HOUSTON, June 6, 2001 (PRIMEZONE) -- (WITH PACKAGE) There's a huge selection of fitness waters, sports drinks and herbal brews on the market now, promising everything from increased energy to nutritional benefits. With the warm weather approaching, they'll seem like a tasty option.
However, the average person should not be tempted by designer thirst quenchers, but should stick with what has always been the best way to replenish lost fluids -- water.
"These types of drinks are an appealing option, but they provide minimal benefits to the average person when compared with plain water," said Kathie Nelson, a registered dietitian at the Methodist Health Care System's Institute for Preventive Medicine.
Water prevents dehydration, keeps skin healthy and aids in digestion. Water also makes exercise safer by regulating body temperature and reducing cardiovascular stress. For moderate workouts less than one hour, water is all you need because the body has enough stored energy to function safely. Instead of filling up on sports drinks, a healthy post-workout meal is a better choice to replenish lost minerals and nutrients.
Sports drinks, however, can be beneficial during grueling physical activity lasting more than one hour because they are a source of carbohydrates that the body needs to replenish. They also will help to rehydrate the body. Be careful, however, because there are 50 calories or more per serving. Water has no calories.
Drinks such as fitness waters are fortified with vitamins and minerals, however, these substances are not lost during physical activity and are easily found in a healthful diet.
If the carbohydrate content of fitness drinks is too high, greater than eight percent, they can actually inhibit the hydration process by pulling water from the body and into the stomach to dilute them before digestion.
There are other red flags. The recent supplement craze has produced dozens of designer drinks possibly containing herbal extracts of questionable benefit. Energy boosting drinks may contain Ma Huang or guarana, both act as a stimulant and may increase heart rate and blood pressure.
By the way, the price for these flashy bottles and colorful fluids ranges anywhere from $2 to $5 apiece. Water is practically free.
When faced with the hydration sensation be smart and stick with nature's sports drink.
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CONTACT: Methodist Health Care System,
Institute for Preventive Medicine
Angela Coffman
(713) 790-3028