Originally Posted by holicow
Water, in reasonable amounts, of course, is fine for all but very prolonged exercise. You have plenty of stored sodium and potassium, etc, and it takes a while to significantly deplete them from sweating. Eating is good enough, usually.
High-priced sports drinks are mainly a marketing gimmick, and a very successful one.
Personally, i use water, and sometimes water with some OJ in it.
I routinely drink a full 1½ liter bottle of tap water for each half of my 24 mile R/T commute. I add a little lime or lemon concentrate for taste purposes when refilling the bottle. On 95°F and above temps I put away almost two bottles (3 liters) in the hour. In between, during the work day, I drink 2 or three more 1½ liter bottles, plus a pot of coffee.
When I get home its time for a couple beers and either more water or sometimes soda pop with my supper. I never add salt to anything or any vitamin/mineral supplements. No problems at all so far. Sleep like a baby through the night too.