SPORTS DRINKS

Most sports drinks contain water, glucose, and minerals, called electrolytes. These drinks are designed to replace the water and nutrients lost during prolonged, heavy exercise or work. These drinks are best used during and after physical work, not before.

Consuming a fruit juice or sports drink before exercise may cause dizziness and fatigue during the exercise. Here's why. The glucose, or sugar, in the drink stimulates the body to secrete insulin. Insulin depletes glucose from the blood and the resulting low blood sugar, called hypoglycemia, causes the dizziness and fatigue.

It is best to drink water before heavy exercise to make sure the body has enough fluid for the work. Then, as the physical activity progresses, the sports drink may be used to replace the fluids and nutrients depleted during the work.

Choose a sports drink that has about 5 to 7 percent glucose in it. Any concentration higher than this will retain water in the stomach and will reduce the amount that is absorbed into the blood stream, where it is needed the most. If you like a particular sports drink with a higher concentration of glucose, dilute the drink with water to make it more effective as a rehydrator during and after exercise.

Disclaimer: This content is reviewed periodically and is subject to change as new health information becomes available. The information provided is intended to be informative and educational and is not a replacement for professional medical evaluation, advice, diagnosis or treatment by a healthcare professional.

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