Sports drinks were first made to help prevent fluid loss during exercise.
Physical exertion can cause major shifts in the body's internal physiological equilibrium (or homeostasis), which unless corrected or minimized can have some serious health and poor performance ramifications.
Alterations in the body's equilibrium or homeostatic condition can range from excessive fluid loss (through sweating and respiration) to an increase in temperature to a reduction or an imbalance in the body's electrolyte and fuel content.

Sports drinks are helpful before, during and after exercise. Sports beverages are scientifically formulated to help restore the essential fluids, energy, and minerals your body loses during exercise. The carbohydrate concentration and sodium combination in a sports drink assures rapid hydration and improved performance.


A good sport drink should include:

• a mix of sucrose, glucose, and fructose, with the least amount from fructose.
  
• About 14 grams of carbohydrates for rapid delivery of energy and fluid
  
• 50-60 calories (based on carbohydrates)
  
• At least 100 mg of sodium to encourage drinking and restore fluid balance
  
• At least 28mg of Potassium to help replace body losses
  
• No carbonation
  

• Professionals suggest that you should  "Select sports drinks that contain glucose, glucose polymers, moltodextrin or sucrose as the carbohydrate source per 8-ounce serving. Sucrose and glucose have been proven effective in delivering energy and stimulating the rate of fluid absorption."
  
• "The optimal sugar (carbohydrate) solution is 6-8%. A sports drink with greater than 10% sugar solution contains too many carbohydrates, absorption may be slowed and nausea, cramps or diarrhea can result. The greater the quantity or concentration of the food or beverage you ingest, the slower your stomach will empty its contents."