Why do most folks get electrolyte replenishment via a beverage?
#26
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I know exactly what it was developed for and when. That doesn't change the fact that the current product is more about marketing. Kids drink it like soda. I know it contains sugar (though highly processed) and sodium needed during exercise but it also has artificial colors and flavors and for a long time was made with HFCS and BVO. While the current product is better than it was, there are simply better choices.
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Not Applicable, because in the ER they'll put an IV in you and run fluids. But in Africa and other places where good medical equipment is not plentiful and readily available, they'll replace with an oral electrolyte solution (aka Gatorade or Pedialyte or whatever you want to call it)
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Not sure why people buy all that stuff. These days I go with 40% gatorade and 60% water as i start out riding. From there I refill with water only and eat small bags of potato chips (or bring a bag of small boiled potatoes) for electrolytes and carbs.
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Im not answering your question. I'm answering the other guy's question. I've already given up on you
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There is nothing about sugar (sucrose) that is better than HFCS. Nothing! They are both just as good for you and also just as bad. When you induce a manufacturer to use sucrose instead of HFCS in a product you buy or choose a product on that basis, you are just bending over for a voluntary monetary reaming.
What Is the Difference Between Sucrose, Glucose & Fructose? | Healthy Eating | SF Gate
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Other than the small amount of food coloring, is it really much different than any other drink like the one you recommended? I highly doubt there would be any difference in performance. So the short answer to your question is: people use it because it works well for it's intended purpose.
Skratch Labs | About Us, the history and story of Skratch Labs. | Skratch Labs
Btw, I have no connection to Scratch. Just that I've used it and like it.
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Actually, there are differences. Read the about page and the information from Allen Lim. I wonder what they were drinking that was making them "sick to their stomachs"?
Skratch Labs | About Us, the history and story of Skratch Labs. | Skratch Labs
Btw, I have no connection to Scratch. Just that I've used it and like it.
Skratch Labs | About Us, the history and story of Skratch Labs. | Skratch Labs
Btw, I have no connection to Scratch. Just that I've used it and like it.
Also, it's a little naive to assume that Alan Lim and Skratch aren't out there marketing just as hard as Gatorade. They're a business after all and would love to be as successful as Gatorade.
edit: And Gatorade has even more compelling stories regarding the research they conduct into optimizing performance: The science behind Gatorade. I believe A Jeukendrup has a far more impressive background in research than Alan Lim
Disclaimer: I don't use Gatorade. I use mostly water but if I do add anything to my bottles I use maltodextrin with some supermarket flavor crystals.
Last edited by gregf83; 08-03-14 at 04:59 PM.
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There is nothing about sugar (sucrose) that is better than HFCS. Nothing! They are both just as good for you and also just as bad. When you induce a manufacturer to use sucrose instead of HFCS in a product you buy or choose a product on that basis, you are just bending over for a voluntary monetary reaming.
#34
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The electrolytes usually make the drink taste like a$$. Why not just take capsules with the electrolytes (like the ones from Hammer: Amazon.com: Hammer Nutrition Endurolytes- Electrolyte Replacement Supplement-Dietary Supplement, 120 Count: Sports & Outdoors) and drink whatever sweetened beverage you like for the carbs. That would have to taste better, no?
One problem I can see with the Hammer capsules is they have a fairly significant dosage of magnesium in them which plays havoc with my, umm, uh, "solid waste elimination processes". If I drink mineral water in Europe, the only sights I get to see are the bathroom tiles. Does anyone use electrolyte tablets or capsules with mostly sodium and potassium and very little or no magnesium. I would appreciate a recommendation.
One problem I can see with the Hammer capsules is they have a fairly significant dosage of magnesium in them which plays havoc with my, umm, uh, "solid waste elimination processes". If I drink mineral water in Europe, the only sights I get to see are the bathroom tiles. Does anyone use electrolyte tablets or capsules with mostly sodium and potassium and very little or no magnesium. I would appreciate a recommendation.
You can get them on Amazon for about 1/3 the cost of the Hammer Nutrition product.
#35
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I like a little bit of electrolyte deprivation during my rides. It makes the pizza somehow taste "refreshing". Or a big pub burger with a bloody mary. And then the pickles.
