While we’re all still feeling the effects of the summer heat and sports season is just around the corner, there is one question that comes up quite often. Do I need a sports drink to replenish nutrients lost in the heat?
Sports drinks have become the drink of choice for many, from athletes, parents, and even children who may be taken in by the commercials and the bright array of colors. With a name like “sports drink” many people assume this is something that is good for them and will provide much needed electrolytes. After all, what could be the harm in drinking something related to sports? First let’s take a look at what many sports drinks are made of.
Sports drinks have added minerals, which are also called electrolytes, that can be depleted when performing extreme physical activity or working outdoors for hours in high heat. But along with these nutrients which consist of potassium and sodium, they may also contain a range of ingredients from high fructose corn syrup, artificial sweeteners, and artificial coloring. The bottom line, high calories, high sugar, and artificial ingredients that can have negative impacts on you and your child’s health as well as focus and learning ability.
So what do we really need? If you’re involved in sports or intense physical activity in the heat for more than 1-2 hours a day, a sports drink or other natural alternatives can help you replenish some lost nutrients. But if you are the average person working out about an hour or less a day and drinking plenty of water, this may be the only nutrient your body will need. Water is an essential nutrient to our body containing small amounts of sodium (2 – 7 mg) in both tap and bottled water.
Studies have shown that unless you are engaging in intense physical activity for more than 1-2 hours a day in extreme heat, water can provide proper hydration to maintain electrolytes naturally and restore muscle glycogen after exercise while increasing your performance. The other benefits of water; helps promote clear thinking, can be naturally energizing, and so refreshing. Just keep in mind the average daily requirements of approximately 9 glasses for women and 11 glasses for men per day. And for the fussy drinkers in your family that need flavor, add a slice of fresh orange, lemon, lime, or even watermelon to your glass and enjoy!
Tip: If you do want that sports drink, read the labels and choose wisely with all natural ingredients.
