Athletes Need Fluids

Question: Would there be any advantage to having one of those special drinks after exercising to replace the electrolytes that are used up, or will the regular foods you eat take care of this? Answer: Exercise results in a proportionately greater loss of water than of eletrolytes. As a result, the concentration of eletrolytes in the body increases. What an athlete needs most afer a workout is fluid.

The electrolytes lost during exercise can be replaced through the foods you eat. For example, one large glass of orange juice will give you al the potassium you may have lost during a strenuous extended workout. If you have a medical question, write to Neil Solomon MD, P.O. Box 36184, Baltimore, Md. 21286-6184).