Are sports drinks better than water?
There has been an explosion in recent times of sports drinks aimed at helping you perform ‘just that bit’ better. There are a number of products on the market, and more recently we’ve seen the introduction of sports water, to provide even more choice (read confusion) for active people.
The sports drinks category came about largely from research into improving elite athlete performance through hydration. Millions has been spent trying to tune sports drinks to elite athlete requirements. But do they help the average sports player?
According to the AIS, research shows that ‘fluid intake improves when fluids are cool, flavoured and contain sodium’. Sports drinks have been designed based on this research. By providing flavour, you’re more likely to keep drinking during activity, ensuring you get the fluid you need. Sodium helps be increasing your fluid absorption and retention. Sports drinks also contain carbohydrates that supply the muscles with fuel during activity.
So where does this leave water? Water is still a necessary for anyone taking part in sports activity. It should be part of your pre activity hydration plan. However water alone may not stimulate fluid intake to the same extent as sports drinks. A study conducted with AIS netball and basketball players showed that players demonstrated a better fluid intake when drinking sports drinks. Recent evidence has also shown that the carbohydrate content of sports drinks has been beneficial for high intensity activity of 60 minutes or more.
So the evidence seems clear – you need water, but sports drinks can make a real difference in your performance. What's your opinion?
On the topic of electrolytes though, i hear that the best source is not sports drinks, but coconut water, which you get from young coconuts (along with plenty of potassium and minerals). Apparently they give 3 times the electrolytes of most sports drinks, in a natural form. If you know where or how to get them however, please let me know as i cant find them for the life of me!
Here is just one link of many
http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/823337/the_dangers_of_the_additive_brominated.html?cat=51
Also on the topic of this research,most of the research is done by the companies private scientists and Institute of sport may have found these claims but i for one know that poweraide and such give you the energy well after the game is over,they do help but cordial is just as good..
Sports drinks are made from acidic tap water with dangerous and toxic artificial sweeteners, preservatives and other chemicals that don't have to be mentioned as they are not an ingredients.
The human body is ONLY designed to work on Natural Mineral Water, that does not mean Spring water, as Australian bottled Spring water are all acidic, are very low in minerals and most are mixed with tap water.
When you are exercising, your body build lactic acid. The only thing that your body needs is pure water with mineral, like calcium, magnesium and sodium bicarbonate to help buffer the acidity from your body.
You can squeeze a little bit of lemon or lime or you can add a small amount of Celtic sea salt to increase alkalinity and mineral content.
FORGET ABOUT ALL THE MISLEADING INFORMATION AND REPORTS MADE BY SPORTS OR VITAMIN DRINK COMPANIES TO HELP SELL THEIR HARMFUL PRODUCTS.