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Sports Drinks

Anti-obesity, health 00004000 advocates are at it again. They have successfully won a battle on having sodas banned in elementary schools by the 2008-2009 school year. They are furthering their cause by trying to also ban sports drinks in schools such as 'Gatorade' and 'Powerade' and flavored waters. They are claiming that sports drinks contain as much as two-thirds of the sugars in sodas, and more than three times the sodium.

Senator Tom Harkin (D-Iowa) has apparently agreed with this cause, enough, by introducing a bill in congress that would allow the government to decide what is best for the nation's children, in setting nutritional standards for all foods, drinks, and flavored vitamin waters in schools. The hotly debated topic ensues in congress between nutritional health care advocates and the trade group that represents the bottlers of these drinks. Are they really 'safer alternatives' or just 'junk food'? It certainly is garnering some attention in congress, and for other interested bystanders as well.

The trade group representing the manufacturers of these drinks, of course, are adamantly opposing this bill. They proclaim these drinks are lower in sugar and calories than sodas, and are appropriate, even essential, to young high school athletes.

But, there is more evidence coming from the University of California at Berkeley, that adds fuel to the health care advocates cause, that warns about the possible weight gain associated with consuming to many of these drinks. They conclude that students who drink one 20- ounce of the drinks in question per day, for a year, without sufficient physical activity may experience a weight gain of up to 13 pounds.
Nutritionists, and health care advocates are not at all surprised with these findings. They say that looking at the ingredient label pretty much says it all. Read what the first three to four ingredients are in a recipe, they are listed in the order of their prevalence in the mixture. Most sports drinks and flavored waters consist mostly of water, many different types of sugar, acid flavor enhancers, and sodium.

Bucket loads of money is being spent by beverage manufacturers, on brainwashing advertisements, to get consumers to believe that these drinks are healthy, and essential. They claim they are needed to replenish those lost electrolytes, due to physical exertion. But, there is simply no real scientific evidence to support this theory. So, you can then begin to understand why the makers of these drinks do not want any official congressional sanctioning, of the notion, that sports drinks are linked to obesity.

Children who are involved in a long and physically demanding game, or any lengthy physical activity, and are drinking simple carbohydrates such as high fructose corn syrup (HFC), glucose, dextrose (the list can be quite lengthy), will experience a rise in normal insulin levels. Elevated insulin levels causes a short spike in energy levels followed by a sudden energy crash. This sluggishness can affect a child's overall athletic performance.

Sports drinks also contain enough sugar, just like sodas, to corrode teeth. Physical exertion causes dry mouth conditions, as not enough saliva is present in the mouth to fight off the acidic effects that sugar can have on teeth.

Children, or adults, simply do not require a short-term energizing boost in heir insulin levels in, relation to the amount of mild physical activity they are expending most of the time. Walking the dog, washing the car, or a quick game of hoops does not qualify as a vigorous enough activity to warrant the use of a sports drink. And, many children, and adults, lead very sedentary lifestyles, that buying into advertising claims about the safety, or essential need for such a product can help add to an ongoing obesity problem.

The only situation where a sports drink might be helpful, is after an individual has truly engaged in a vigorous physical workout that lasted for at least an hour. If you are actually sweating profusely, or if hot and humid weather conditions combined with high physical exertion are present, you might treat yourself with a sports drink. Otherwise, there are healthier food options for energy, and water alone does a wonderful job of re-hydrating you. To replace lost minerals, give your body some pure unrefined salt.

There really is no getting around it, manufactured beverages the way they are currently being sweetened are not healthy hydrating fluids for your body. And, they should never be used in total replacement of pure water. If you think you must have a sports drink, try a watered down version instead. However, plant the seed of knowledge in your mind,right now, that nothing satisfies your body more efficiently than plain and simple water.

Frequently Asked Questions

  1. QUESTION:
    sports drinks...?
    Sports drinks generally contain water plus sugars and other minerals, and they are marketed as the most effective way to rehydrate after exercise. What is the basis of this claim? Why can it be detrimental to consume large amounts of these sports drinks if you are not actually exercising?

    • ANSWER:
      When you exercise, you sweat. Sweat is a little salty, so you've lost some water, some salt, and presumably lots of calories from that work you're doing. That's what you'll find in a sports drink: mostly water, some salts, and plenty of calories.

      If you're just sitting around, you're probably using about half as many calories, and though you lose a little water from breathing and the like, you probably aren't losing any salt. Thus you'll be getting lots of stuff in the sports drink that you won't need at all... you'd be much better off with just a glass of water!

