Sports Drinks - Healthy Hydration or Junk Food?

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that are in the body as well as present in the food we eat and the fluids we drink. They are crucial for nerve and muscle function and these essential nutrients can be lost from our system through perspiration or illness (vomiting and diarrhea).

When the Body Needs More than Water

Regardless of what the commercials and athletic sponsorships tell us, the question is "Does the body need more than water for proper hydration when exercising?"  During your typical day to day activities, water is the best thing for you. If you exercise for 30 minutes a day, at a moderate intensity, water is definitely adequate, affirms Dr. Mercola. It’s only when you’ve been exercising for longer periods, such as 60 minutes or more, or at an extreme intensity, such as on a very hot day or at your full exertion level, that you may need something more than water to replenish your body.

Why Sports Drinks are Not a Healthy Choice

What they don’t advertise is that sports drinks are up to 30 times more erosive to your teeth than water. And as a recent study revealed, brushing your teeth won’t help because the citric acid in the sports drink will soften your tooth enamel so much it could be damaged by brushing. Sports drinks have these high acidity levels to extend their shelf life (soft drinks do as well).

In addition, the leading brands of sports drinks on the market typically contain as much as two-thirds the sugar of pop and three times the sodium! Because of this, many public health official are pushing for a ban on the sale of sports drinks and flavored waters at schools.  Sports drinks also often contain high-fructose corn syrup (HFCS), artificial flavors and food coloring, none of which belong in your body. If your sports drink is low calorie and sugar-free, be warned that it likely contains an artificial sweetener, which is even worse for you than high-fructose corn syrup or sugar.  Most also contain loads of processed salt, which is there to replenish the electrolytes you lose while sweating. However, unless you’re sweating profusely and for a prolonged period, that extra salt is simply unnecessary, and possibly harmful. Additionally, because salt intake typically increases your thirst, drinking most sports drinks will not quench your thirst while you exercise. It will instead make you want to drink more.

What to Use for Proper Hydration

Thankfully, there are better options than artificial sports drinks to rehydrate you and your family.  Fresh coconut water is all-natural and actually has the the same electrolytic balance as human blood.  In fact, during World War II, medics in the Pacific even used it successfully as an emergency, intravenous substitute for plasma!  You can drink the liquid from a coconut or "coconut milk" straight or buy an all-natural commercial product such as "Vita Coco -Coconut Water Natural Electrolyte Drink". I personally love this drink for it's light refreshing taste that does not taste strongly of coconut (in case it's not a favorite of yours).

Something else I like to have on hand for my family hydration - especially the little ones is "PediaVance". This is an all-natural electrolyte drink for children (yet great for everyone). It is the only commercial electrolyte solution made with organic ingredients and it also avoids the artificial sweeteners, colors and flavors that brands such as Pedialyte contain.

Note: As with any serious medical condition, visit the emergency room if you're experiencing  extreme dehydration, vomiting or diarrhea.  Be especially cautious of small children and the elderly.

Natural Recipe of the Week:  Green Tea Skin Toner

Skin toners help to lift dirt, oils, or dead skin cells that
cleansers leave behind. The green tea in
this recipe tightens pores and calms skin as well as containing strong antioxidant substances that may fight signs of aging.
This product works for all skin types.  It is especially good for

soothing aggravated or sunburned skin. Apply it before a moisturizer.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup pure spring water or
•   distilled water
• 2 teaspoons green tea leaves
•   or 1 bag green tea

Directions:

1. Bring the water to a boil.
2. Place the tea leaves or tea bag in a clean glass or ceramic bowl.
3. Pour the boiling water over the leaves or bag and allow to steep for 2 to 3 minutes.
4. Strain the green tea into a bottle and allow it to cool.
5. Apply it to cleansed skin