Smart Hydration: Sports Drinks vs. Water

Summer time means more activity outside such as fun runs and outdoor sports, so you may be thinking about stocking up on your favorite sports drinks. Before you do, this research may make you want to think again.

According to the American Heart Association, Americans’ sugar diet is way too high. The average American consumes 22 grams of sugar per day. One popular source of this intake being sports drinks. With nicer weather, more families are active outside leading to an increased consumption of sports drinks and added sugar.

So what is the amount of sugar we should have each day?

Recommendations from the American Heart Association are:

• No more than 6 teaspoons or 100 calories a day of sugar for women.
• For men, no more than 9 teaspoons or 150 calories a day for men.

Sports drinks such as Gatorade and Powerade are called “sports” drinks for a reason. They were designed to rehydrate athletes that perform vigorous exercise routines for over an hour. For faster energy and replenishing, sports drinks contain sugar and electrolytes such as potassium and sodium. So if you are running a long race in the heat, you may benefit from sports drinks whereas if you’re just going for a leisurely walk sports drinks will just add sugar and calories to your diet.

Here are the calories and sugar in sports drinks:

• 12 ounce Gatorade or Powerade                       200 calories                    13 teaspoons of sugar
• Lower calorie options:
• Water                                                                         0 calories                        0 teaspoons of sugar
• Propel                                                                        0 calories                        0 teaspoons of sugar
• PowerAde Zero                                                        0 calories                        0 teaspoons of sugar
• G2 (Lower calorie Gatorade)                               75 calories                       4 teaspoons of sugar

Blackstone Orthopedics & Sports Medicine wants you to stay healthy and hydrated the right way. For more information regarding orthopedic surgeons and sports injuries, visit our website or call to schedule an appointment at any of our 8 locations (800) 725-3037. Our Orthopedic surgeons are happy to assist you by providing you with knowledgeable health and fitness information.