  2. QUESTION:
    Sports drinks..?
    I'm doing an essay on the possible negatove effects of sports drinks and have come across some research about the fact that sports drinks contain carbohhydrates/ sweeteners etc with high glycemic index which is said to be bad for the body but I can't find any actual proper info on whether these high glycemic foods increase fluid loss which is why they're bad or... any ideas?

    • ANSWER:
      All I know is that most of them contain high fructose corn syrup which is very bad and linked the diabetes. It is beyond me why they would put something so bad in a product they try to market as healthy.

      Sad too, since I love gatorade. Just can't drink it too often because of the HFCS.

  3. QUESTION:
    Sports Drinks?
    What percent of the sports drink market does gatorade have?

    • ANSWER:
      probably more than 75% here in TX. Gatorade also has Propel. The only other so called competition is Powerade.

  4. QUESTION:
    How do sports drinks affect your recovery rate when u work out?
    Some websites are saying that sports drinks are bad for you when they work out others ae saying that they are good for you, which one is it? how does it effect your workout?

    • ANSWER:
      they give you electrolytes

  5. QUESTION:
    How do sports drinks give you more energy than good old H2O?
    Science homework. Researching sports drinks Useful/not useful, how they work, pros + cons?

    • ANSWER:
      Water doesn't have anything other than H2O... sports drinks have added substances.... However, sports drinks don't really give you energy, they have electrolytes, which is claimed to hydrate you better, which is the purpose of sports drinks, but they make my mouth feel dry and more thirsty...

  6. QUESTION:
    What are the consequences of poor management of sports drinks during exercise?
    I just need to know the problems with poor management of sports drinks whilst exercising.

    • ANSWER:
      The short answer is if you don't pay attention to what you are drinking and the amount you could potentially throw off your electrolyte balance. If you aren't training for a marathon or some extremely strenuous activity, you should be fine just drinking water. But don't go an drink a gallon at once. If you feel the need to add a gatorade or powerade I would say 1 to every 4 or 5 waters.

  7. QUESTION:
    Is it better to drink water or sports drinks during a workout?
    I always drink water as sports drinks contain too many calories, but then again the calories provide you with the energy for a tough workout.

    I'm in two minds!

    Thank you

    • ANSWER:
      During a workout - or any physical activity for that matter - water is the best liquid to drink. Most trainers are now telling their clients to drink a glass of milk after "cool-down" and to skip the sports drinks.

  8. QUESTION:
    What do electrolytes come from to make sports drinks?
    Do they extract electrolytes from natural foods or do they mix things together to get electrolytes?? basically how do they make/get electrolytes to put in sports drinks?

    • ANSWER:
      I don't know where they get them from, but they're: sodium, potassium, chloride and Co2. It sounds like they'd be easy enough to get...in bulk from a vitamin supplier or something.

  9. QUESTION:
    What are the best foods and drinks for sports?
    field hockey will be starting in a few weeks, and i wanted to find some good snacks for energy and sports drinks. what are some easy things i can buy like granola bars that are really good for energy, have protein, and not a lot of calories, fat or sugar? and are there any energy drinks that actually do what they're supposed to? i like vitamin water, but don't know if they actually do anything other than give you lots of calories (which are good for sports) but are there any others? thanks =D

    • ANSWER:
      For energy..definately banannas.....
      They supply a unique blend of vitamins, minerals, and carbohydrates that foster a quick and efficient conversion to useable fuel. Whether you need quick energy release or long lasting energy, bananas supply the fuel for the occasion.

      (i have seen many sport players eating it in their breaks...exmple - nadal )

      then some drinks you can try RED BULL.....it may also give you wingss...lol..but do not drink excessive amounts of it

      oh and dont forget..WATER...saves you from dehydration
      all the best for your match!!! XD

  10. QUESTION:
    Are there any healthy sports drinks? I just finished running and bought a Powerade and noticed that it has?
    high fructose corn syrup in it. I sweat a lot, so I need the replenishment other than water. Are there any sports drinks out there without HFCS in them?

    • ANSWER:
      Water is the best thing you can drink.............PERIOD! It's marketing execs that have you thinking you need something other than water.........electrolytes....etc....

      Get a good old glass of H2O - eat good veggies and fruit instead of power bars etc... - you wont' need the other stuff.

  11. QUESTION:
    Are there scientific studies that prove that sports drinks help performance?
    Sports Drinks ads suggest that they are needed for electrolyte replacement. It seems logical, but is there really any evidence that a week end athlete will improve his performance by drinking sports drinks rather than water?

