Just when you thought that drinking water is enough, think again.
Our body is made up of over 60% body fluid or body water. We have only about 18% of protein, 16% of fat and 6% of minerals. But what our science teacher didn’t tell us in school is that ‘body water’ is more than water, it is a combination of water and electrolytes or ions like sodium, chloride, potassium and magnesium. So when we sweat out water during exercise or on a hot summer day, we don’t just expel water and therefore, replenishing with just plain water will only ease the thirst but it can not replace the ‘body fluids that we’ve lost.
That’s also why people who are suffering from severe dehydration caused by diarrhea, fever, other illnesses or physical exertion, are advised to re-hydrate either through oresol (oral rehydration) salts or through IV (intravenous) dextrose solutions.
In 1973 after witnessing a surgeon drink an IV solution to re-hydrate after an operation, a Japanese researcher thought of making a drinkable IV solution to replenish lost fluids and electrolytes in the body. The result of that inspiration is a rehydration beverage called POCARI SWEAT ION WATER.
We have these at home and the main reason why Pocari Sweat is better than water, or any other energy drinks or similar rehydration beverage is in its formulation. The water and ions in Pocari Sweat are better absorbed by the body because it contains the ideal balance of glucose (sugar) and salt. According to tests, our body absorbs Pocari Sweat more quickly than water which makes it the ideal first aid drink to prevent dehydration and immediately address electrolyte imbalance.
Another advantage is that Pocari Sweat keeps us hydrated longer. Body fluid retention rate is 19% better than water.
Of course it will not taste like water, and that makes it even better. Just the right combination of sweetness, saltiness and a bit of citrus-like after taste. It’s cool! The sugar content of Pocari Sweat is minimal so you can drink as many as you can but for those who are on a sugar or salt-restricted diet, you may want to consider limiting your intake to doctor-prescribed amount.
Don’t get me wrong, we still need to drink water at least 8 glasses a day but it’ll be even better if you drink Pocari Sweat as a supplement to drinking water or at least keep a couple of bottles within reach at home, in the office or bring it with you at the gym and while you’re travelling.
One other thing, the word ‘Pocari’ doesn’t really have a direct translation as far as I know but it may refer to a light and bright emotional state in Japanese. Well, we all know what ‘sweat’ means. So don’t you mistake Pocari Sweat as some kind of an Asian medicinal tonic made from the perspiration of an exotic animal (animal sweat) that is used to treat illnesses – it’s just water and ions, and that’s it!
Now, it’s time to rethink our drink.
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nath sanchez
Excellent article. I have shared it with my colleague to help her understand the undeniable rehydrating value of Pocari Sweat
Ren Tamad
Thanks for the info. I always drink an 900ml pocari sweat everyday, yet still drinking plain water.
Monica
Pocari sweat makes my Urinary Tract Infection go away, everytime it attacks. I use to drink fresh coco water before however it’s not always available at the office. My friend recommended drinking Pocari sweat as what her mom does, so I tried, and it worked! No whenever it attacks I drink the biggest bottle available. I used to not like the taste but eventually got the hang of it.