Why are sports drinks better than water during exercise?
• Sports drinks taste better and encourage hydration. • Provide carbohydrate fuel for the muscles and brain • Provide sodium to help the body retain more fluids. • Allow the athlete to exercise longer. • Prevent hyponatremia, or water intoxication. When athletes consume too much water over a period of a few hours, they can lose significant amounts of potassium and sodium, which can lead to symptoms that mimic severe dehydration. Which sports drinks should I use? The best sports drink is the one that you like to use the most! If you perspire heavily, you might consider a higher sodium sports drink like the ones listed below. Some sports drinks contain carbohydrate and protein. Whichever formula you choose, it is important to try it out several times in training before using it on race day. Hydration Guidelines Pre-Exercise or Race: • Drink 16 oz sports drink 2 hours before training, which should produce a light-colored, but not clear urine • Drink 8-16 oz sports drink 15 minutes before
