The dog days of summer are here with everyone participating in activities of some sort such as soccer, volleyball, biking or exercise classes.  Many Newarkers are out there at Branch Brook Park enjoying volleyball, soccer and other local favorite activities.  To quench the thirst after a workout many  reach for fluids like diet and low sugar drinks, sport drinks or water. What do you usually reach for? Well, many folk reach for the sport drinks since it is supposed to replace lost electrolytes like sodium, through sweating. Let's take a look at some of the things that you get in addition to electrolytes.

Sport drinks - what are they all about?

The purpose of sports beverages is to keep people hydrated during exercise. These drinks contain carbohydrates, sodium, potassium and other substances such are artificial coloring, high fructose corn syrup and sucrose - sugars, by any other names. High fructose corn syrup is receiving a lot of scrutiny nowadays in the part that it is playing in obesity. Unlike glucose, which is a more natural sugar, high fructose corn syrup t is metabolized rapidly by the liver. Meaning that it can be readily stored and can more readily cause weight gain. Also, it is important to be aware that when downing sports drinks after a work-out, one can easily consume 150-300 calories per bottle depending upon the particular drink. ("Is it safe to drink sports drinks on a regular basis?" www.munfitnessblog.com)

What's wrong with high fructose corn syrup?

As mentioned, high fructose corn syrup is contained in many soft drinks, breads, baked goods and other food items since it is both a sweetener and a preservative. It is being linked by researchers to the boom in obesity. This is also due to the development of metabolic syndrome which are a group of risk factors for heart disease and diabetes II. ("High fructose corn syrup" mayoclinic.com)

Alternatives

It would be wise to carefully read the labels on the sports drinks that you consume. Avoid those that are full of high fructose corn syrup, artificial colors and sucrose. Make your prime source of re-hydration - water.

For more information about health related topics, please visit: www.sherelynne.blogspot.com

Tags: sports drinks, electrolytes, water, diet drinks,