Oct 02 2008
Performance Drink - Renewing Indispensable Electrolytes
Performance drink manufacturers claim that using their energy sports drinks during workouts or during athletic events can help people perform better and have better endurance. But, there are also plenty of skeptics who question these claims. The biggest question most people have about these products is, will the electrolyte sports drink deliver any real benefits or is water all I really need during my workout?
Way back in 1965, the first energy sports drink was introduced to the market when a group of doctors from the University of Florida concocted the very first, pioneering sport drink. The purpose of their work was to develop a sports beverage that would help the student athletes at the University fight off tiredness and fatigue so that they could turn in the best possible performance.
These researchers were also diligent about not including any components in the performance drink that might be called into question by the FDA or sports leagues as a performance enhancing drug. Gatorade was introduced as a result of their years of study and work and is probably the best-known sports beverage on the market.
For many years, Gatorade was available in just one flavor, but nowadays with the explosion in the energy sports drinks market, there are a number of delicious flavors of Gatorade to choose from. At the same time, the shelves on nutrition stores are now setup with numerous selections in terms energy sports drink brands.
Still the question lingers and people wonder if there is any real purpose to spending their money on sports beverages. If you ask the professional athletes, or even the serious amateurs, then you will get a resounding yes. During physical activity, especially in hot weather and humid climates, the body loses some essential nutrients and elements.
Plain water can help a person to avoid strict dehydration during exercise and workout, but it does not replace electrolytes which are also essential for health and well-being and for sustained activity. Electrolytes are made up of 4 essential minerals which are magnesium, sodium, calcium and potassium. When a persons body begins to run low on crucial electrolytes, you will not be able to function at peak levels and a well made sports drink will counterbalance that.
There are many different drink options available and many of them contain a variety of substances in addition to the basic fluid and electrolytes. The addition of relatively small quantities of carbohydrates, someplave in the range of 4 to 6 percent, also has the ability to assist the body in replenishing the glucose it requires to carry on in the desdired activity.
Some formulations also include protein, energy enhancers such as caffeine, guarana and amino acids. You can also purchase a nutrition sports drink that has an assortment of vitamins in addition to other elements. All of these ingredients are intended to help the athlete stay well-hydrated during their workout, while also giving the body other beneficial nutrients that support performance and recovery.
When choosing a performance drink to use in your workouts, it is always wise to consult with your doctor, or possibly with a personal trainer to help you know what ingredients would best support your exercise routines. Also, before you purchase a case of any brand of sports drink bottles be sure you do a taste-test first or you could be stuck with a batch of sport drinks you don’t like.
Not every drink is alike. There are hundreds of varieties of waters and colas on the market and if you throw in the sports drinks that are currently the fad beverage you have a confusing mix of beverages that can make anyone’s head dizzy. But for those true sports enthusiasts who are wanting to get the best nutrition possible or to change their physical appearance a drink is the best possible way to take advantage of the caloric intake found within beverages. It is a beverage packed with vitamins, nutrients and proteins. You can get that added punch too. Click here for more information: Bodybuilding Tips and at Body Building Products also Natural Bodybuilding
