Is it better to drink sports drinks than plain water to stay hydrated during exercise?

This statement is somewhat one-sided.

When it comes to exercise and hydration, whether it is better to drink "sports drinks" or "boiled water" depends mainly on the individual's physical condition, exercise intensity, and exercise duration. For healthy people who do short-term, low-intensity exercise, or mild hydration needs in daily activities, boiled water is a good choice. It can quickly replenish the water lost by the body during exercise and help maintain the body's water balance. For healthy people who do long-term, high-intensity exercise, especially those who do long-term aerobic exercise or exercise in high temperature environments, it is more recommended to drink sports drinks. It contains nutrients such as carbohydrates, electrolytes (such as sodium, potassium, etc.) and vitamins. These ingredients help replenish the energy, electrolytes and nutrients lost during exercise, help maintain acid-base balance, reduce fatigue, improve motor function, etc., and can more comprehensively meet the needs of the body. In addition, whether it is boiled water or sports drinks, excessive intake should be avoided. Excessive intake of water may lead to health problems such as water intoxication, while excessive intake of sugar in sports drinks may lead to risks such as obesity and diabetes.

Author | Master of Doubao Food Processing and Safety

Review | Ruan Guangfeng, Deputy Director of Kexin Food and Health Information Exchange Center