What is The Perfect Sports Drink For My Child?

What is the perfect sports drink for my child? By Laura Kopec, CNC

Actually, the best sports drink for your young athlete is clean, purified or spring water.

Sports drinks are often filled with sugars and sweeteners which can cause a sugar “high” which is followed by a sugar “crash.” An untimely crash can negatively affect your athlete at a competition.

Some sports drink contain high fructose corn syrup which can lead to tooth decay, high blood pressure, diabetes, heart disease, obesity, and even arthritis.

Some sports drinks contain red dyes and other food coloring chemicals that can interfere with signals from the brain needed during physical performance.

Sports drinks consider “ultimate” or “extremeness” can include ingredients that can negatively impact sex hormones.

Wait there’s more!!!…Research at the University of Maryland determined sports drinks damaged tooth enamel three to eleven times more than even soda…this study even included fitness waters as a culprit!

And energy drinks have been linked to caffeine intoxication, increased blood pressure and heart rate and even heart failure.

What about the need for electrolytes you ask?……Actually, most children do not have a need for electrolytes as a part of their daily fluid intake. Children need electrolytes in times of illness where there has been a loss of fluids such as diarrhea and vomiting.

Information provided is solely for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Do not use this information for diagnosing or treating a health problem or disease, or prescribing of any medications or supplements. Only your healthcare provider should diagnose your healthcare problems and prescribe treatment. None of our statements or information, including health claims, articles, advertising or product information have been evaluated or approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The products or ingredients referred to are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. Please consult your healthcare provider before starting any supplement, diet or exercise program, before taking any medications or receiving treatment, particularly if you are currently under medical care. Make sure you carefully read all product labeling and packaging prior to use. If you have or suspect you may have a health problem, do not take any supplements without first consulting and obtaining the approval of your healthcare provider.