by Debbie Robus

Created on: October 05, 2009   Last Updated: November 20, 2009

Sports drinks have gotten to be so commonplace that we usually don't give them a second thought. From the five-gallon coolers of Gatorade on the sideline at a football game to the Powerade bottle in our kid's duffel bag for his/her big soccer game, sports drinks have become the "liquid refreshment" of choice for athletes and even the casual weekend jogger. So what's the big deal? Are sports drinks all they are cracked up to be? Or is this just the latest hype? And could sports drinks actually be detrimental to our workouts - and our health? The choice is a highly personal one, but here are some things to consider...

On the "plus" side:

* Sports drinks replace electrolytes - laden with vitamins and minerals, sports drinks can replenish the electrolytes, sodium and potassium our body expels via sweating when participating in vigorous exercise or strenuous athletic events.

* Sports drinks provide a quick boost of energy. Because many sports drinks contain a heavy dose of caffeine, these drinks can often provide us a quick "jolt" of energy.

* Sports drinks are a quick way to get carbohydrates and/or protein. Many of the sports drinks on the market today have a hefty amount of carbohydrates, which can recharge and refuel someone who is exercising strenuously. Some even contain protein, which some athletes think can help with performance.

* Sports drinks are a nice change from water. We are no longer satisfied with a simple beverage. Water is not "cool" enough for the sidelines or even off the court. We need something that says, "I am a serious athlete - and water doesn't fill that bill for many."

* Sports drinks are portable and convenient. Every mini-market and convenience store has a cooler packed with individual bottles of your favorite sports drink... in every color of the rainbow. Athletes can stick with one sports drink and make it "theirs."

On the other hand:

* Sports drinks are expensive. An individual bottle can cost anywhere from $1.50 to nearly $3.00. This can become costly in a hurry for a serious athlete who re-hydrates often.

* Sports drinks tend to replace water consumption. Those who drink sports drinks tend not to drink water. While this may seem like a fair trade-off, water is still the best way to go for re-hydrating after normal exercise and physical exertion... and a far healthier choice.

* Sports drinks are loaded with sugar. While there are a few sugar-free sports drinks, most are filled with sugar and/or high fructose corn syrup. Sports drinks

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