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Skratch designed their product to provide hydration as fast as possible through the gastric tract by carefully controlling the osmolality of the solution via sugars and citrates. In their recipe book, "Feed Zone Portables", skratch discloses the proportions of the various ingredients used in their product. You could diy it if you want.
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OP, I've been using these for the past 5 years or so with good results and none of the magnesium side effects you describe. If I feel any indications of muscle cramping I take 3 caps and they really have proven to fend the cramps off for me. I always carry them with me during the warmer months.
You can get them on Amazon for about 1/3 the cost of the Hammer Nutrition product.
You can get them on Amazon for about 1/3 the cost of the Hammer Nutrition product.
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Other than the small amount of food coloring, is it really much different than any other drink like the one you recommended? I highly doubt there would be any difference in performance. So the short answer to your question is: people use it because it works well for it's intended purpose.
Rich
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Actually, there are differences. Read the about page and the information from Allen Lim. I wonder what they were drinking that was making them "sick to their stomachs"?
Skratch Labs | About Us, the history and story of Skratch Labs. | Skratch Labs
Btw, I have no connection to Scratch. Just that I've used it and like it.
Skratch Labs | About Us, the history and story of Skratch Labs. | Skratch Labs
Btw, I have no connection to Scratch. Just that I've used it and like it.
Amount Per Serving: Calories 80, Calories from Fat 0, Total Fat 0g (0% DV), Saturated Fat 0g (0% DV), Trans Fat 0g, Cholesterol 0mg (0% DV), Sodium 360mg (15% DV), Potassium 40mg (1% DV), Total Carbohydrate 21g (7% DV), Fiber 0g (0% DV), Sugars 20g, Protein 0g, Vitamin A (0% DV), Vitamin C (35% DV), Calcium (6% DV), Iron (0% DV), Magnesium (10% DV). Percent Daily Values (DV) are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
Basically it is the same as Gatorade
- I don't notice the Gatorade taste
- I buy the powered Gatorade to keep the cost down.
#40
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I'd rather not have antioxidants in an endurance drink mix. Gatorade is cleaner.
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I'm not a highly tuned athlete. I ride 30-40 miles mid week and a 100 mile ride once a week. It's not the TdF, I'm not racing crits, I'm not cat 1/2, I'm just pedaling around. I try not to think too much about what's in my "sports" drink. I drink Gatorade mainly because it's available at almost any store I frequent. It tastes different from water and sometimes I just like something to taste different than water. I suppose if I wanted to put more thought into it I'd hang out at my LOB and read labels but I'm just not that kinda guy. I usually buy a small bottle of Gatorade half way into a ride and throw it in a water bottle. As I drink it and refill it, I'll just water down the Gatorade. The other bottle will just have plain water. I try to keep one only with water in it so I can hose myself down if I'm too hot. Unless it's EXCESSIVELY hot I believe cramping is 80% due to fitness and not an electrolyte deficiency.
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smartwater contains electrolytes. i usually set out for the day with one bottle full of smartwater and a second bottle with half grape gatorade and half smartwater. that seems to be the winning combination for me, but everyone is different.
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Back to the original topic, I'll drink vs. eat because on a long ride I'll reach a point where I get tired of eating food and have to get most calories in liquid form. Drink powder is light and easy to carry, too.
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Gatorade gives me mouth sores. If I use a little bit of it, my mouth feels fuzzy and I start to develop a mild sore throat. If I use a lot of it, on a long ride, I get numerous horrible mouth sores, so bad it is hard to eat.
I have trouble thinking of Gatorade as "clean", as described by another poster.
I have trouble thinking of Gatorade as "clean", as described by another poster.
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Gatorade gives me mouth sores. If I use a little bit of it, my mouth feels fuzzy and I start to develop a mild sore throat. If I use a lot of it, on a long ride, I get numerous horrible mouth sores, so bad it is hard to eat.
I have trouble thinking of Gatorade as "clean", as described by another poster.
I have trouble thinking of Gatorade as "clean", as described by another poster.
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My reaction to gatorade may be an allergy ... but probably not.
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Last edited by Machka; 08-04-14 at 05:54 PM.
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Not Applicable, because in the ER they'll put an IV in you and run fluids. But in Africa and other places where good medical equipment is not plentiful and readily available, they'll replace with an oral electrolyte solution (aka Gatorade or Pedialyte or whatever you want to call it)