Hydrate The Right Way

Summertime brings many opportunities for outdoor activity, but exercising in heat and humidity for prolonged periods of time can overtax the body. We all know how important it is to avoid dehydration, especially when exercising in extreme temperatures. So what's the best way to stay hydrated?

• Water or sports drink? Water is the best choice when it comes to normal fluid loss, that is, when going about everyday activities such as running errands, housecleaning and other routine tasks. Consuming sports drinks is generally recommended as a suitable fluid replacement in cases in which physical activity is of long duration (generally more than one hour) or where there is excessive sweating. With sweating, the body loses salts and other valuable minerals, which must to be replaced. In this case, a sports drink can be a good idea. Try chocolate milk, many sports nutritionists are beginning to tout it's benefits after a workout and prefer it over sports drinks.
• Pre- and post-workout drinks. Whey is a protein-rich liquid component of milk, produced as a byproduct of the cheese-making process. Whey protein has been called the ultimate functional food and is used as a key ingredient in many pre-and post-workout drinks and shakes to help promote adequate muscle recovery and repair. Designer Whey is one of the most popular and recognized brands of this type, with ready-todrink products as well as easy-tomix powders.
• Energy drinks. There is much controversy as to whether energy drinks are safe. Energy drinks are typically carbonated beverages with stimulants such as caffeine, certain herbs and other ingredients, and high amounts of sugar, although sugar-free energy drinks are now available. Caffeine is a diuretic, which increases fluid loss and accelerates the rate of urination.

Healthy Trust Immediate Medical Care serves the Chicago North Shore Communities of Lake County, Wheeling, Prospect Heights, Lincolnshire, Deerfield, Buffalo Grove, Northbrook, Highland Park, Long Grove, Riverwoods, Des Plaines, Palatine, Glenview, Highwood, Northfield, Libertyville, Winnetka, Arlington Heights, Mount Prospect, Lake Bluff, Lake Forest, Mundelein, and Bannockburn.