From sports drinks touted by professional athletes to antioxidant and vitamin-enhanced smoothies, today the beverage 
market offers more variety than ever. But what drinks are REALLY best for your body and your health?
Surely it’s one of those sports drinks that bolster a mountain of scientific research showing their ability to rehydrate, right? Or maybe it’s the vitamin and mineral enhanced protein shakes that help build muscle and fuel workouts? Perhaps it’s even a more natural beverage like coconut water?
Would you be surprised if you were told you that the miracle drink you’ve been looking for was one that you’ve likely had access to all your life and is essentially free? That’s right, I’m talking about good ole’ water.
WHY H2O IS THE WAY TO GO
I see it nearly each time I work out at the gym. Someone hops up on the treadmill, jogs at a moderate pace for 10 minutes, hops off the treadmill, then chugs an ENTIRE sports drink. Little do they know they just added unnecessary sugar and more calories than they likely burned simply because they rehydrated inappropriately.
The fact is, if you are exercising at low to moderate intensity for less than 60 minutes, water should be your drink of choice. For short duration exercise your body won’t have much of a need to replace electrolytes (unless you sweat profusely) or carbs, so stick to water to rehydrate best.
Besides comparing water to other beverages from a hydration standpoint, water has no equal when it comes to these other roles it plays in the body:
- Regulating body temperature
- Lubricating joints
- Aiding the kidneys in flushing out wastes
- Carrying nutrients to cells
- Helping to prevent constipation
- Moistening tissues like the eyes, mouth, and nose
WHEN OTHER DRINKS ARE BEST
If you’re exercising at a moderate or high intensity for greater than 1 hour, sports drinks are a good option for replacing the lost carbs and electrolytes, especially in hot weather or if you sweat a lot.
When taste is of upmost importance and hydration isn’t much of a factor, your drink of choice should be one you enjoy. Just be aware of the added calories, sugar, and other ingredients, especially if you’re trying to lose weight. Be sure to look at the ingredient list and Nutrition Facts label as well to get a clearer picture of exactly what you’re drinking.
HOW MUCH?
Each day, drinking enough water should be a priority no matter what. Aim for 6-8 eight ounce glasses each day; more if you are working outside or participate in regular physical activity.