    • ANSWER:
      Sports drinks replace electrolytes lost when sweating. They have no effect on performance unless you are sweating enough to lose enough electrolytes to the extent that you begin to lose strength.

      The drinks are very effective at preventing loss of strength due to electrolyte depletion, but in most sports, electrolyte depletion is seldom a problem. It makes the biggest difference in endurance sorts such as triathlons and marathons, and makes virtually no difference at for sports played in cold weather.

      There are literally hundreds of studies showing effects of electrolyte depletion and electrolyte replenishment, and there is no doubt that maintaining a proper electrolyte balance and a proper level of hydration prevents diminished performance, but there is no evidence or even logical reason supporting enhanced performance in someone that does not have an electrolyte imbalance.

      Drinking plain tap water is all you need most of the time, and when water is all that's needed, sports drinks do nothing but provide a little bit of sugar.

  12. QUESTION:
    Is it safe to use sports drinks and gels in a marathon?
    I'm preparing for a full marathon and have decided to use gels as after some experimenting I've found that they help me stay energized and provide a bit of a psychological boost. Anyways my question is, is it safe for me to use gels if I am drinking an sports drink (gatorade etc) which I may have to do as it will be very hot on the race day.I've heard that the combination can cause some unpleasant stomache reactions.

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      Maybe try it before race day but this information below could help.

      Energy gels: Carbohydrates don't get any more convenient than this. Gels come in small, single-serve plastic packets that can fit in that tiny key pocket in most running shorts. (Go ahead and try that with a sports drink. Actually, you better not.)

      Gels contain mainly sugars and maltodextrins, which make them similar to sports drinks without the water. Some newer gels, such as e-Gel, also come with added electrolytes. There are also gels with extras such as ginseng and other herbs, amino acids, vitamins, and Coenzyme Q10 (a non-essential substance found in the body).

      Caffeine is also in some gels. Check the label or consult the manufacturer's Web site for specific amounts as some gels contain as much caffeine as a half-cup of coffee. This won't be a problem if you normally use products with caffeine, but it can cause nervousness in folks not accustomed to it.

      If you're a fan of honey--nature's original carbohydrate gel--but not into fitting that little plastic bear in your running shorts, check out Honey Stinger gel packs. Research by Richard Kreider, Ph.D., of Baylor University in Texas, suggests that honey boosts endurance just as well as the high-tech carb gels.

      For optimum fueling: Most carbohydrate gels contain about 100 calories and 25 grams of carbohydrate. Depending on the intensity and duration of your run, you take in one to three gels for every hour you're out there. Remember to wash each down with ample water.

  13. QUESTION:
    What are some good sports drinks slogans and names?
    It's part of a science project and i can't think of anything. Just names for a sports drink, and a slogan for it. (Not something that's already out there.

    • ANSWER:
      Splash N Dash....What You Need Before You Need It
      or
      The Energy Stash To Prevent Your Crash

      HemoFuel...What You Need Before You Bleed
      or
      When You Bleed Speed, It's What You Need (Hemo refers to "blood")

      PS I get 10% of the grade (and profits)

  14. QUESTION:
    Where can i get electrolytes without sports drinks?
    Just wondering because i don't have any sports drinks and i need electrolytes

    • ANSWER:
      Raw fruits and vegetable. CITRUS

  15. QUESTION:
    Why would a runner drink sports drinks with a lot of sodium?
    I know it is because they are trying to create equilibrium with salt (they sweat and release salt and by drinking sports beverages they gain back some of the sodium that they lost), but what sorts of molecules do these ingredients supply?

    • ANSWER:
      You pretty much know what I do... hah.
      But I know it is something about their electrolites.
      They are trying to rehydrate them, and I believe if they are low in sodium they die off.. and you need them.

      But, that is all that I know! I just saw tha tnobody had answered this, so I thought I would share what little knowledge I have. :]

  16. QUESTION:
    What is glycerol ester of wood rosin? What is its purpose in sports drinks?
    I was drinking a sports drink and began reading the list of ingredients and came across the glycerol ester of wood rosin which peak my curiosity. Really would like to know more about it. Since I just drank 20fl ounces.

    • ANSWER:
      One of the most ominous sounding ingredients in a fruit-flavored beverage is glycerol ester of wood rosin. Indeed, there is actually a trace of real wood rosin in many citrus-flavored sodas and other fruit drinks. There is a perfectly good explanation for the presence of wood rosin, and it has to do with the age-old idea that oil and water do not mix.

