Sports drinks versus water - Abstract

Nutrition Health Review,  Summer, 2002  

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There is a huge selection of fitness waters, sports drinks, and herbal brews on the market that promise everything from increased energy to nutritional benefits. These products can appear to be a tasty option, especially in warmer weather. However, the average person should not be tempted by designer thirst quenchers but should stick with what has always been the best way to replenish lost fluids: water.

"These types of drinks are an appealing option, but they provide minimal benefits to the average person when compared with plain water," said Kathie Nelson, a registered dietitian at the Methodist Health Care System's Institute for Preventive Medicine.

Water prevents dehydration, keeps skin healthy, and aids in digestion. Water also makes exercise safer by regulating body temperature and reducing cardiovascular stress. For moderate workouts under an hour, water is all one needs because the body has enough stored energy to function safely. Instead of filling up on sports drinks, a healthful post-workout meal is a better choice to replenish lost minerals and nutrients.

Sports drinks, however, can be beneficial during grueling physical activity lasting more than an hour because they are a source of carbohydrates that need to be replenished. They also help to rehydrate the body. Be careful, however, because there are 50 calories or more per serving. Water has no calories.

Drinks such as fitness waters are fortified with vitamins and minerals; however, these substances are not lost during physical activity and are easily found in a healthful diet.

If the carbohydrate content of fitness drinks is too high (greater than 8 percent), these products can actually inhibit the hydration process by pulling water from the body and into the stomach to dilute them before digestion.

There are other red flags. The recent supplement craze has produced dozens of designer drinks possibly containing herbal extracts of questionable benefit. Energy-boosting drinks may contain Ma Huang or guarana; both act as a stimulant and may increase heart rate and blood pressure.

By the way, the price for these flashy bottles and colorful fluids ranges anywhere from $2 to $5 apiece. Water is practically free.

COPYRIGHT 2002 Vegetus Publications
COPYRIGHT 2002 Gale Group