The Dangers of Gatorade and other Drink-like Substances for your Child

I would bet if you are older than 25 you have never thought that something that professional athletes use would be bad for you, let alone your child. And I am not talking about steroids, alcohol, tobacco or other drugs. On a side note, do you remember when Gatorade came in glass bottles? If you do you will be shocked at what is actually in that bottle today.

"Pediatric athletes can benefit from using sports drinks that contain carbohydrates, protein, or electrolytes; however, for a child engaged in routine physical activity, the use of sports drinks in place of water on the sports field or in the school lunchroom is unnecessary. Stimulant-containing energy drinks have no place in the diets of children or adolescents. Excessive regular consumption of carbohydrate-containing beverages increases overall daily caloric intake without significant additional nutritional value. Therefore, frequent consumption adversely affects the appropriate balance of carbohydrate, fat, and protein intakes needed for optimal growth, development, body composition, and health." 
(Journal of American Academy of Pediatrics)

The beverage was first developed in 1965 by researchers at the University of Florida, to replenish the combination of water, carbohydrates, and electrolytes that the school's student-athletes lost in sweat during rigorous athletic competitions. Thus, its name was derived from the collective nickname of the university's athletic teams, the Florida Gators.

Disadvantages of Drinking Gatorade

Gatorade is a sports drink that claims to benefit athletic performance, and professional athletes promote the beverage. While Gatorade may offer advantages in some circumstances, such as fueling endurance activities, Gatorade isn't an optimal sports beverage and can prove detrimental to your health and the health of your child in some ways.

Erosion and Tooth Decay

Gatorade's high sugar content may make it detrimental for your overall health. Each 20 oz. bottle of Gatorade contains 34 g sugar, which is nearly 2.5 times the amount in a 1/2 cup serving of ice cream. In addition, Gatorade contains citric acid. According to the American Dental Association, both sugar and citric acid can promote tooth decay and erosion of your teeth. And don't even ask about G2, that stuff will kill you faster.

Reduced Testosterone

Although Gatorade is purported to enhance athletic performance, some features of the drink can actually be counterproductive for athletes. One factor is the high sugar content; a study performed at the Massachusetts General Hospital found that consuming a large dose of sugar reduced testosterone production. According to research published in the June 2009 edition of the "Journal of Clinical Endocrinology and Metabolism," higher testosterone levels improved endurance, muscle size and strength, in a group of older men, so it's possible that reducing your testosterone production through over consumption of sugar could hinder your athletic ability.

Upset Stomach

Although carbohydrates can be helpful for promoting energy, certain types, such as sugar, may be disadvantageous. Consuming too much sugar during or before exercise may result in an upset stomach, which can hinder your performance.

Fatigue

Athletic activity can be tiring, and drinking a sugar-laden drink such as Gatorade may actually make you feel more tired. This is because sugar causes an initial increase in blood sugar levels that is followed by a dramatic reduction, which can make you feel fatigued. Complex carbohydrates, found in whole grain products and certain nutrition bars and drinks, are preferable because they provide sustained energy and don't cause large fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Weight Management

Drinking Gatorade may impair your ability to manage your weight, as it is calorie dense, with 130 per 12 oz. serving. Additionally, Gatorade contains no fiber, which can help suppress appetite. Gatorade also has a high glycemic index rating, as it contains sugars but no protein or fat. According to a study from the June 2011 edition of "Journal of Nutrition," consuming high-glycemic foods can impair your weight loss efforts. Additionally, the fact that Gatorade is a liquid can also be detrimental, as high-calorie liquids are less filling than solid food.
Artificial Colors/Flavors
These have been linked to ADD/ADHD and other behavioral issues in children. These should be avoided in all foods.

Ingredients

High Fructose Corn Syrup- is an inexpensive sweetener--cheaper than sugar--that is used extensively to sweeten foods and beverages. It is also a preservative, used to extend the shelf-life of processed foods and it tops the list of items to be eliminated from your diet for numerous reasons. One of the latest reasons to avoid high fructose corn syrup is outlined by The American Society of Nephrology in a press release dated Oct. 29, 2009 detailing the results of its study. "These results indicate that high fructose intake in the form of added sugars is significantly and independently associated with higher blood pressure levels in the U.S. adult population with no previous history of hypertension," Plus it will make you fat.
dextrose - more sugar
citric acid - dental erosion (see above)
natural flavor - This could be anything like MSG, Aspartame or GMO (genetically modified organisms) even bugs! The FDA can not and does not police this additive.
sodium chloride - (table salt)
sodium citrate - emulsifier
monopotassium phosphate - is a soluble salt which is used as a fertilizer, a food additive and a fungicide
and flavoring/coloring ingredients - causes cancer in mice
brominated vegetable oil as a stabilizer, they just took this out. After a petition they decide our Gatorade did not need to be flame retardant. 

If this all makes sense and you say, "I just drink G2. (diet gatorade)" Then you missed the point, artificial can not replace natural.
To sum up, your child does not need Gatorade. No matter what Jeter or Jordan says. Water should be the go to re-hydration drink of any child.
Check out one of my favorite blogs, this one is on Pedialyte.
http://www.100daysofrealfood.com/2013/01/31/homemade-pedialyte/