Sport drinks have become an essential part of the athletic and fitness supplementation market over the past few decades. The essential purpose of such drinks are to increase an individual's physical performance and allow for maximum competitive ability. Their effect on athletic performance has been studied extensively and the general findings suggest that they offer several benefits over plain water. If you engage in high intensity activities, your performance may be enhanced by a sport drink.
History
The market for sport drinks in America began when a team of physicians at The University of Florida were asked to investigate the effects of heat on the football team. Their study found that players were not replenishing electrolytes and carbohydrates that were being lost. As a result, they designed a carbohydrate-electrolyte drink and called it "Gatorade." The football team had an outstanding season the following year and other colleges began buying Gatorade in large quantities with hopes to experience similar success.
Types
There are essentially three types of sport drink classifications. The first type is an isotonic drink, which is made for the average athlete. Isotonic drinks are effective at replacing fluids lost through perspiration while supplying carbohydrates. The second type is a hypotonic drink, which rapidly replaces lost fluids. Hypotonic drinks are targeted at athletes who engage in sports that result in minimal sweating, such as gymnastics. The last type is a hypertonic drink, which replenishes an athlete's glycogen stores with carbohydrates after activity. This type of drink is ideal for endurance athletes, such as long distance runners.
Benefits
Consuming sport drinks have been clinically proven to enhance athletic performance. The carbohydrates in sport drinks helps to maintain blood glucose levels which is essential for any sport. According to the Gatorade Sports Science Institute, consumption of a sport drink with carbohydrates allows for an athlete to compete longer. Furthermore, the electrolytes coupled with the fluid in sport drinks decreases the risk of dehydration.
Misconceptions
There are many misconceptions about fluid intake and sport drinks. It was once thought that athletes should not consume any fluids during practice or competition because their performance would be compromised. Replenishing fluids during activity via sport drinks actually boosts performance and allows for longer, more intense competition. Another misconception is that an individual must buy pricey sport drinks from the store in order to reap their benefits. Sport drinks can essentially be made at home by mixing certain amounts of juice and salt together.
The Ideal Sport Drink
It is essential to look for a few basic ingredients when choosing a sport drink for your specific application. Those who engage in activities that result in extreme perspiration require sodium in their drink. The recommended amount of sodium in an 8 oz serving ranges from 110 to 220 mg. Most athletes will also require some type of carbohydrate supplementation for optimal performance. The ideal sport drink solution should be 4 to 6 percent carbohydrates. Beware of sport drinks with a carbohydrate solution greater than 8 percent as they can cause stomach distress.
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