Risks of dry scooping pre-workout powders

Posted on February 1, 2024 in Healthy You

Fitness trends come and go, and some can be dangerous to your health. Dry scooping pre-workout powder is one fad that sparked on social media and is raising red flags.

What is dry scooping?

Dry scooping is the practice of swallowing a scoop of pre-workout powder directly, without mixing it with water as intended. Usually, people who dry scoop will chase the dry powder with a drink of water to make it easier to swallow. This seemingly harmless shortcut can have serious consequences for your health, including your oral health.

Why people dry scoop pre-workout powder

The idea behind dry scooping is that you will be able to access the benefits of pre-workout powder faster with dry scooping than if you dissolved the powder in water. Pre-workout powders often contain caffeine and other nutrients intended to boost your ability to exercise. When you dissolve the powder in water, your body processes those nutrients slower. The thought is that when you swallow the powder without being dissolved, the energy-boosting benefits will hit your body quicker and allow you to have a stronger workout.

Reasons to avoid dry scooping

• It floods your body with caffeine: Pre-workout powders typically contain high amounts of caffeine. Dry scooping delivers this caffeine directly to your system without diluting it, which can lead to:
  • Increased heart rate and blood pressure: This can put stress on your heart and lead to serious health problems.
  • Anxiety and nervousness: The sudden surge of caffeine can cause anxiety and jitters.
  • Upset stomach: Concentrated caffeine can irritate your digestive system, causing nausea and diarrhea.
• It's bad for your teeth: Pre-workout powders often contain acidic ingredients and sugar that can damage your teeth in different ways. Dry scooping exposes your teeth directly to these harmful substances, which can lead to:
  • Worn down enamel: Acid can erode your enamel, which is the outer coating of your teeth. When your enamel breaks down, it cannot be repaired or regenerated. Weakened enamel can lead to several problems, including yellow-looking teeth and cavities.
  • Tooth sensitivity: The acidic ingredients can irritate the sensitive dentin layer of your teeth (the layer of your tooth located underneath your enamel).
  • Higher risk of cavities: Sugar feeds the bacteria in your mouth that cause cavities, and pre-workout powders often contain sugar.
• It can be dangerous: Dry scooping poses several other serious risks, including:
  • Choking: The fine powder can easily be inhaled and lead to choking.
  • Dehydration: Dry scooping can lead to dehydration, which is a dangerous condition on its own and can worsen other health problems.

How to safely use pre-workout powders

In short: Do not dry scoop any nutritional powder intended to be dissolved in water or another beverage. Mixing the pre-workout powder into a liquid will dilute the caffeine and other ingredients, making it safer to consume and easier for your body to absorb.

Also, always follow the recommended dosage on the package. Don't exceed the recommended dosage of pre-workout powder in hopes of getting any added benefit.

Lastly, talk to your doctor if you have any concerns about your health or pre-workout supplements. Pre-workout powders are not essential to achieving a great workout or physical health, but if you are interested in taking one, it’s a good idea to talk to your doctor. By avoiding a suspicious product, you may end up saving a lot more than money. Remember: Your health is more important than a quick fitness fix.

SOURCE:

Cleveland Clinic