Why is Gatorade better than water?
Gatorade is formulated to be even more effective for occasions when not only fluid replacement, but also carbohydrate and electrolyte replacement is desirable such as for athletes in training or competition or workers or anyone engaged in vigorous physical activity in a hot environment. Gatorade is mostly composed of a combination of carbohydrates, minerals and water. Plain water will not replace the electrolytes (sodium and potassium) that the body loses through sweat, nor will it replace any energy. Gatorade replaces both. We know from both research and experience that hot and sweaty people prefer a beverage with the flavor characteristics of Gatorade lightly sweetened and light-tasting. Good taste encourages people to drink more the front line against dehydration The small amount of sodium in Gatorade also encourages an individual to drink more, which is important because the thirst mechanism is an inaccurate predictor of actual fluid needs. Sodium also allows the body to retain flu
Gatorade is specially formulated to give athletes what water cannot. Studies have shown that athletes who hydrate with Gatorade outperform athletes who hydrate with just water in a number of key performance measures, including the ability to exercise longer before succumbing to fatigue (1, 2), maintain a faster sprint speed in the second half of a competition period (3, 5), and exhibit higher explosive power (4, 5 ). The studies show what the inventors of Gatorade hypothesized over 40 years ago when faced with the task of determining why many Florida Gator players were both underperforming and succumbing to the effects of heat and heat related illnesses: when it comes to optimal field performance, water isn’t enough. • Davis JM, et al. Effects of carbohydrate and chromium ingestion during intermittent high-intensity exercise to fatigue. Int J Sports Nutr 10:476–485, 2000. • Davis JM, et al. Effects of branched-chain amino acids and carbohydrate on fatigue during intermittent, high-inte
