Is it unhealthy to drink a sports drink casually even if you haven't been working out?

Question

I've seen people drinking Gatorade like Coke or Sprite while they eat...even when they haven't exercised recently. Is that healthy?

Answer 1

One of the answers you have received sites Gatorade web site as the authority for telling all the wonderful things that Gatorade will do for you. If you believe what Gatorade tells you, then I have a bridge in Brooklyn that I would like to sell you, or how about these shares in Enron that I have been holding for a few years, I will let you have them real cheap.

Go check out the web sites of reputable health research institutions which have done independent research on the value of these so call energy and sport drinks. Most often they recommend that if you need the extra energy, extra boost, then try water.

Not only have you seen people guzzling Down large amounts of sport drinks you have seen the same idiots throwing back beer and shooters till they fall on the floor - does that made it ok?

Read the ingredient list on the label of the drink. check out what good things are there. Most of what you pay for is a few trace elements of vitamin and minerals (which take a long time to be absorbed into the system) but its mainly fillers - water, caffeine, sugar and colouring agents and weird chemicals just for flavouring.

If you are thirsty, drink water.
Do like The Hulk says, "eat your vitamins."
Think for yourself.

Answer 2

Yes, it is completely safe.

Here's the following:

Can I drink Gatorade even if I’m not active?
Absolutely. Although Gatorade is formulated for when you are hot, sweaty and thirsty, it can be consumed just like any other beverage. Keep in mind that Gatorade contains only about 50% of the calories of fruit juices and regular soft drinks.




When should I drink Gatorade?
You can drink Gatorade anytime you are thirsty. Gatorade is not just for serious athletes, but can benefit all of us who enjoy being physically active.

Can diabetics drink Gatorade?
Yes, diabetics can actually benefit from Gatorade. Physically active diabetics who require periodic intake of carbohydrate to prevent hypoglycemia from occurring during and following activity should consume carbs during exercise.



Also, people with diabetes are prone to dehydration by way of their increased urine output, and Gatorade can help in that regard as well. People with diabetes should always consult a physician before making any change in dietary intake.

Answer 3

Well, think about it. Think about the energy contained in one of those drinks you mentioned.

If you do sport, then I guess you will be burning off those extra calories, if not, then they will just sit there, and eventually lead you to put on weight, not to mention the instant sugar rush and subsequent down.

All said though, thousands of people do every day to no ill effect, so while you should limit your intake , the occasional coke really wont hurt.

Answer 4

no way...Gatorade is great

Drinking a huge amounts of Gatorade is probably less dangerous than drinking a lot of water. Gatorade keeps the electrolytes in balance where water does not....resulting in water toxicity (like the lady who recently died participating in the radio competition for the Nintendo Wii).

Answer 5

No it's not unhealthy. It IS made to be consumed when you perspire but you can drink it just like any other beverage. Plus it only has 50% of the calories that are in regular juices and soft drinks.

Answer 6

The only unhealthy aspect is the sugar content. Generally those drinks have a good electrolyte balance and are generally pretty healthy.

Answer 7

no i do it all the time and i actually asked my doctor about it and he said its healthier then drinking sprite or coke all the time. he also said that the worst that would happen would be that you might get a cavity.

Answer 8

I would say no because i drink vitamin water and powerade and graderate all time so it not like a sport drink but a more staffing drink!

Answer 9

It's a waste to drink your calories. It won't fill you up and your body won't even realize it has the extra calories. But it's not like it'll kill you... it'll just contribute to weight gain, same with any caloric drink.

Answer 10

i think its fine, i drink lucozade alll the time, no quite the same but they are basically energy drinks, you just might get super hypeed up n full of energy! Hope i helped....maybe a little!!