      In order to achieve a pleasing and authentic fruit flavor in a water-based beverage, manufacturers often use flavoring oils derived from citrus fruits such as oranges, lemons or limes. These flavoring oils are very concentrated, and must be balanced out with sweeteners before a beverage becomes palatable. The problem is that fruit oils do not mix well with carbonated water or even natural fruit juices. The flavoring oils would simply float on top of the beverage, even after vigorous stirring or mixing.

      This is where the wood rosin enters the picture. Rosin is collected from the stumps of long-leaf pine trees, then mixed with other ingredients to form a thickening agent called ester gum. Ester gum is often used to thicken or stabilize food products such as chewing gum or ice cream, but would be too thick for beverages. When the ester of wood rosin is combined with glycerol, however, it is suitable as a stabilizer.

      Although water and oil do not mix, they can be blended into an emulsion. Mayonnaise, for example, would be an emulsion of eggs and vegetable oil. In the case of fruit-flavored beverages, the addition of glycerol ester of wood rosin allows the fruit oils to remain in suspension when blended with water. This means that a can of orange-flavored soda would have a consistent orange flavor, not a layer of orange oil floating on top of carbonated water. Without the ester of wood rosin as a stabilizer, the flavoring oil would eventually separate and the beverage would become unpalatable.

      There is no evidence that wood rosin poses any sort of health threat to consumers. Federal regulations prevent more than 100 parts of wood rosin per million, which essentially means there is only a trace amount of actual wood rosin in a typical can of citrus-flavored soda. There are other stabilizers approved for use in beverages, but manufacturers consider glycerol ester of wood rosin to be the best and most natural option.

  17. QUESTION:
    Where are sports drinks usually sold?
    Where would be the most effective place to sell sport drinks? would the location be different to any other drink?

    • ANSWER:
      sold at : a corner store, grocery store, drug store!

      if youre asking where you should sell them i would say : a grocery store.. because thats where people go the most ..., they have to buy groceries.. more grocery stores have drug stores in them so ya... plus at a grocery store theyre more likely to be sold because at a corner store they tend to over price things and people dont want to buy them

  18. QUESTION:
    Is vitamin water the same as sports drinks?
    I drink vitamin water on a daily basis and I'm not active or exercise a lot so...I'm just wondering if it's healthy or safe. Some people told me vtaimin water and sports drinks are the same, but then I didn't think so.

    what do you think?

    • ANSWER:
      Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are best for people who exercise strenuously as they provide hydration, energy (in the form of sugar) and, more importantly, electrolytes such as sodium and potassium that athletes lose through sweat.

      Vitamin water contains 125 calories from sugar (a lot more than regular bottled water) but does not contain vitamin D (which is vital), or Folic acid (an essential nutrient) .So all in all, Vitamin water isn't really giving you you're daily requirements of vitamins or nutrients and it contains a bunch of unnecessary calories.

      One might be better off just drinking plain water.

  19. QUESTION:
    Would it be healthier to cut out carbonated sodas and replace them with sports drinks?
    I'm trying to be a little healthier. I'm thin because I exercise so much but I'm still putting loads of junk food in my body which can't be good.

    Anyways, I was wondering if it would do some good to stop drinking soda and instead drink a sports drink like gatorade.

    Or perhaps I can switch to Propel flavored water?

    My current drink of choice is Sprite. I even drink it for breakfast. Are my two aforementioned substitutes any healthier or should I just stick with my current regimen?

    • ANSWER:
      i used to drink a lot of carbonated drinks and i just recently developed rhuematoid arthritis, and so i cut down sugars, which eleminated soda, any sports drinks, they have a lot of sugar, which cant be healthy for you ... i now love to drink the crystal light drinks, they are sugar free, and no carbs or calories, and most drinks that are sugar free, just watch out for ones that say, FORTIFIED with vitamins, those usually are not good for you and they have a lot of flavor, really taste good too!

  20. QUESTION:
    Effect of distiled water, sports drinks, caffeinated soda on urine output?
    I'm studying for my lab midterm, but I cannot find the answer to this question:

    Effects of drinking large quantities of the followings on urine output. Why do these effects occur?
    Distilled water
    Sports drinks
    Caffeinated soda

    I need help!

    Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      well distilled water would only simulate normal urine output if you meet your daily needs. this is because it increases the water content in your body a sports drink would reduce urine output because of the electrolytes it has since the body needs a concentration gradient of water and salts it would retain some of this water. caffeine wouldn't have much of an effect simply because it simulates epinephrine (adrenaline). however due to an indirect factor it could increase urine output because of your elevated energy level

  21. QUESTION:
    After playing sports what can i drink other than sports drinks?
    I play lots of sports but i don't like drinking Gatorade or powerade. I don't believe they are healthy because of all the sugar, food coloring, and salt. Is their anything else I can drink?
    thanks

    • ANSWER:
      Your right about the Gatorade not being all that healthy...

      after working out or playing sports, your should mostly drink water or milk...

  22. QUESTION:
    Are sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade really placebos?
    I've always wondered what exactly is in these drinks that replenishes you after playing a particularly vigorous game, or doing a long jog in the heat. I drank a bottle of Powerade after a cross country run and I didn't experience any noticable changes, but then again I hadn't compared to drinking water after running.

    How useful are these drinks?

    • ANSWER:
      These drinks are only useful to athletes that use an explosive amount of energy all at once. Ex: Sprinters, running backs, wide recievers, etc... They are NOT better for you than water but in those kind of athletes it replaces things that your body uses on a faster scale, especially carbohydrates. Those are extremly important source of energy for the human body. Since you are a cross country runner, water should be just fine for you. And truthfully, recommended. Powerade and Gatorade are, all in all, not good for you.

  23. QUESTION:
    When do you use various types of sports nutrition/Drinks?
    Ok, so i have hundreds of different types of Science in SPorts nutrition - I cycle mainly. When am i supposed to use it?
    OBviously the drinks speak for themselves, but what about the gel and sports bars? When am i suppose to eat them?

    Thank

    • ANSWER:
      Try Body Choice Hoodia! It's sold at Costco. 2 Tablespoons in the am and then 2 more at lucnh. IT ROCKS!

      Check out their web site!

  24. QUESTION:
    What ingredients do sports drinks use for food coloring?
    Basic sports drinks, gatorade, vitamin water, sobe etc.

    • ANSWER:
      Blue 1 and dead babies

  25. QUESTION:
    What do the electrolytes in sports drinks do?
    I know that the electrolytes in drinks like Gatorade help restore levels of salts in your body but what does the Sodium, and potassium actually do for your body?
    Do they help your heart? Your breathing?
    And which is the best for athletic purposes ?

    • ANSWER:
      Your body uses sodium and potassium ions in it's electrical system (nerves). Yes your heart also uses Na+ and K+, among others, in the pacemaker to cause heart contractions. You use muscles for breathing, so yes. Not sure what you mean by the last part. It is vital that you remain adequately hydrated, and also that you do not dilute your electrolytes by drinking pure water in excess, especially after you exercise and sweat vigorously. This can lead to anything from cramps to heart failure.

  26. QUESTION:
    How can i find out what machinery is used to produce sports drinks?
    You could easily make a drink like cool aid with a spoon, water and a packet of flavoring. But when your business for drinks gets really big, like Gatorade, what equipment do they use to produce their drinks?

    I have a project going on where i have to determine what kind of specalized equipment i will need. I'm making a drink. So what kind of 'specialized equipment' would i need for my business?

    • ANSWER:
      It's all custom made equipment. Do a search for packaging equipment. Good luck*

  27. QUESTION:
    Is ther any evidence that sports drinks actually work?
    What evidence is there that these drinks improve performance?
    It there any evidence that is contradictory?

    REAl evidence, I already know what they do, so for example any tests that have been carried out?

    • ANSWER:
      Over the course of a prolonged session of vigorous intermittent or continuous exercise, the muscles turn over a lot of glycogen (a complex of glucose, water and potassium stored as fuel in the muscles) and the body loses electrolytes (sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium).

      Despite being popularly depicted as a great evil, sodium (as obtained from salt) is the most abundant mineral in the human body, and terrestrial herbivores such as elephants (whose natural environment in short on sodium/salt) go to great troubles to manoeuvre their colossal bulks into tight caves at night to obtain "salt licks".

      Of course, lots of people are mostly inactive and yet spend large parts of each day ingesting more carbohydrates than their bodies have room for. I can't be bothered to cite any specific examples right now, but there's plenty of evidence that repeatedly overconsuming carbohydrates in any form can damage your health, but there's also plenty of evidence that muscles well stocked with glycogen perform better during vigorous exercise, and that consuming readily utilized carbohydrates (especially glucose) not long after such training (or even during it if it's prolonged) helps with recovery from exercise and spares skeletal muscle from being broken down (most of the amino acids in skeletal muscle can be converted into glucose when blood sugar levels are dropping too low).

