Friday, March 29, 2024

Timer

Sports drinks often not necessary

First Published:

[projekktor id=’15698′]

It turns out drinks that are marketed to athletes could actually be doing more harm than good.

It’s becoming more common for kids and teens to bring a sports drink to practice instead of a water bottle. But some doctors say, it’s just as bad as drinking pop. And they’re often more harmful than helpful for young athletes.

They’re bright, fruity and thirst quenching. But sports drinks aren’t usually necessary for amateur athletes.

Your body only needs that boost after well over an hour of vigorous exercise.

Jodi Robinson, registered dietician: “You’re losing so much water, so much carbohydrate and so much electrolytes, particularly sodium — having one of these sports beverages can help replace that so you can perform longer and better.”

Sports drinks are often gulped down at high school competitions, when water would be a better choice.

Jodi Robinson: A lot of people have this perception that they’re so much healthier for us, especially if we’re active and we’re athletes. So people tend to over-consume them. So no matter what your sweetened beverage is, you want to reduce them.”

Some sports drinks contain more sugar than candy — and if you make them a habit, they can do a number on your teeth.

Dr. Avin Gupta, pediatric dentist: “I kind of tell parents to think of it as a liquid version of a chocolate bar.”

The sweet liquid gets between your teeth, creating pockets of acid. that’s what causes cavities.

Dr. Avin Gupta: “If teeth are being weakened already, by the acid caused by the sugar in these sports drinks, you’re starting off with a weakened tooth that you’re going to need your entire lifetime.”

While they’re useful for high performance athletes and victory celebrations, you’re generally better off sticking with good old H2O. And that message is catching on with kids.

“I don’t usually drink sport drinks. I think there’s a lot of sugar in them.”

“They’re really bad for your teeth so I’m not supposed to drink those.”

You can get low sugar sports drinks that still offer electrolytes, so that’s an alternative. Many doctors are also recommending chocolate milk after an intense workout. It offers protein, carbohydrates, water and gives you a sugar kick to boost your energy.

More Top News

Ontario school boards suing TikTok, Meta, and Snapchat

Four of Ontario's largest school boards are suing the parent companies of Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The boards are alleging the social media platforms...

Evening weather forecast for March 28, 2024

Shelly Marriage shares the forecast for March 28, 2024 and the days ahead.

Experts warn drivers to be careful on eclipse day

Researchers from Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre in Toronto are warning drivers to beware in the hours before and after the big solar eclipse on...

Premier Ford rejects Ottawa’s bill of rights and protection funds for tenants

Premier Doug Ford is going along with the Quebec government in rejecting Ottawa's attempt to help renters. On Wednesday, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau gave...

Hamilton mayor intends to use strong mayor powers for affordable housing

Residents and businesses near two Stoney Creek parking lots are disappointed after Hamilton mayor Andrea Horwath decided to use her strong mayor powers to...

Date set for inquest into death of man during Halton police shootout in 2018

A provincial coroner has set a date for an inquest into a man's death after a shootout with Halton police almost six years ago. Ahmadu...