(NC) Most people are blissfully unaware of the high levels of sugar they are consuming in sports drinks.
Any person who exercises on a regular basis is susceptible to the effects of even mild fluid and electrolyte loss through sweat.
Dehydration occurs when the body loses water and electrolytes faster than they are being replaced.
Common signs of dehydration related to exercise include:
• Dry mouth
• Increased thirst
• Lack of concentration
• Muscle cramps
• Fatigue
To allow the body to perform at an optimal level it is important to maintain a healthy fluid balance at all times.
So just how much sugar are we con- suming in sports drinks?
The typical sports drink contains between six to eight per cent sugar, so for an active Canadian exercising three times a week, drinking a 600 ml sports drink per session is equivalent to around 18 pieces of chocolate, or up to 570 calories.
If you wouldn’t eat it, why drink it?