Dr. Krautsack’s Natural Alternatives to Common Sport Supplements

Mar 20, 2022
Natural Sports Drinks

Sports drinks are everywhere from the grocery store to the gas station and we have all consumed them at some point in our lives – whether active or not. The reality is, most sports drinks are overrated sugar water with a minimal amount of electrolytes (or anything beneficial for that matter) that would help in recovery before or after a workout.

Most sports drinks contain a problematic amount of sugar and artificial junk that in no way improve health or athletic performance. Some researchers say these drinks can even "cancel out" the benefits of exercise for weight loss because of the amount of sugar.¹

When most people think of sports drinks they think of electrolytes, amino acids or protein, pre-workout, or some combination of the latter. Keep in mind, a healthy diet is always your best first step.

Here are my top alternatives to mainstream sports drinks and shakes.

Sports Drinks Alternatives: Electrolytes

Electrolytes are important. However, you’re often consuming more sugar than soda when drinking sports drinks (Gatorade® and Powerade®, for example) and doing yourself a disservice and negatively affecting your health. Coconut water is a popular alternative; however, buying and transporting it often can be expensive and impractical. Utilizing a better electrolyte product is a great way to replenish electrolytes lost from exercise or stay hydrated on a busy day.

Sports Drink Alternative Top Pick

 

  • Ultima Replenisher

 

Ultima powder is my favorite sports drink alternative for electrolytes for many reasons. They are committed to making a superior product and recently removed all fillers, including maltodextrin. The product is simple but effective offering a wide variety of electrolytes and is naturally colored and sweetened (with stevia). The product comes in a variety of flavors and also comes in travel packets that are great for sporting events, hiking, hunting, backpacking trips, and many other excursions that require lightweight materials. Grape is my favorite flavor. Shop now (or pick it up at my office). 

Amino Acid Alternatives

Amino acids are the building blocks of protein and can be a great performance tool before or after a workout. They can also provide energy during an intermittent fasting regimen. However, most amino acid supplements come loaded with preservatives or artificial sweeteners that destroy good bacteria in the digestive tract and cause other health and performance problems down the road.

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Amino Acid Alternative Top Pick

 

  • Elite Fuel - Aminos

 

Dr. Angove, the creator of Elite Fuel, wanted to create high-quality sport performance products that did not contain the common additives found in most over the counter sports drinks. He developed a pure amino acid product lightly flavored and sweetened with stevia. Elite Fuel makes a great alternative to common products with artificial sweeteners and fillers. Shop now.

Protein Shake Alternatives

Protein shakes are another product that can often do more harm than good. Luckily, there are several brands that offer natural options and provide high-quality protein without the hidden "proprietary" ingredients that offer no benefit to the consumer.

Protein Alternative Top Picks

 

  • Elite Fuel - Goat Whey

 

Goat milk whey is a great alternative for those who do not do well with cow dairy products. This product tastes great, mixes well, and has no artificial sweeteners or fillers. Shop now

 

  • Naked Whey - Cow Whey

 

Naked whey has one ingredient - whey protein. I love this version because you get the best bang for your buck, no fillers, and it mixes with almost anything. Shop now

Pre-Workout Alternative

If you feel like you "need" pre-workout, chances are you just need to get healthy. Most pre-workout supplements consist of cheap B-vitamins and an excessive amount of caffeine. Save your adrenal glands and your heart and try something a little more functional. Once again, Elite Fuel makes a good product. Elite Fuel has some practical functional nutrients that promote health and overall performance without damaging your body in the process.

Pre-Workout Alternative Top Pick

 

  • Elite Fuel - Pre-workout

 

Elite Fuel contains many nutrients that promote health and enhance performance without the withdrawals. It contains powerful nutrients such as Methylated B12, Co-Q10, carnitine, and more. These factors support mitochondrial health and overall energy production without the jitters. Shop now

Think you have something better? Leave a comment! Our mission is to find healthy, functional alternatives for your healthy lifestyle.

Want us to help you take your health to the next level? Schedule a consultation in the clinic for full functional health evaluation.

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