Sports drinks or water, what is your preference?

Advocates for sports drinks want you to believe sports drinks are the only option. The water fans say your best bet is to properly hydrate using cheap, healthy, all natural water. Although we all have our preferences, there are advantages to both. Which side of the debate do you agree with?

Everyone knows exercise causes the body to sweat. Sweat is simply made up of water and electrolytes including sodium, chloride and potassium. Our bodies sweat to maintain our optimal core body temperature. This is done by dispersing heat through evaporating sweat from the body’s surface. The loss of water and electrolytes can lead to dehydration, which will cause a decrease in athletic performance. The most important thing to remember is the amount of sweat produced is equally proportional to the amount of energy used.

Water contains many of the same minerals and electrolytes that sports drinks do. The difference is sports drinks also contain carbohydrates, sodium and sugar, which are absent in water.

Carbohydrates are inserted in sports drinks to provide the exercising muscles with the necessary fuel for athletic competition. Adding carbohydrates to sports drinks increases the gastric emptying rate which allows the fluid and carbohydrates to be absorbed and used by the body faster.

The optimal sports drinks should contain 6-8% of carbohydrates. Products that contain more than 8% of carbohydrates can actually inhibit the hydration process by pulling water from the body and into the stomach to help dilute them for digestion. Sodium increases the physiological drive to drink. This is why it is added to sports drinks.

Sodium is necessary for quick re-hydration. It aids in the body’s absorption of carbohydrates and water. Sugar is added to sports drinks to enhance the flavor. The theory behind this is by enhancing the flavor of the product, athletes are more likely to drink larger amounts of sports drinks than they are larger amounts of water, therefore keeping the body properly hydrated for activities.

The fact of the matter is sports drinks do not hydrate the body any better than water. Experts say that you should consume 4-6 ounces of water for every 15-20 minutes of exercise. It is important to know that for periods of strenuous exercise lasting longer than one hour athletes should consume some form of carbohydrates, such as a sport drink, to help fuel the muscles during athletic competition.

Nutrients and minerals that are lost during moderate activities lasting less than one hour can usually be replenished by a healthy post-workout meal and plenty of water. Energy drinks that contain Ma Huang or guarana act as stimulants that can increase heart rate and blood pressure and should never be consumed before or after exercise.

The debate remains between sports drinks and water. Which is better? The answer will never truly be answered. Each has its benefits, and each has its short comings. The answer to the question is simply what do you prefer? Water is the ultimate hydration choice, and the best part, it’s free. Sports drinks taste better and have some built in advantages, but are more expensive. Whatever you choose, make sure you hydrate well before and after competition. Your body will thank you for it.

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