PUBLISHED 08/31/2006
Traditional Sips: Juice and Soft Drinks
Both juice and soda can help keep you hydrated, although their relatively dense carbohydrate concentrations (10 to 14 percent) slow fluid absorption in the intestinal tract and can cause stomach distress or nausea in some runners when taken in during exercise. If you're looking to fulfill some of your fruit quota for the day, check out the label of your favorite fruit drink and make sure it's made with 100 percent real fruit juices. Soda offers no real nutrition, but those that are caffeinated can serve as an occasional pick-me-up.
Drink It ... When hydrating or fueling before or after runs.
Pass It By ... When hydrating or fueling during runs or if you don't need the extra calories.
Nontraditional sips: Oxygenated Waters
Here's all you need to know: Humans absorb oxygen through the lungs. Just in case, here's an expert: "Studies have not been able to determine that drinking oxygenated water has a measurable effect on a person's resting heart rate, blood pressure, or blood-lactate values," says sports nutritionist Dallas Parsons.
Drink It ... If you are a goldfish.
Pass It By ... If you are a human.
