Young kids, gym buffs and endurance athletes often try to replenish their electrolytes with sports drinks after taking part in strenuous physical activities. But a study suggests that sports drinks might not be as helpful to athletes as initially thought.
Sport drinks are often used to replenish electrolytes such as sodium after people sweat them out. Athletes rely on them to prevent electrolyte imbalances and dizziness after grueling workouts. But the ability of these beverages to prevent illness and improve performance has yet to be proven.
While sports drinks are often taken to ensure that sodium levels never dip too low, spiking those levels too high can be just as dangerous.
For the study, the researchers focused on both extremes of electrolyte imbalance. Hypernatremia occurs because of a rise in sodium levels linked to dehydration. The condition can cause dizziness and vomiting. Read more…
