The Effect Of Sport Drinks On Atheletic Performance

The Effect Of Sport Drinks On Atheletic Performance

HistoryThe 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 carbohydrateelectrolyte 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.

TypesThere 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.

MisconceptionsThere 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 DrinkIt 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. It should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. LIVESTRONG is a registered trademark of the LIVESTRONG Foundation. Moreover, we do not select every advertiser or advertisement that appears on the web sitemany of the advertisements are served by third party advertising companies.