Commentary by Christy Kirkendol Watson, M.D.
Imagine the shock you would feel if during a timeout at your child’s game you watched the coach run over and give him seven teaspoons of straight sugar. Think about how your child would feel when he or she resumed play. Probably lousy.
Sports drinks are believed to help you “refuel” during physical exertion. It’s time to start thinking differently. Composed mostly of refined and chemically treated sugars, artificial colors and more, sports drinks, such as Gatorade, are one of the worst things you can put into your body. One bottle (16.9 ounces) of Gatorade Thirst Quencher has 120 calories and 29 grams (or seven teaspoons) of added sugar. That’s more added sugar than you should consume in an entire day. This amount of sugar can actually cause you or your child to have a sugar crash and hinder game performance.
Electrolytes: The truth
Your body is designed to regulate electrolytes based on your level of exertion, the amount you sweat and the amount you hydrate. For the average sports or exercise, the benefits of any electrolytes from sports drinks do not outweigh the negative consequences of the amount of sugar they contain. You can maintain your electrolyte levels with a balanced, healthy diet and proper water consumption.
Water = ultimate hydration
Use water to hydrate during and after practice, games and exercise. If your child won’t drink water, try a sugar-free additive like Nuun in his water bottle. Nunn comes as an electrolyte-enhanced drink tab or a “flavorizer” to ensure hydration.
Before you or your child reaches for a sports drink to hydrate, visualize eating seven teaspoons of straight sugar. Chances are you’ll make them put the bottle down immediately.
Dr. Christy Kirkendol Watson is board certified in obesity medicine and is the co-founder of the LiveLight Clinic. She may be reached at 344-0930 or [email protected].
