When you are participating in intense physical activities, you are certain to get thirsty. Whether you are simply running around or playing in an official sports game, it is important to replenish your body with plenty of fluids.

Drinking an adequate amount of water (physicians recommend eight 8 oz glasses a day) helps to prevent you from becoming dehydrated. While water is a great way to quench your thirst, sports drinks can also be good for you.

When you exercise and sweat, your body may benefit from a sports drink which has added ingredients such as salt and carbohydrates, or carbs. These ingredients help to replenish your body during extreme physical activities.

If you lose too much salt through your sweat, you may get muscle cramps and if you burn too many carbs, you may run out of energy. Drinking sports drinks like Gatorade helps to replace both salt and carbs. Some people also find it easier to drink sports drinks because they have more flavor (from the salt and sugar).

However, it is important to remember that too much sugar and salt can be bad for your body, and sticking with good old-fashioned water is sufficient, or good enough, for most physical activities.