Erdinger Alkoholfrei - The Isotonic Recovery Drink

There has long been a tradition for a 'recovery beer' amongst amateur bike riders, and even many professionals. The refreshing chilled beverage has the ability to revive, rejuvenate and relax you after a hard effort. The positive effects of alcoholic beer after exercise, are primarily psychological though; its benefits in terms of real physical recovery are very limited, or even negative.

What you really need after a prolonged effort, is a drink that will re-hydrate you, and replace depleted muscle glycogen stores; so you're ready to fire on all cylinders again, sometime soon. Erdinger Alkoholfrei is the only 'beer' that can actually be labelled an effective sports drink; aiding re-hydration and re-fuelling through isotonic benefits.

What are isotonic drinks?

Isotonic drinks are those that have a similar osmotic pressure to blood; that means a similar number of dissolved particles per litre. This characteristic means they can be absorbed into the blood stream faster than other liquids.

Dissolved particles include polyphenols, vitamins, electrolytes, carbohydrates, sugar, and protein particles. If the concentration of these particles is correct, then isotonic drinks can be absorbed up to four times faster than water - re-hydrating the body in the process. If carbohydrates are present in the particle mix, then isotonic drinks can also be the fastest way to deliver fuel to muscles.

Blood has a particle concentration of 290 mOsmol, and a drink has to be +/- 15% of this value to be classed as "isotonic".

Why should you take isotonic drinks?

Endurance sport depletes body fluid levels; through sweating and a higher breathing rate. Reduced fluid levels (dehydration) decrease sports performance; this is because when you sweat, you also lose essential salts like sodium and potassium; dehydration also thickens the blood, making it harder for your heart to pump around your body.

Drinking an isotonic drink during sport can help to re-hydrate you; as well as deliver carbohydrate to the liver, to be converted into glycogen that can fuel your muscles.

Erdinger Alkoholfrei - The only 'beer' I've found that is genuinely a 'sports recovery drink'

What makes Erdinger Alkoholfrei particularly good as an isotonic recovery drink?

There are many drinks out there that classify as "isotonic" - apple juice is a commonly touted one; Erdinger Alkoholfrei is particularly good though, because of the mix of particulates that it contains. 

Erdinger Alkoholfrei has a particle concentration of 289 mOsmol, which is very similar to blood. It also contains a natural blend of salt and carbohydrates; to help re-hydrate you, and refuel your muscles. Finally, the polyphenols within Erdinger AF have been found to help boost immunity, which is often lowered by intense exercise. It is this mix of properties that make this Weissbier a proper 'recovery drink'.

Have a 'Recovery Beer'!

So, Erdinger Alkoholfrei is quite literally the "perfect post-ride poison"; except there is nothing in it that could be considered a 'guilty' pleasure. This is a drink that will help to re-hydrate and rejuvenate your body after exercise, or prepare your body before you ride.

The best thing is, it tastes great; and tastes like a regular beer; this is because it is made in the same Erdinger Brewery as the rest of their products, using similar authentic natural brewing methods.

Have a beer! This one genuinely is a great recovery sports drink.