Water and electrolytes are essential for keeping the body hydrated and healthy. Most people are aware of the benefits of regular physical activity and exercise. But one should not forget the importance of keeping the body well hydrated during workouts. For many people drinking plain water is really boring. Sport drinks are a special type of beverage which provides the body with water and other necessary fluids containing carbohydrates and electrolytes. Similarly, vitamin water is a specially formulated drink that contains nutrients which are lacking in plain water. Such drinks not only hydrate the body but also provide it with useful vitamins and nutrients necessary for replenishment.

Types Of Sport Drinks

Most people are aware about the long term benefits of exercise. But exercise and intense physical activity can deplete the body of necessary fluids and even contribute to oxidative damage to cells and tissues. Sport drinks are an alternative to replenish these losses. They also help prevent the body from experiencing a great increase in body temperature during the workout session. Sport drinks can be classified into three different types:

1. Isotonic – These types of drinks are preferred by athletes who play team sports like football and rugby. They replace necessary fluids lost by sweating and increase energy levels by providing carbohydrates. These drinks can be consumed before, during and after physical activity.
2. Hypotonic – These drinks replace fluids lost due to physical activity but contain a low level of carbohydrates. Hypotonic drinks are suitable for a person who has just finished a game of tennis or an aerobics session as they do not provide a burst of energy but only replace lost fluids.
3. Hypertonic – These have higher carbohydrate content than Isotonic and Hypotonic drinks. They do not re-hydrate the body immediately as they are absorbed slowly by the body and replace lost energy rather than fluids.

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