Authors: Kiril Filev, Marijan Stevanovski, Natasha Gjorgovska,
Daniela Belichovska

Publish: International Journal of Recent Research in Arts and Sciences, MIT University Skopje, Macedonia, ISSN: 1857-8128

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Abstract

Athletes need more fluid to maintain their ability to regulate internal temperature and to keep the body cool. Most energy released during exercises appears immediately as heat. The production of heat in contracting muscles can rise up to 20 times above that of resting muscles. Athletes must avoid dehydration for athletic performance, heat exhaustion, heat cramp, and prevention the potentially fatal heat stroke. Drinking fluid during exercise, when possible, should be adequate to minimize body weight loss, and to prevent dehydration. Following this practice is good idea even when sweating can go unnoticed, during the winter, to replace fluid lost in sweat, regulate body temperature, prevent dehydration and low blood sodium levels. Sports drinks are adequate solutions of electrolytes, sodium, potassium and chlorine, good sources of energy, carbohydrates and water. Apple and watermelon juices are also very good sources of potassium, carbohydrates, vitamins and natural flavor. They should be good substitution of mono potassium phosphate, artificial flavors, vitamins, glucose-fructose syrup and a special source of carotenoids (lycopen, lutein, zeaxanthin, cryptoxanthin) very strong antioxidants.

Keywords: sports drink, electrolyte, watermelon, apple, juice