Can Gatorade Help With Constipation?
Constipation can significantly affect your quality of life. In fact, dealing with hard stools can cause hemorrhoids, leave you feeling bloated and full, and disrupt your digestive processes. Some feel consuming Gatorade or other sports drinks can help with your constipation.
Constipation can significantly affect your quality of life. In fact, dealing with hard stools can cause hemorrhoids, leave you feeling bloated and full, and disrupt your digestive processes. Some feel consuming Gatorade or other sports drinks can help with your constipation. While it might not solve the problem immediately, drinking Gatorade may help prevent constipation in the future.
About Constipation
According to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse, constipation occurs when you produce less than three bowel movements a week. The stool is often hard and difficult to pass, causing straining. Other symptoms include gas, bloating and abdominal pain. Constipation can be caused by generalized disorders such as irritable bowel syndrome, as well as lifestyle considerations such as a poor diet, dehydration, inactivity and the medications you take.
Sports Drinks
Sports drinks like Gatorade offer athletes an opportunity to rehydrate quickly during a workout. However, it's not just the water content that accomplishes this. Gatorade contains electrolytes, which include chloride, potassium and sodium. When your body becomes dehydrated through sweating or a lack of fluids, you also lose electrolytes. Gatorade replenishes these quickly, according to MedlinePlus.
Role of Hydration
Being properly hydrated can help in relieving and preventing constipation, according to the "Journal of Sports Science." Water and sports drinks like Gatorade allow for proper digestion and keep the intestines lubricated, which is essential for having regular bowel movements.
Other Constipation Treatments
If you are severely constipated, drinking more water and Gatorade may not be enough. You may need a fiber laxative, castor oil or stool softeners to encourage a bowel movement. To prevent constipation in the future, ensure you eat plenty of fiber and exercise regularly to promote healthy bowel motility, according to the National Digestive Diseases Information Clearinghouse.