sports drinks

Coconut water is touted as nature's sports drink for good reason; just like Gatorade or Powerade, it contains high levels of electrolytes like sodium, magnesium, and potassium. But a new study suggests that when it comes to the coconut water vs. sports drink debate, you may be better off keeping the coconut water for lighter workouts and reaching for a sports drink for your sweatier exercises.

The study, presented at the American Chemical Society's annual meeting, found that coconut water contains less sodium than the manufactured sports drinks: 400 mg/liter vs. 600 mg/liter. When it comes to a sweaty workout session, replacing the sodium lost from your body is important in order to keep your muscles and nerves functioning properly, and the study's authors say that coconut water may not contain enough to do so.

However, other nutrients, like magnesium and carb count, were similar between both sports drinks and coconut water, and coconut water contains far higher levels of potassium, which is crucial for proper organ function; coconut water also contains high levels of disease-fighting antioxidants. This study is a good reminder that proper hydration is important when you're working out — especially when it's a particularly long or grueling routine — and knowing the health benefits of both coconut water and conventional sports drinks can help you make a decision that's good for your body.

Do you drink a conventional sports drink or coconut water after a long workout?

A certain hot model isn't the only thing Madonna is loving from Brazil. The pop star also has a thing for coconut water and is putting her money where her mouth is. Madonna — along with celebs Demi Moore and Matthew McConaughey — is investing in Vita Coco, the best selling (and my favorite!) coconut water in the country. Madonna is reported to have drunk fresh coconut water every day during her Sticky & Sweet tour last year. In total, Madonna put $1.5 million toward the brand, which is the largest amount in the celebrity investor pool.

Since most brands pay for this kind of celeb power, it's nice to see them back a brand they believe in. Given Madonna's penchant for all things fitness and health, it totally makes sense that she's loving this stuff. If you remember, coconut water was my saving grace during a recent bout of food poisoning. Since then, it's become the way I hydrate before yoga and after my workouts. It's also the beverage my friend stocked her fridge with on New Year's Eve to prepare for her upcoming hangover the next day. Believe the hype, this stuff works!

To hear why Madonna loves coconut water, read more

I feel bad throwing out pickle brine, but I never know what to do with it when I eat the last pickle. My friend saves the juice for her Bloody Mary mix but I'm not a big fan of the brunchy cocktail. But apparently pickle brine has another use — as a sports drink!

You lose electrolytes whenever you have an intense workout or sweat intensely. Even though it sounds weird that pickle juice makes a good electrolyte replacement, it totally makes sense when you consider how much salt is in the juice. Sodium is an essential component in helping the body retain fluids, which is extremely important for long workouts, marathons, or any other endurance activity. Not having enough fluids in your muscles can result in some serious cramping and dehydration.

It's definitely an acquired taste, but if you feel like you want a natural alternative to Gatorade, try adding some pickle juice to water, or make some pickle juice popsicles. I might give it a shot the next time I'm out on a major bike ride or an all-day climb in hot weather.

Source: Flickr User nonelvis

The combination of organized sports and hot weather can provide a dangerous on-field combination. Parents know that water is the best hydrator, but several studies show that kids don't drink enough of it when participating in athletic activities — even if it is readily available.

In one study, when both water and a sports drink such as Gatorade or Powerade were available, kids "eagerly downed 91 percent more than when offered water alone." These statistics are leading researchers to suggest providing lil ones with carbohydrate- and electrolyte-filled drinks, as long as they are on the ball field:

"When kids do intense exercise in the heat for numerous hours, I would encourage the use of sports drinks," says Douglas Casa, an associate professor of kinesiology at the University of Connecticut and the lead researcher for most of the sports camp studies. "They will likely drink more of a flavor they like as compared to water, and will benefit from the carbs and electrolytes."

Once the game is over, stick to water — the high sugar content of sports drinks has been tied to childhood obesity and tooth decay. Do you quench your child's thirst with sports drinks?