First, it’s important to point out that while water is a perfectly good choice for normal hydration purposes, sports drinks can provide additional benefits for anyone who is exercising or exposed to high temperatures – including children. Why?  Because in addition to providing much-needed hydration, they also can replenish electrolytes, which are salts found in the body fluid, tissue and blood that are lost during exercise or in the heat.  Common electrolytes include sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium and magnesium.

In fact, aside from athletics, there are times when the added benefits of sports drinks can be beneficial. For example, today in the District of Columbia (like many of our readers in various parts of the country), we are experiencing a bit of a heat wave.  Just a short while ago, the DC Homeland Security and Emergency Management Agency sent out an alert to subscribers on protective actions for heat.  Among many helpful tips, they advised combating dehydration by “drinking plenty of water along with sports drinks or other sources of electrolytes.” And for those who work outdoors during the warm weather – whether professionally, such as in construction, or in your spare time tackling the garden or mowing the lawn – sports drinks can help you stay hydrated and reduce muscle cramping.

Second, it is a misperception that sports drinks are high in sodium. On average, sports drinks contain only 50 to 100 milligrams of sodium per serving. In fact, most sports drinks qualify as a low-sodium food according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration’s definitions for sodium health claims.  Did you know that an 8 ounce serving of a sports drink has a similar sodium content to a cup of 2 percent milk?

Finally, as with many beverages, sports drinks can have calories.  However, due to industry innovation, there is a wide variety of options from which to choose. Due to industry innovation, lower-calorie versions of sports drinks are now available for consumers who want nutrients and electrolytes, but fewer calories.  After all, we know that when it comes to maintaining a healthy weight, what matters most is balancing calories consumed from all foods and beverages with those burned through exercise.

Whatever beverage you choose for you and your family, remember that, as with all foods and beverages, the key is moderation.  You can find out more about all of our industry’s beverages by visiting our Products Issue Site.

With ongoing industry innovation, sports drinks are now available in a variety of flavors and calorie ranges, too.

And as you walk down the beverage aisle looking for your favorite sports drinks, we hope you’ll also notice the new calorie labels that America’s beverage companies are adding to the front of every can, bottle and pack they produce.  Check out the Clear on Calories section of our website for more information.

We hope that you’ll continue to follow us here and on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube for the latest information from the beverage industry!

In addition to a bill that would ban sports drinks from high schools, other legislation has been introduced that aims to ban aluminum bats at baseball games.  These come on the heels of another bill which has a goal to ban toys in happy meals!

The beverage industry also cares about our nation’s children.  We understand that childhood obesity is a serious problem and a concern for many parents.  And we recognize that schools are special places.  In fact, our industry’s School Beverage Guidelines have dramatically reduced the number of calories available to children and teens throughout the school day.  The guidelines are common-sense and backed by parents, teachers and other community leaders.

But legislation like the proposal to ban sports drinks in high schools seems a bit over the top for teenagers who are exposed to a world of choices as they enter high school and, among other significant milestones, are learning to drive. How can we best prepare them to make the right choice?  We at Sip & Savor believe that, with some guidance from parents, giving them the tools to make dietary decisions that are best for them is a good start.

When it comes to sports drinks, they clearly have a functional place in schools.  In fact, studies show that 53 percent of high school students participate in interscholastic sports before, during and after schools, and sports drinks provide a functional benefit necessary for students to add energy and absorb fluids efficiently.

Just as high school brings a range of options for sport and exercise, so also are increased options for food and beverages to quench thirst and satisfy hunger.  Many studies have proven that adolescents who get the proper amount of physical activity in high schools are more likely make exercise a part of their adult life, too.  Nutrition education, proper physical activity and a balanced diet is the key to healthy living.  And allowing choice in the school environment is appropriate for teens that are learning how to best care for their body.

Many of our members’ products will be featured in advertisements surrounding the big event, and we hope you’ll check back with us at Sip & Savor for a preview. But as you watch the pros pre-and re-hydrate with sports drinks on the sidelines, have you ever wondered how they work?

Sports drinks – like Gatorade, Powerade, Accelerade, Capri SUN Sport and All Sport, among others – play a very important role in keeping athletes hydrated. In fact, these drinks were created to help athletes hydrate before, during and after vigorous exercise so that they can maintain a high performance level through a long workout or game.

When you exercise, you lose water, electrolytes (such as potassium and sodium) and carbohydrates through the energy you use and through sweat. Sports drinks help replace these important substances. And while sports drinks may have been designed for athletes, you certainly don’t need to play for the NFL to consume these tasty beverages.

Enjoy the playoff season!

So it’s a good time to remind athletes of all ages, particularly parents and coaches of teen and young athletes, about the importance of staying hydrated.

Experts in the field of sports medicine and science often talk about the importance of pre-hydrating. In other words, drinking regularly throughout the day so you’re properly hydrated before beginning physical activity. This will make it easier to stay hydrated throughout your work out, practice or game.

Next, it’s important to stay hydrated throughout a game or practice. And our industry offers a number of products to help athletes achieve proper hydration. Sports drinks are one option; in addition to providing hydration, they also help to replace electrolytes lost through sweat. Other products, such as bottled water, vitamin water or enhanced water, also can be good choices to help athletes hydrate.

All of these beverage products can help athletes perform their activity safely — without becoming dehydrated — particularly on hot days.

Check out the American Beverage Association’s products site for more information on all of our beverage products, including sports drinks, bottled water and water beverages.

So get out there, play hard and do your best. But don’t forget how important hydration is for your optimum performance. Your body needs it.