Sports drinks are a type of beverage that provide both hydration and electrolytes, such as sodium and potassium. They are marketed toward athletes since they lose fluid and electrolytes during exercise, according to the Gatorade Sport and Science Institute. You do not have to be an athlete to consume a sports drink.
Sports Drink Composition
Sports drinks contain elements that are beneficial to athletes to prevent dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and maintain energy. Sodium is an electrolyte that is lost in sweat. If your sweat rate is high, you will lose more sodium than the average person. When exercising, athletes utilize carbohydrates for energy. Not every sports drink contains carbohydrates. You must reference the Nutrition Facts label to identify if carbohydrates are present in the product.
Fluid and Electrolyte Balance Regulation
The kidneys are the primary organ responsible for regulating fluid and electrolyte balance. They communicate with the brain and adrenal glands through nerve impulses as part of a feedback response that correlates to the electrolyte levels and fluid volume present in the blood. As necessary, regulatory hormones are produced, which forces the kidneys to excrete or hold onto more or less fluid and electrolytes.
Factors Affecting Fluid and Electrolyte Balance
Consumption of any beverage, including a sports drink, will increase fluid volume in the body. Increased fluid consumption leads to the excretion of more fluid volume in the urine by the kidneys. On the contrary, if body fluid volume is depleted, such as in a state of dehydration, then the kidneys are told to reduce urine output to conserve fluids. Electrolyte levels are influenced by any food or drink that contain the respective electrolyte. For example, a high intake of sodium-containing foods will increase serum sodium concentration.
Impact
Regular consumption of a sports drink will not create a fluid and electrolyte imbalance assuming the kidneys, brain and adrenal glands are healthy and communicating properly. Your body will respond accordingly and excrete the additional fluid and sodium, if necessary. However, if you have been advised to restrict fluid or electrolyte intake, then avoid sports drinks and consult with your physician. If you are watching total calorie intake, then sports drinks should not be regularly consumed due to the calories associated with the carbohydrate content.
References
- Gatorate Sport and Science Institute; Preventing Dehydration: Sports Drinks or Water; Bob Murray, Ph.D., FACSM; 2008
- "Structure & Function of the Body"; Gary A. Thibodeau, Ph.D., et al.; 2008
- "Advanced Nutrition and Human Metabolism"; James L. Groff, et al.; 1995
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