Are Sport Drinks Healthy?

Sport drinks such as "Gatorade" have become as American as apple pie, having been around since the mid-sixties, and originally developed by a team of doctors in Florida to solve the issue of dehydration.Since that time, other brands have surfaced and the fabled"Gatorade" has become storied history, but are they healthy?nnnSummer is almost here and with the advent of the traditional kick-off to the season,Memorial Day week-end almost here, I thought it may be a good time to talk about the importance of re hydration. Americans spend a lot of time outdoors participating in various activities. From the little leaguer to the major pro-athlete, and all construction workers in between, summer brings a heightened awareness of the need to replenish fluids and salts, lost during physical exertion.nnThe most high profile of the sport drinks, Gatorade brand, is consumed at every major league sporting event and has become a staple for sports enthusiasts everywhere. The main functions of the sport drink according to a study conducted at Vanderbilt University are to encourage the following:n1. rapid fluid absorptionn2.rapid re hydrationn3.transmission of energy to working musclesn4.drinking more fluidsnnThis is achieved, by using a mixture of water, sugar(carbohydrates) salt(electrolytes) and a variety of flavorings. This precisely measured mixture is designed to help us avoid problems related to extreme physical exertion from working and playing hard like, the loss of fluids and salts, overheating, and depleting energy.nnThe following is from a Gatorade brand label:nnserving size: 8fl oz; calories 50; total fat 0g; sodium 110mg; potassium 20mg; total carb 14g; sugars 14g; protein 0g;nnThe ingredient labels vary according to flavor, but the main ingredients are sodium, sucrose, glucose fructose and water. For long distance running,biking and other activities that require an extended period of physical endurance, the sport drinks were shown to provided a better benefit than plain water, due to being fortified,plus having great taste and potability.In addition, these popular drinks were not shown to cause any gastro-intestinal problems.nnMake sure to have plenty of fluids for your next outing, including fresh water and your favorite sport drink. If you're on a budget like most, you may want to try the following mixture. You will need to measure your ingredients precisely.*Do not use a salt substitute without first consulting your physician. Do not serve to children under the age of twelve.You will need:nn1 quart waternn1/2 teaspoon baking sodann1/2 teaspoon table salt or *salt substitutenn3-4 tablespoons sugar