Everyone seems to be paying closer attention to their health and exercising more and more. It is just something that everyone does today and is fast becoming almost a national sport! During exercise, the most important thing that a person has to pay attention to is getting enough fluid. It is absolutely essential to stay hydrated at all times, especially during periods of strenuous exercise. Everyone today wonders if there is a certain type of energy drink that is best. They wonder if plain water will hydrate their body better than a sports drink. Some even wonder if there are any benefits to soda or fruit juice. And, believe it or not, the benefits of beer are sometimes pondered!
Most people in exercise programs select water as their choice of fluid. It is the best way to hydrate their bodies both before and during exercise. It is readily available and is probably the least expensive way to make sure that they stay hydrated. Experts agree that it is essential to drink at least 4 ounces of water every 20 minutes while exercising. Sports drinks are fast becoming a staple in the world of exercise. However, most have an appealing taste and sweetness which encourages people to drink more during their exercise periods. They don’t have as much quenching power as water but do provide a carbohydrate boost and help replenish nutrients lost during perspiration. They have fewer calories than sodas or juices. Juice is very nutritious but doesn’t provide many hydration benefits. Its high fruit sugar content doesn’t do much for hydration and it doesn’t work well to quench thirst. Soft drinks don’t contain any healthy nutrients but taste good so a person is likely to drink more of them. Their high carbohydrate content provides a quick energy boost that is sometimes needed during periods of exercise. And, they tend to work well to hydrate the body. Beer or other alcoholic beverages are great for spectators but not for athletes. They do very little to increase hydration so should not even be considered for consumption during periods of exercise.
Overall, water is the best energy drink because it works the best to hydrate the body and keep it working properly. It is important to drink lots of it at all times and to be especially diligent when participating in an exercise program or athletic event. Sometimes it’s fun to mix water with a sports drink powder to add a little more flavor and variety to a person’s fluid intake.