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beverages

Sports Drink

+1.8

High sugar content and artificial additives trigger significant inflammatory responses and insulin spikes despite electrolyte replacement benefits.

Ingredient score breakdown

High fructose corn syrup

+1.6

Concentrated sugars rapidly spike blood glucose and promote inflammatory cytokine production.

Artificial colors

+0.5

Synthetic dyes may trigger immune responses and increase oxidative stress.

Sodium

-0.3

Electrolyte replacement supports hydration but excessive sodium can raise blood pressure.

Why this score

This score is ingredient-based and weighted by DII-inspired evidence. Foods with added sugar, refined starches, and heavy processing trend higher; foods with fiber, omega-3, and polyphenols trend lower.

FODMAP note

Sports drinks are typically low FODMAP but high sugar content may cause digestive distress.

Healthier alternatives

  • coconut water
  • green tea

Related foods

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