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One
of the most important aspects of playing sports is staying hydrated.
Dehydration, which can happen during as little as 30 minutes of exercise,
can cause cramping, fainting, light-headedness and heat exhaustion.
So, what's the best way to fill up with fluids -- water, milk, juice
or a sports drink? The most important thing to do is replace the lost
fluids, but according to a recent article in The Tennessean,
sports drinks do it best because they also replace lost electrolytes
such as sodium and potassium.
Sports drinks are fine for any child older than 8. Children between
5 and 8 can also have the drinks, just in smaller quantities, the
article says. Two popular brands -- Powerade and Gatorade -- have
only about half the calories of fruit juices or sodas.
In a related story, The Tennessean had some kids taste
test the two brands and both received the same number of votes.
Those who preferred a sweeter taste favored Powerade and those who
liked an aftertaste that kept them drinking chose Gatorade.
But don't give up on water altogether -- your body needs it to survive.
Adults should have at least eight cups of water a day and kids need
somewhere between four and eight cups every day.
- Serena Gordon |
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