Performance Drink – Renewing Indispensable Electrolytes

January 8, 2009 by TreadmillsCenter · Leave a Comment 


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?

Back in the year 1965, the initial energy sports drink was born and brought to market when a group of physicians from the University of Florida created the first, innovative 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.

They also were working hard to avoid including any ingredients in their performance drink that might be considered to cross the line into performance-enhancing drugs in order to sidestep any problems with the sports leagues or the FDA. The result of this hard work is the well-known sports beverage Gatorade.

For an extended number of years, Gatorade could only be purchased in one flavor, yet in todays market with the recent energy drink explosion, there are quite a few Gatorade flavors to pick from. At the same time, the store shelves are now lined with a myriad of choices when it comes to 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.

Even though ordinary water can assist an individual to stave off hard core dehydration while exercising and hard workouts, however it doesn't replenish electrolytes which are also necessary for good health and general well-being as well as for prolonged 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. Adding a small amount of carbohydrates, somewhere in the range of four to six percent, can also help to provide the body with the glucose it needs to continue in the desired activity.

Some formulations also include protein, energy enhancers such as caffeine, guarana and amino acids. There is also a nutrition sports drink category that contains a selection of vitamins as well as some of these other components. The primary intention behind all of these different ingredients to assist an athlete to remain well-hydrated while they are working out, at the same time also provides the body with other helpful nutrients that assist in performance as well as recovery.

It is always a wise course of action to consult with your physician or your trainer and get their recommendations of a performance drink that will best enhance your particular body and your type of workout routines. But, before you run out and buy a whole case of the sport drink they recommend, be sure to buy a couple bottles first to be sure you can handle the taste.

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. For added educational learning, click here: Bodybuilding Clothing and at Bodybuilding Stimulants also Vegan Bodybuilder