You've probably heard a catchphrase similar to this: "Rehydrates better than water".
Some may believe it, others may think of it as just sales talk.
After all, isn't water the source of life? Could there be anything else that rehydrates better than water? Yes.
In terms of hydration and rehydration, sports drinks do a better job than water.
In simpler terms, osmolality is used to refer to the concentration of particles found or dissolved in a given solution or fluid.
The osmolality of these drinks is highly similar to that of blood's, which allows it to be easily absorbed by the body so we can feel the hydrating effects faster as compared to water.
There are plenty of minerals dissolved in sports drinks.
For example, we have sodium, carbohydrates and even protein.
These minerals help athletes in keeping up their energy and stamina.
The aforementioned particles play a vital role in fluid retention and regulation throughout the body.
It is their job to help determine how much fluid goes where.
Balance in terms of hydration is an important factor when keeping up energy especially for athletes.
The dissolved particles also help in providing energy and endurance.
This means you can do much more than you usually can with regards to physical activities.
It also helps faster recovery for muscle damage.
These factors and benefits are not given by water.
At least not on a level that sports drinks provide.
Also, if you have been drinking sports drinks, you may notice that you seem to be getting thirsty a bit faster as compared as when you drink water.
Don't worry.
It is intended to be like that.
Sports drinks stimulate certain of feeling of thirst before the body's fluid balance go below desired amount.
This is why athletes tend to drink more when they hydrate with sports drinks.
Not all sports drinks are the same, however.
What you need to remember is to check out the amounts of sodium.
The higher the amount of sodium, the faster the body can absorb the fluids, which means faster hydration.
A sports drink with at least 15mg of sodium per ounce (Na/oz or Na per oz) is ideal.
Well, if you are doing exercise, workouts and other sports activities, yes.
After all, it's named a "sports drink" or "energy drink" for a reason, right? However, if we're talking about regular daily activities, water could very much suffice granting that it isn't as strenuous as athletic work.
If you are often experiencing dehydration even without exercise, workout or sports, perhaps it would be best if you increase your water intake.
If dehydration still persists even after increasing your fluid intake, you might want to see a doctor to help determine the cause of the problem.