      Thus, there is evidence that readily utilized carbohydrates are helpful around vigorous training for those who are not repeatedly overconsuming carbohydrates anyway. That doesn't mean that any given hypermarketed and excessively expensive "sports drink" is any better than any cheaper and more "natural" concoction (e.g. a bit of milk mixed with water and glucose powder and a pinch of mineral-rich sea salt). Tacky "sports drinks" are not necessary around vigorous training, but glucose and electrolytes are very helpful.

  28. QUESTION:
    Is it bad to drink more than 2 sports drinks or energy drinks a day?
    I think that i heard somewhere that more than 2 energy drinks a day can cause heart problems. Is it true? why? and does 1 of them a day do anything bad?

    • ANSWER:
      In all honesty, if you need even one a day probably means your diet isn't balanced & U're not getting natural energy from proper nutrition. U may even be addicted to the caffene. Try weening yourself off the stuff. Think about it.....anything that artificially makes your heart beat fast can't be good.

  29. QUESTION:
    Is it better to take sports drinks like Lucozade after, before or during training?
    Or is it better not to use them at all? I'm quite fit but i was wondering if i could use these drinks to help train in any way for martial arts.

    • ANSWER:
      Sports drinks often contain a mixture of sugars, minerals, and vitamins. They claim to improve performance during vigorous exercise.

      In general, if you are exercising for less than 60 minutes, you do not need a sports drink (as stated by another answerer). In fact, you might not even burn as many calories as there is in one bottle of the sports drink. The research demonstrating benefits in sports drinks is usually performed on high-performance athletes who are exercising for long periods of time. It is, however, important to avoid dehydration since this may reduce your performance. Water is an excellent, inexpensive, and calorie-free option.

  30. QUESTION:
    why is water better then sports drinks?
    for school im doing a debate and i need to know WHY water is better for you then sports drinks. i cant find anyhting!
    please also tell me where you got your sources cause i need to list websites.

    • ANSWER:
      well, energy drinks contain sugars and (sometimes, usually) caffine. these are called dieretics. they pretty much make your liver empty all of it's glucose (energy) into your system to be used up (which is what makes you hyper and so on) when this happens, liquids are being released as well. so pretty much, energy drinks are making you dehydrated.

      also all the sugar is unhealthy

  31. QUESTION:
    What is your favorite food or sports or drinks?
    What is your favorite food? Or sports? Or drinks?

    • ANSWER:
      food: tacos or chocolate mmmmmmmm

      sports: afl & hockey

      drinks: tequila sunrise & blue heavens

      lol...is this what you were looking for? a very general question i must say!!!

  32. QUESTION:
    Sports drinks - What is a good amount of sports drink to consumer before doing exercise like a beep test?
    Also, when should you drink it? Is it ok to drink gradually a couple of hours before the race? More? Less? Thanks!

    • ANSWER:
      a good sports and engery drink i take is Lift Off by herbalife. its all natural and taste great. If you would like send me an email and i could get you some samples out and if you like it you can purchess a pack. Its real good. I switched from gatorade and now only drink liftoff. It gives me more energy and power when i am playing sports as well.

      Kirk.kelly215@gmail.com

  33. QUESTION:
    Doesn't Creatine drink mixes and Sports drinks prevent the body from fat burn because of high sugar level?
    I was told that when the blood sugar level is high it prevents fat burning mode because of the high level of sugar. If this is the case, why would people recommend these two types of drinks being that they reverse fat burning mode in the body?

    • ANSWER:
      although both of these have high sugar they both serve their purpose and when used at the right time will be very effective. sports drinks should be used in moderation due to the high sugar and the amount of calories. i would recommend drinking half a sports drink before a workout and the other half afterwards. this will replenish your electrolytes. your body needs sugar after a workout along with protein and carbs. the creatine is combined with sugar just for taste. there are plenty of products out there with just pure creatine monohydrate. i would recommend cutting out sports drinks though. there are many low calorie options that you can choose from.

  34. QUESTION:
    What really is better during a workout, sports drinks or water?
    Ive heard many things and read several articles but can someone please help me settle this. I see during games in the nba that players drink gatorade, but when i play basketball people say water is the best way to stay hydrated. Do the electrolytes in gatorade really help you perform better during a basketball game? Please be specific.

