In the midst of the heat and humidity of summer, it may be tempting to reach for your favorite sport drink to refresh yourself after exercising or playing outdoors. With so many products on the market, it can be hard to know which is best. Reading labels is the key to understanding what is going into your body, whether you are choosing your favorite food or drink. Let’s look at some ingredients which are commonly included in a variety of sport drinks, to consider how they may affect your health.

High Fructose Corn Syrup. This sweetener is linked to obesity largely (excuse the pun) because the pancreas does not secrete insulin in response to it. Insulin acts as a hunger-quenching signal to the brain, signaling it to stop eating. Also, genetically-modified corn is used, so the body can’t recognize it, further fouling up metabolism.

Sucralose. An artificial sweetener (also known as Splenda) which has a chlorine molecule attached to a simple sugar. Chlorine is supposed to be found in bleach and swimming pools – not the human body.

Acesulfame Potassium. A calorie-free artificial sweetener. Since it has potassium in its name, people might think this additive is replacing electrolytes.

Sucrose Syrup. Another sweetener. How many sweeteners are needed!?!? Simple sugars such as this can provide a burst of energy, but due to the rate at which it is metabolized, it can actually put a drag on your system, resulting in fatigue.

Citric Acid. Puts the “zing” in the drink for flavor enhancement. This creates more acidity in the system, which tends toward the development of osteoporosis.

Sodium Citrate. An acidity regulator and buffering agent. This helps to offset the acidity of the drink.

Glycerol Ester of Wood Rosin. An emulsifier- the purpose of which is to keep the ingredients from separating out.

Artificial Colors & Dyes. These have been linked to attention deficit and hyperactivity disorders, maladies which don’t just affect kids.

Many of these ingredients are included just for taste and appearance. Plain water can seem rather boring, yet water is the main ingredient in these types of drinks because it is exactly what the body needs. The next time you want to quench your thirst or rejuvenate yourself, reach for a glass of water with an added slice of lemon, lime, or orange instead. Your drink will be more appealing, absent of unhealthy ingredients, and have a dose of vitamin C added to it. For an extra refreshing treat for the summer, cut these, or other types of fruit, into small wedges and freeze. Add these frozen treats to your water and they will serve as a combination ice cube, decoration, and natural favor enhancer.

Better yet, get some natural fruit juice such as Old Orchard Kiwi Strawberry and dilute it with water. It replaces the “salts” your body loses during sweat – naturally.

Could it be that our play and performance might be even better if we didn’t have all these artificial chemicals affecting our brains?