Are Sports Drinks Necessary?

Demand for sports drinks has continually grown. The multi-billion dollar businesses pump out eye-catching, adrenaline & athlete filled advertisements. These drinks are available everywhere-- including grocery stores, convenience stores, concession stands, & school cafeterias. But, are sports drinks really helpful or even necessary?

Sports drinks contain water, sugar, & electrolytes (salt, potassium, etc.). They often have 50 calories & 3 teaspoons of sugar (per 8 ounce serving). While light or diet versions do exist, the artificial sweeteners can upset your stomach while being active.

Water usually provides enough hydration for most workouts. Plus, the extra calories from sports drinks are often counterproductive for the average person. Sports drinks are recommended for people who participate in vigorous physical activity for an hour or more. When active in hot &/or humid conditions, they may also help replace fluids & electrolytes lost through sweat.

For more info, check out:
- Food Network's Sports Drinks: Good or Bad?
- WebMD's Drink up for Sports & Fitness
- KidsHealth's Energy Drinks: Should Your Child Drink Them?
- Robert Wood Johnson Foundation's Consumption of Sports Drinks by Children & Adolescents
- Chicago Tribune's Sports Drinks: How to Make Your Own