    • ANSWER:
      water!! gatorade/powerade is for after but i guess the new powerade stuff is fine

  35. QUESTION:
    What soft drinks or sports drinks have the least amount of sugar and sodium?
    I am looking for a way to hydrate myself without getting too much sugar or sodium. I have tried to start drinking regular water but I just don't have the taste for it and then I wind up not drinking it. I already have 3-4 cups of herbal tea a day (I whole-heartedly promote tea) but I need more.

    • ANSWER:
      try adding some lemon or lime juice to your water

  36. QUESTION:
    How long ago did sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade first come onto the market in Australia?
    I know it has been big in the US for about 40 years now. But I was just wondering when sporting teams and athletes first started using it in Australia. And also when it first started hitting the shelves in Australia. Because I am doing a project on it for Phys Ed.

    • ANSWER:
      CHOCOLATE MILK

  37. QUESTION:
    How do I replenish electrolytes without sugary sports drinks?
    Im a boxer and work out and sweat alot and I noticed when i get dehydrated i get slight headaches so I want to keep around something to replenish my electrolytes because I sweat and piss them out after drinking so much water, Is there any other way to replenish them quickly without drinking sugary stuff like gatorade powerade and pedialyte?

    • ANSWER:
      I found this awesome site for you..hope it helps!! :)

      http://www.ehow.com/how_2209167_replace-lost-electrolytes.html

  38. QUESTION:
    Why are Sports Drinks better to drink than Water after an exercise?
    I need a detailed thorough answer preferably with a source.

    10 points available.

    • ANSWER:
      Sports drinks contain electrolytes, which are key when trying to re-hydrate your body. Water does not contain electrolytes, as well as other replenishes, and this is why they are better after physical exercise.
      They also contain a lot of salt, especially Gatorade, which also helps to replenish what you've lost while sweating, also a reason why you are not supposed to drink it unless you need to be hydrated.

  39. QUESTION:
    Why do people always say not to drink sports drinks when not working out, but don't say no soda?
    I know all people always say never drink Gatorade when you're not working out. Well Gatorade has like half the sugar and calories of coke(about). So why do these people never tell you about not drinking soda instead of just telling you about something with half the sugar and half the calories and no nutrition value at all.
    Well are sports drinks worse if you're not working out, despite that they have less sugar. I heard the electrolytes inside bad.

    • ANSWER:
      Actually plain waters best, Drinking pops horrible during sports (the carbonation)

  40. QUESTION:
    Any post-exercise electolyte/nutrient replacements that aren't sports drinks?
    Water by itself isn't cutting it after an hour of running, especially in sunny Florida, but I'd prefer something without all the sugar that sports drinks have in them. Any healthier alternatives?

    • ANSWER:
      You mean other than beer?

      This may help:
      http://speedendurance.com/2008/04/21/post-workout-recovery-drinks-and-fat-loss/

  41. QUESTION:
    What do sports drinks like gatorade suppose to do for you?
    So how come they tend to make U more thirsty anyways?

    • ANSWER:
      Gatorade makes you thirsty because it is very high in sodium (salt). You are really only supposed to drink gatorade for sports, because the sodium keeps you hydrated when you sweat. (Sweat is salt).

  42. QUESTION:
    Which is worse, sports drinks or soda for a couch potato.?
    I mean someone watching TV. My bro watches TV and plays video games all day and drinks Powerade when he does it. He says he can't control his addiction to sweet drinks and needs to drink either a bit of soda or soda each day while slowly cutting out to quit them both. Which one should he use. He currently drinks 5 cans a day of coke, or 4 bottles of powerade.
    Don't force him to drink water right away. He gets mad since he's only 11 years old and loves sweet.

    • ANSWER:
      Sports drinks are better because while both have a lot of sugar sports drinks have a small amount of nutritional value and maybe a few less calories. During the transition to water, have him switch the soda to diet soda. Cutting those unnecessary calories is important. Also, have him get low sugar (and also low calorie) juice-type drinks such as Fuze and low calorie Snapple. They have little or no sugar and few or no calories but are natural and are very sweet.
      Good luck to him!

  43. QUESTION:
    what kinds of sports drinks experiments can i do?
    something easy and something that is put in terms that i can understand.

    • ANSWER:
      well you can used a sports drink like red bull and add some sodium bicarbonate and a vigorous reaction will take place this is a very famous and easy experiement...hope u benefit :)

  44. QUESTION:
    What negative effects does excessive drinking of sports drinks have to the body?
    For example too much H-Two O or Gatorade.

