by Ho Tin

Created on: July 29, 2007   Last Updated: December 14, 2007

There are various types of sport drinks available in the market. Different types of sport drinks are suitable for different individuals. Choosing the right sport drinks, for the right person, for the right type of sport, for the duration of the sports is very important. Drinking the not suitable sport drink may do more harm than good to the body.

When we exercise, fluid and large amount of salt are loss through the tiny spores of our skin. The sport drink is to replenish the amount the fluid and salt loss. If the amount of salt in the drink is greater than the amount loss by the body, there will be excess salt in the body. This will leads to further dehydrating of the body which is not encouraged. In another case when the drink has less salt than the amount loss by the body, there will be a lack of salt in the body. Deprive of salt, the body will not be able to function properly.

Although shortage of salt does not benefit the body, it is better than shortage of salt. As such, to be on the safe side, it is better to take sport drinks with less salt content.

So how do we know if the salt content in the drink is less than or more than the amount of salt loss in the body?

Well, there is a solution to most problems. The solution to this problem is plain water. Plain water is the most suitable sport drink for all sports, irregardless of the age and gender of the person drinking the water. Plain water doesn't harm the body. Plain water can be taken at almost all time of the day irregardless of the activity the body is undergoing. Moreover, plain water is easier accessible and cheaper as compared to commercial sport drinks. Choosing the incorrect sport drink may harm the body. So why take the risk, drink plain water when exercising. Plain water is the safest choice for most if not all sports activities.

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