Get the skinny on sports drinks

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOTV) - This time of year school sports kick it up a notch and parents are looking for a healthy way to keeps kids hydrated.  The sports drinks that are marketed to us and geared towards kids are actually not the healthiest choice after all.

The commercials for these drinks are full of professional athletes who might be training 3-4 hours each day.  Perhaps the sugar in these drinks is actually beneficial for them but what about for our kids?  A study in by the British Journal of Sports Medicine showed that tooth enamel is damaged after being exposed to sports drinks or energy drinks for just five days, with energy drinks causing two times as much enamel damage as the sports drinks.  Previous studies found that sports beverages can damage tooth enamel -- even more so than soda -- due to a combination of acidic components, sugars, and additives.

It is suggested that these sports drinks be diluted with water and should only be consumed cold as the warm temperature will speed the erosion factor.  The Chicago Dental Society suggests that a straw is to be used to lessen the contact between the drink and your teeth.  So I am asking myself "Really?".  Do I really want to offer this to my daughter and her track team to stay hydrated this season.  "Oh and be careful to not brush your teeth right afterward as your protective enamel may be softer and you could brush some of it away!".  Again, Really?

Water is great for hydration.  And you can add a tsp of honey, a pinch of sea salt and a dash or two of 100% fruit juice to the bottle to recapture what was last from the workout and keep your athlete at peak performance.  Consume this without the warning.