    • ANSWER:
      if you have high levels of body fat the large intake of high fructose corn syrup (HFCS) will further degrade insulin sensitivity aiding in fat storage. the current level of body fat that a person has is a direct indicator of the bodies current ability to efficiently metabolize and utilize nutrients. the greater the level of body fat the less simple sugars there should be in the diet, regardless of the source.

  45. QUESTION:
    How can i preform a chemistry experiment on sports drinks?
    It has to be related to chemistry.....it can't be an experiment that can be considered a biological experiment or a psychological experiment.

    • ANSWER:
      Determine the sugar content. Look up in your text for a simple fermentation experiment.

      Substitute your sports drink (or several cans, for your sugar source).

      After the fermentation is over - isolate the alcohol mixture, and run a GC. From the value of the peak (percentage) you will be able to back calculate the concentration of sugar in the energy drink. Compare it to what is printed on the label on the can. Do they match? If they don't match - why?

  46. QUESTION:
    Less acidic alternatives to sports drinks?
    What are alternatives to sports drinks that aren't so acidic?

    • ANSWER:
      I assume you're looking for electrolytes because you get dehydrated while exercising out in the sun - that's the primary reason to drink sports drinks:) Pedialyte will work the same way - or gatorade in flavors

  47. QUESTION:
    How do sports drinks help me?
    How do they work, and should I drink it before my activity?

    • ANSWER:
      Here you go...

      "The energy-packed drinks are an essential piece of kit for running a 10km race, or for taking part in a triathlon or a sports match, especially in hot weather, as they contain sodium, which helps to prevent dehydration by replacing the amounts you lose when you sweat. Sodium is essential because drinking large amounts of plain, unsalted water over a long period of exertion (four to six hours) can dilute blood plasma and make you feel ill. However, their high- energy content makes them very calorific, and will not help if you're trying to lose weight.

      “They're not designed for someone who is overweight and going to the gym for half an hour, as one litre contains 240 to 300 calories. They could end up drinking more than they are expending,” says Crosland."

  48. QUESTION:
    Sports Recovery drinks: are they any good or a complete lie?
    I got this free sports recovery drink powder thing in a mag (it's called For Goodness Shakes! I know, awful name) are these things any good or a complete scam that will just mess with my weight loss?

    • ANSWER:
      A 500ml bottle of For Goodness Shakes contains 353 calories, 8g of fat, 16g of protein and 60g of carbohydrate. It's not a scam in the sense that, before, during, or after certain types of athletic activities, you want to consume a lot of calories, particularly carbs. For example, distance runners training for marathons may routinely burn 1500-2000 calories on a single run, and they need to replace those lost calories (especially the carbs) very quickly, both while they run and afterward, in order to avoid hypoglycemia and support their training regimen.

      The somewhat debatable part is who they're targeting with their marketing. I've met plenty of recreational athletes who run short distances or practice their sport at a moderate intensity maybe an hour a day, or just a few hours a week; often these people are convinced they need to be gulping down things like Gatorade and sports recovery drinks, but the fact is that they just don't work out hard enough or long enough to really need those things. And if you don't really need them, they're just empty calories, and it's not much more beneficial than chugging a soda or a milkshake after you run.

      If you are trying to lose weight, then I'm guessing you're not someone who's running upwards of 70 miles a week or practicing a sport intensely for multiple hours every day. And unless that's the case, there's not really any benefit to you chugging down an extra 350 calories. (It certainly won't improve your performance.) Just have some water and a light snack (half a sandwich or something), and you'll be absolutely fine.

      Hope that helps!
      -

  49. QUESTION:
    What do the best sports drinks cost per serving?
    Cytomax, Accelerade, Powerbar endurance, gatorade, Gu, ect... Where do you buy them?
    I'll start. (I left tax+shipping out)

    Gatorade powder - .14/gallon (3lb container from walmart =.35)

    Cytomax powder - .44-.93/gallon (depending on sale or normal - 4.5lb container from performance bike)

    • ANSWER:
      Take a really, really, really close look at those ingredients!

  50. QUESTION:
    Is Gatorade and other sports drinks bad for you? ?
    I know that sports drinks can be good in cases where they are necessary, like exercising, but are they good to drink as a normal drink. Say as a replacement over soda? Is that healthy? I would assume healthier than soda, but is it healthy?

    • ANSWER:
      Soda's carbonation can damage your bones, so for that reason Gatorade is better. But like anything, moderation is key. Because it is a sugary drink, too much Gatorade can be just as unhealthy as soda.


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