Is Drinking Sports Drinks Bad For You?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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For people who are less active, getting extra sugar and sodium throughout the day isn’t necessary or recommended. The extra calories from a sports drink could contribute to weight gain . The extra sodium could increase the risk of high blood pressure over time.

What do sports drinks do to your body?

People use sports drinks to replace water (rehydrate) and electrolytes lost through sweating after activity . Electrolytes are minerals, such as potassium, calcium, sodium, and magnesium, that keep the body’s balance of fluids at the proper level. You may lose electrolytes when you sweat.

Are sport drinks bad for you?

Sports drinks contain carbohydrates, which is a quick source of energy when your body is depleted of stored and usable energy. Although they do contain electrolytes like sodium and potassium which are lost through sweat, they’re often high in sugar and calories , which could lead to weight gain.

How often should you drink sports drinks?

2. Aim to drink 4–6 ounces of water or a sports drink every 15–20 minutes . This will help you maintain good hydration. After prolonged activity, sports drinks quickly replenish levels of electrolytes lost to sweat, as well as help restore proper fluid balance.

What is the most unhealthy sports drink?

  • Vitamin Water. Vitamins and water. ...
  • Fruit Juice. ...
  • Muscle Milk Lean Muscle Protein Powder. ...
  • EAS Myoplex Original. ...
  • Powerade and Powerade Zero. ...
  • Oh Yeah! ...
  • Frappuccinos. ...
  • Quaker Chewy Dipps Granola Bars.

Are sports drinks better than water?

Research has shown that the flavor of sports drinks causes athletes to drink more than if they were consuming water alone ( 22 , 23 ). As a result, drinks that taste better may be beneficial for increasing fluid consumption in those possibly at risk of dehydration.

Is Powerade better than water?

If you’re participating in high-intensity workouts lasting more than 45 minutes to an hour, sports drinks may help replenish your body’s electrolyte stores better than water.

When is the best time to drink a sports drink?

The recommendation is adults and children should only have sports drinks during extended and heavy exercise that lasts longer than an hour . “Water, water and water should be the beverage of choice for hydration before, during and after physical activity or exercise routines lasting less than one hour,” Dr.

What sports drink is most popular?

Gatorade dominates the U.S. sports drink category, holding a 72.1% market share of retail sales, according to Euromonitor. Coke’s Powerade falls in a distant second, with a 16.1% share.

What is the best sports drink for hydration?

  1. Water. As you can imagine, water is one of the best drinks to fight dehydration. ...
  2. Electrolyte-Infused Water. What’s even better than water? ...
  3. Pedialyte. ...
  4. Gatorade. ...
  5. Homemade Electrolyte-Rich Drink. ...
  6. Watermelon. ...
  7. Coconut Water.

What’s the worst thing to drink?

  1. Soda. It should come as no surprise that soda is one of the worst beverages you can choose for your body, whether you’re drinking regular or diet. ...
  2. Fruit juice. ...
  3. Powdered drink mixes. ...
  4. Low-fat milk. ...
  5. Liquid coffee creamer. ...
  6. Sweet cocktails. ...
  7. Flavored water. ...
  8. Energy drinks.

What’s the worst energy drink?

Full Throttle is officially the worst energy drink of them all. With 220 calories and 58 grams of sugar per can, this drink has more sugar than five Reese’s Peanut Butter Cups.

What is the healthiest drink in the world?

Flickr/bopeepo Green tea is the healthiest beverage on the planet. It is loaded with antioxidants and nutrients that have powerful effects on the body. This includes improved brain function, fat loss, a lower risk of cancer and many other incredible benefits.

Are sports drinks better than soda?

“For most kids, there is no reason for them to have sports drinks,” Story said. “It’s not going to increase their physical performance. It’s not a healthy drink.” Story says a 20-ounce sports drink may have fewer calories than a soda , but it has more sugar and more sodium — and no nutritional value.

What do athletes drink?

Sports drinks like Gatorade, Powerade , and All Sport can give you a needed energy boost during your activity. They are designed to rapidly replace fluids and to increase the sugar (glucose) circulating in your blood.

What happens if you drink Powerade everyday?

Energy drinks such as powerade with zero calories are geared towards replenish electrolytes lost in sweat during exercise . Unlike other energy drinks, it doesn’t contain significant amount of sugar and caffeine. Apart from being a danger to healthy heart, excessive consumption of energy drinks can damage the liver.

Kim Nguyen
Author
Kim Nguyen
Kim Nguyen is a fitness expert and personal trainer with over 15 years of experience in the industry. She is a certified strength and conditioning specialist and has trained a variety of clients, from professional athletes to everyday fitness enthusiasts. Kim is passionate about helping people achieve their fitness goals and promoting a healthy, active lifestyle.