ENERGY DRINKS

Energy drink is the beverage that replenishes the energy levels back after vigorous work. These contain carbohydrates and other supplements to help replenish fluids and nutrients used during vigorous exercise and sporting events. Energy drinks are also called as the Sports Drinks. These energy drinks, or sports drinks are available in a variety of flavors.

Sports drink is a beverage designed to help athletes rehydrate, as well as restore electrolytes, carbohydrates, and other nutrients, which can be depleted after training or competition. Consumption of excessive amounts of water can cause water intoxication, a potentially fatal imbalance ofelectrolytes in the body. Water intoxication is extremely rare. It might occur during intense exercise, as heavy sweating removes water and electrolytes from the body. When only large quantities of water are consumed to replace what has been lost, the result is low concentration of electrolytes adversely affecting central nervous system function.

Many sports drinks reduce the risk of water intoxication by replenishing fluids and electrolytes in a ratio similar to that normally found inthe human body. However, some sports drinks have low concentrations of electrolytes, so overconsumption of them could also lead towater intoxication. People whose work or exercise puts them at high risk of developing heat illness or water intoxication should seek professional advice about proper rehydration of the body. Electrolyte replacement promotes proper rehydration, which is important in delaying the onset of fatigue during exercise. As the primary fuel utilized by exercising muscle, carbohydrates are important in maintaining exercise and sport performance. Some are pre-made liquids while others are mix-it-yourself powders.

Energy drinks are more affective and are very effective in getting into the body. It gives the energy instantly when compared to normal liquids. There are two main factors that affect the speed at which fluid from a drink gets into the body.
1. Carbohydrate Level: The higher the carbohydrate levels in a drink the slower the rate of stomach emptying. Isotonic drinks with a carbohydrate level of between 6 and 8% are emptied from the stomach at a rate similar to water.
2. Electrolyte Level: Sodium and potassium in a drink will reduce urine output. Reduced urine output enables the fluid to empty quickly from the stomach, promotes absorption from the intestine and encourages fluid retention.

There are many types of Energy Drinks. Here are the three types of energy drinks available in market.
Isotonic Fluids
1. These drinks contain similar concentrations of salt and sugar as in the human body.
2. This contains electrolytes and 6-8% carbohydrate. These replace fluids very quickly that are lost by sweating and supplies a boost of carbohydrate.
3. This fluid is the best choice for most athletes. Mainly, middle and long distance running or team sports athletes consume this fluid.
Hypotonic Fluids
1. These drinks contain a higher concentration of salt and sugar than the human body.
2. This contains electrolytes and a low level of carbohydrate. These quickly replace fluids lost by sweating.
3. Suitable for athletes who need fluid without the boost of carbohydrate, such as jockeys and gymnasts.
Hypertonic Fluids
1. Hypertonic drinks contain a lower concentration of salt and sugar than the human body, and high level of carbohydrate. 
2. Used to supplement daily carbohydrate intake normally after exercise to top up muscle glycogen stores.
3. Suitable for ultra distance events where high levels of energy are required and hypertonic drinks can be taken during exercise to meetthe energy requirements.
4. If used during exercise, hypertonic drinks need to be used in conjunction with isotonic drinks to replace fluids.

These energy drinks are available in two major forms. One form is ready-to-drink formulation and the other is that the powder is supplied, and consumers have to prepare the drink for themselves. Some are pre-made liquids while others are mix-it-yourself powders.
There are many different brands of sports drinks. Make sure you get a sport drink that works best for you by trying different brands, flavors and potencies. Fitness trainer and/or personal doctor can also be considered before consuming the energy drinks. Depending on the electrolyte level, the energy drink can be chosen. Electrolytes serve three general functions in the body. 
They are:
1. Many electrolytes are essential minerals for the body.
2. Electrolytes control osmosis of water between body compartments.
3. Electrolytes help maintain the acid-base balance required for normal cellular activities.

The sweat that evaporates from the skin contains a variety of electrolytes. The electrolyte composition can vary from person to person but is generally has the following: 
Sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, sulphate, bicarbonate, phosphate.
Many of the people confuse between the health drinks and energy drinks. Many of the leading health drink brands are Horlicks, Soya-milk, Complan and Bournvita, Boost. Health drinks are needed as a supplement to enhance and increase our nutrients to meet up the daily required proteins, carbohydrates and vitamins for our body. But where as in the case of Energy drinks, these are used as a supplement to quickly replace the lost carbohydrates and electrolytes of our body. 
For decades, many players have been using glucose-based drinks like Glucon-D and oral rehydration supplements like Electral for refreshment and replenishment during play. Getting them to switch to branded sports drink may not be easy. But after the usage of these energy drinks, athletes tend to consume them and have brought a great change in the usage of the drinks. If taking part in any sort of games, try these energy drinks and keep yourself fit!!