If you want your youth athlete to arrive at practices and games
well-hydrated, and to maintain that status during and after sports, it
stands to reason that educating them about the benefits of proper
hydration could make a difference? But does it? MomsTEAM's hydration expert says the studies suggest that education alone doesn't work.
Contrary to conventional wisdom, a young athlete's need to stay hydrated
is a constant regardless of the sports season, Kids can become
dehydrated whatever and whenever they play sports, regardless of the
temperature or relative humidity.
A child's sports hydration status can be affected, positively or negatively, by beverage type, flavor, container type, accessibility, and parental and coach attitudes about hydration.
For most exercising athletes, the ideal fluid for pre-hydration and re-hydration is water. Water is quickly absorbed, well-tolerated, an excellent thirst quencher, and cost effective. Sports drinks containing 6-8% carbohydrates and
sodium may be beneficial in some situations and for some individuals.