Water Maintains No. 1 Rank With Athletes

Drinking water is still the No. 1 fluid replacement beverage before, during and after athletic competition or strenuous competition, according to the American Water Works Assn.

The industry group says drinking soda or other sweetened beverages during exercise or sports is less helpful than a glass of water because the body needs water more than sugar to perform in the heat. It adds that sugar slows the rate at which the water in the beverage can be absorbed.