Final answer:
The American College of Sports Medicine advises that when exercise exceeds 60 minutes, it is beneficial to intake fluids containing electrolytes, like those found in sports drinks. Such drinks provide not just hydration but also replenish sodium lost in sweat, enhancing performance and endurance, especially in vigorous or prolonged exercise.
Step-by-step explanation:
The American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends proper fluid intake during exercise lasting longer than 60 minutes, including consumption of sports drinks that contain electrolytes. Sports drinks, which are designed to rehydrate the body after excessive fluid depletion, contain sodium and potassium to promote normal rehydration and prevent fatigue during physical exertion. According to the ACSM, a sports drink should ideally have about 125 milligrams of sodium per 8 ounces to assist in replenishing sodium lost in sweat and to enhance fluid uptake in the small intestine, thus improving hydration. As for whether sports drinks are good for achieving recommended fluid intake, they indeed can be beneficial, particularly for activities that are prolonged or involve extensive sweating. Also, they may aid in enhancing performance and endurance, as they claim. Generally, those engaged in prolonged, vigorous exercise or those heavily sweating during exercise should consider consuming them.