Sport Drinks

Question
My husband is 70 years old and does not work out.  He loves to drink sport drinks (gatorade) instead of water.  I heard that it is harmful to drink these if you are not sweating.  Can you tell me if this is not good for him.  He does have high blood pressure.  Thank you.

Answer
Hello Gail!

   Thank you for your nutrition question.  Electrolyte solutions such as Gatorade are only intended for certain situations (mainly dehydration), and should not be routinely used.

Gatorade provides needed electrolytes that your body loses from sweating. Because you lose excess amounts of electrolytes through more vigorous workouts, such as marathons and triathlons, a drink like Gatorade will provide the electrolytes your body needs.

With lower-level workouts, however, it is unnecessary to consume Gatorade, as you are not burning enough electrolytes to have them replaced with such a high-energy drink. With low-level workouts, adding simple minerals ?including vitamin C powder with calcium, magnesium, potassium and sometimes powdered amino acids ?to your water or foods can replace what was lost.

-George Rapitis, Bsc. Nutritionist
www.juiceblend.com
www.dietitian.mymagicwand.com

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