pine_knot wrote on Aug 1^st, 2011 at 4:02pm:

I think you're quite correct, ST.  My earlier comment in response to DB was meant for the "average" person.  Sports drinks are nice to have, but probably don't add anything for normal workouts and activities, maybe a "mental" boost, but not really a physical boost.  I have no doubt they are beneficial for elite athletes and hard-core trippers...

Like everything else the consumer needs to beware. Many so called Sports drinks are merely dubious chemical concoctions, loaded with sugar and caffeine. You get a quick buzz and then you crash. The good ones like M_M_ referenced have been proven by elite athletes/ sports doctors and work as advertised.
Coffee has been proven to be a excellent source of anti-toxins as well as a energy boost for mind and body. Getting your caffeine from coffee gets you those health benefits that you don't get from energy drinks/sodas. Drawback is that it's also a diuretic. If you rely on it or other diuretics for your hydration, your putting your self at risk for long term chronic de-hydration and its nasty effects as the article I referenced talked about.
Since most Americans don't exercise regularly or engage in strenuous recreational pursuits like tripping, they might go for years before they find out their chronically de-hydrated and have developed serious health issues becasue of it.

I'm a cheap SOB. The idea of spending 2-3 $ on a Sport/Energy drink or bottle of " magical" water just makes me want to vomit :'( If your water source is deemed pure, then that's all you need.  I drink a pot of coffee a day, have for years. I sleep great and no shakes if I don't get it. I also drink plenty of water to offset the diuretic effect of the caffeine.
I cringe when I see all these people, especially kids gorging themselves on soda pop and sports drinks. The makers are raking in billions in profits and the general public will pay the price in health care costs as the diabetes/obesity epidemics grow as fast as the nations waistlines.
  Think health care costs are high now? Wait till the current generation hits their middle age years or even before. You'll be seeing more and more people on early SS disability retirements and health-care costs that nobody can afford.