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Gatorade and sports drinks?

I run about 30 miles per week. I have to drink a lot of water to stay hydrated. How is drinking gatorade better than drinking plain water. I know there are electrolytes in it, but how does this help with performance? Is it worth the empty calories and sugar?

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  • 1 decade ago
    Favorite Answer

    The electrolytes in energy drinks help your body to maintain the fluids to stay hydrated.

    If you are so active, your body may eliminate fluidds quickly, either through sweat or other forms. By drinking pure water, your body may continue to eliminate fluids at the same pace, which hinders your body from rehydrating properly.

    By ingesting electrolytes, your body rebalances its fluids and retains what it needs & eliminates what it doesn't, giving your body the chance to fully rehydrate & provide you with optimal performance.

    Water is great, but incorporate electrolytes into your diet in moderation, to insure that you get proper hydration. Perhaps try an sports drink 2-3 running days per week, and keep up with the water the other days you remain active!

    Best of luck, stay fit, stay healthy, stay beautiful!

    Have a wonderful day!

  • 1 decade ago

    It does have electrolytes in it that rehydrate you better and give you more energy. Gatorade tatse much better than water. I wouldnt think the calories and sugar would be that bad since you run 30 miles a week. You can get that propel water made by gatorade thats flavored water that has the electrolytes in it with very few calories.

  • 1 decade ago

    While electrolytes are essential to the body, you have to think of what their really putting in that drink. Personally, I hate the taste of gatorade, and all it is, is sugared water. Now if you've been sick and you need to replenish those electrolytes, then by all means, I'd say go for it, but for the long hall, I'd stick with water. It does the same job, but without the sugar.

  • 1 decade ago

    Electrolytes are essential for bodily function and when it comes to running they're important for muscle function.

    How much electrolytes you need to replace depends on how much you sweat. If you're a heavy sweater you'll def. want to drink sport drinks/propel/gatorade to help your body replace lost electrolytes. Even if you don't sweat a lot it wouldn't be a bad idea to drink sport drinks when exercising.

    However, I'd also say that if you're that concerned with the calories/sugar don't drink them all the time. Switch between plain water and sport drinks. But I also wouldn't be too worried about the calories/sugar if you run that much.

    Source(s): physiology class
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  • Anonymous
    5 years ago

    Gatorade sports drink as gives you more energy than a powder.

  • 1 decade ago

    They say gatorade keeps your body hydrated better but I think water dose just as good of job

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    one of the electrolytes that is in gatorade is sodium. sodium helps the body hold on to the water that's inside your body while you're exerting yourself, keeping you hydrated and reducing the risk of cramping.

    Source(s): athletic trainer by day
  • 1 decade ago

    i recomend Vitamin Water by Glaceau. the stuff works great and is all natural!

  • 1 decade ago

    umm gatorade is better because it helps you more.

  • Anonymous
    1 decade ago

    well those elctrolytes give you more energy, so thats something water doesnt have.

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