Both sports drinks and water are used to energize and hydrate athletes when exercising, but which is better? Water is the better choice for athletes because it is more hydrating and sports drinks can be unhealthy when consumed without enough exercise.

Although sports drinks contain electrolytes, water is better for hydration. Your body needs to replenish the water lost during exercise. It is known that, “water makes up the majority of your body weight and is critical for your body’s proper functioning” (healthline.com). Water is the most logical drink for hydration rather than sports drinks. “The average person should be drinking eight to twelve ounces of water each hour during the heat of summer. If you are working in the heat for several hours, Dr. Nish suggests you consume 12 to 16 ounces a couple hours before work" (unitypoint.org). Drinking sports drinks more often than water won’t give athletes the right amount of hydration needed.

Those people that don’t exercise enough, gain weight from the carbohydrates and electrolytes that are absorbed. Sports drinks are high in sugar and only give people that exercise the right amount of carbohydrates. “These drinks were never intended to be consumed by the general public, but unfortunately, they have been marketed to the masses with the underlying message that if you drink these, you will become a great athlete like Michael Jordan. Unfortunately, most people gain weight,” said Andrew Nish, MD.

Photo by: Trinity Buchanan

This is a picture drawn asking viewers which is more preferred when exercising.

Bob Miller's Girls Lacrosse Team competes against Faith Lutheran's Team.