When are sports drinks beneficial?

Sports drinks serve as a very beneficial recovery tool following high intensity workouts or activities. These drinks contain necessary electrolytes and water lost through sweat, and the sugars work to replace depleted glycogen stores. Some research also shows that consuming a sports drink that contains a 4:1 carbohydrate to protein ratio may improve performance and speed up recovery when compared to the traditional carbohydrate-only sports drinks. However, for low intensity activities and workouts of short duration, water will simply provide you with the proper hydration.

Generally, sports drinks are beneficial for those individuals who exercise for longer than 60 minutes (endurance events) and for those who perform activities at higher temperatures (in the heat). Sports drinks contain ingredients other than water, such as sodium (an electrolyte). Sports drinks can help to maintain a balance between the amounts of sodium consumed and sodium that is lost. Exercising for longer periods as well as performing activities in environments with higher temperatures (indoor or outdoor) typically means that you are generating more sweat and that your body is releasing higher amounts of both water and sodium. Because the body is sensitive to changes in sodium, this can negatively affect health. Take special precautions by becoming more aware of your bodily functions. Before exercise, assess your level of hydration by paying attention to urine frequency (how often), volume (how much), and color (aim for a lighter color). Know what is normal for you. If performing physical activity for less than 60 minutes and/or at cooler temperatures, then consuming water is usually enough to stay hydrated.