Why exactly is a sports drink more advantageous than drinking water after strenuous activity?
Advantages of sports drink over drinking water:
1. Replenishing Electrolytes: The electrolyte content of sports drinks makes it advantageous over water. Sweating results in loss of electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, phosphate, calcium, magnesium and chlorine. During strenuous activity, the sweating rate is high which lowers the electrolyte levels in the body. The low level of electrolytes can cause nausea, muscle cramps, dizziness and confusion. Plain water replaces the lost fluids during sweating, but it doesn't replace electrolytes.
2. Calorie Content: Sports drinks contain sugars (4 to 9 percent of the drink) which can provide instant calories. It can give greater endurance during prolonged exercise.
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