PHILADELPHIA (KYW Newsradio) — Sports drinks are quite popular, but are they as healthy as many people think? In many cases, it pays to take the time to read the labels.
Sports drinks can help all athletes, including weekend warriors. One of the best things they do is to help replace nutrients lost through exercise, but they also contain sugar. And the sugar-free sport drinks contain artificial sweeteners. A rule of thumb is that if you exercise an hour or less, water is fine to replace fluids.
It is also important that you know that, in addition to sweeteners, many energy drinks contain caffeine as well as supplements that are not regulated by the FDA. Make sure you read the labels — and not just the advertising. It is worth doing some research, especially if you drink these products regularly.
Get more medical reports from Dr. Brian McDonough.
KYW Newsradio's Medical Reports are sponsored by Independence Blue Cross.
