that other stuff!

**Splenda (sucralose-based artificial sweetener)

“…Splenda is a synthetic chemical created in a laboratory. In the five-step patented process of making it, three chlorine molecules are added to one sucrose (sugar) molecule. Some will argue that natural foods also contain chloride, which is true. However, in natural foods, the chloride is connected with ionic bonds that easily dissociate. In Splenda, they’re in a covalent bond that does not dissociate. In fact, there are NO covalent chloride bonds to organic compounds in nature, only ionic. Covalent chloride bonds only exist in synthetic, man-made molecules.

Aside from Splenda, other examples of synthetic covalently bound chloride compounds include:

• DDT 
• PCBs 
• Agent Orange

Your body has no enzymes to break down this covalently bound chloride. Why would it? It never existed in nature, so the human body never had a reason to address it…”

Read More: CSPI Downgrades Splenda From “Safe” to “Caution”

And…

**FD&C Blue No. 1 – Brilliant Blue FCF, E133 (blue shade). 

“Can be found in soft drinks, gelatin desserts, ice cream, drink powders, candy, bakery products, cereals, feta cheese, dairy products and pudding. Also used in toothpaste, mouthwash, deodorants, cosmetics and pet foods. Known health effects: causes low blood pressure, asthma, hives, and may bring on allergic reactions.

**Caution: Do not consume if sensitive to aspirin**

In 2003 the FDA sent out a safety warning concerning the use of Blue no. 1 in a medical procedure: “There were several reports of toxicity, including death, temporally associated with the use of FD & C Blue No. 1 (Blue 1) in enteral feeding solutions. The dye was used to help detection and/or monitoring of pulmonary aspiration in patients being fed by an enteral feeding tube. Reported episodes were manifested by blue discolouration of the skin, urine, faeces or serum and were associated with serious complications such as refractory hypotension, metabolic acidosis and death. Seriously ill patients, particularly those with a likely increase in gut permeability, may be at greater risk.””

This is an example of Blue #1. Other G2 drinks have different unnecessary added food dyes depending on the color of the drink; each with their own health concerns.

Read More: ADHD & Cancer Linked to Food Dyes

So, is G2 really the best choice to “Quench your thirst”?

I think the obvious answer is NO!

Instead, to replace lost electrolytes, why not use filtered water with a few drops of trace minerals or simply squeeze a lemon with a pinch of sea salt!

Remember, there are ALWAYS healthy options!