Hi, I notice that I tend to get headaches after intense, longer swim practices, even though I feel fine during the practice. I drink plenty of water before and during practice but still get the headaches. I also noticed that I tend not to get the headaches when I have some sports drink mixed with water during the swim. So I'm thinking the headache is connected with a drop in blood sugar.
I have been using Gatorade, but I don't like that it is so high in sugar, so I'd like to find a better option -- either something I could buy or make myself. Any suggestions? Here are my criteria:
Low in sugar but not with artificial sweetener, including xylitol (which gives me digestive issues)
Not loaded with excessive vitamins or strange ingredients
Not expensive
No caffeine
Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! Thank you!
Hi, I notice that I tend to get headaches after intense, longer swim practices, even though I feel fine during the practice. I drink plenty of water before and during practice but still get the headaches. I also noticed that I tend not to get the headaches when I have some sports drink mixed with water during the swim. So I'm thinking the headache is connected with a drop in blood sugar.
If you don't bonk during practice and you eat after practice, low blood sugar probably is not your culprit. Dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance because of over-hydration without salt, is more likely.
For an early morning one-hour workout I usually just drink coffee before the workout and a little water during it. For a longer, tougher workout or for a long OW swim I use a low- or no-sugar electrolyte drink to avoid calf cramps late in the swim or a headache later. I like the Hammer Fizz electrolyte tablets, but the nuun tablets also work and taste fine.
Hi, I notice that I tend to get headaches after intense, longer swim practices, even though I feel fine during the practice. I drink plenty of water before and during practice but still get the headaches. I also noticed that I tend not to get the headaches when I have some sports drink mixed with water during the swim. So I'm thinking the headache is connected with a drop in blood sugar.
If you don't bonk during practice and you eat after practice, low blood sugar probably is not your culprit. Dehydration, or electrolyte imbalance because of over-hydration without salt, is more likely.
For an early morning one-hour workout I usually just drink coffee before the workout and a little water during it. For a longer, tougher workout or for a long OW swim I use a low- or no-sugar electrolyte drink to avoid calf cramps late in the swim or a headache later. I like the Hammer Fizz electrolyte tablets, but the nuun tablets also work and taste fine.
