Sports Drinks alternative?

[bikerHen]

Is there a sports drink alternative out there that isn't all sugar? I drank Gatorade this weekend instead of water and got a real gut-ache from all the sugar. Can you get a mix that's just electrolytes and other good stuff?

[SadieKate]

I find that I digest Cytomax better than Gatorade. I've always diluted it a bit and added Crystal Lite to make it taste better. Several of the TE ladies recommended E-caps (capsules) from Hammer Gel for pure electrolyte replacement without the calories. This combo seems to be working very well for me and hubby. I've recommended the E-caps to others who seem to be having equal success.

[mikki]

I've recently tried Vitamin Water by Glaceau. Not overly sweet, plus vitamins/minerals. Different formulas. I like Revive (B complex, E, C, and minerals, plus ginseng and gotu), fruit punch flavor.

[JesTutripup]

Careful, cause the same happened to me this weekend. The sweetest biker called me from behind to make sure I was ok. The pain had me walking half a mile. The heat can play a factor in the cramp as well.

You may need to put something solid in your tummy. I had a nice green apple. Also I carry Perrier with ice in waterbottle and Accelerade in my hydration pack.

Mineral water and an apple sets me straight. Sugar and doses of caffiene can probably throw you over heeving or in pain.

[bikerHen]

Thanks for your input! There is so much to learn! Heat was NOT an issue on this ride. The first half was in a cold rain, the second half was drying and thawing out in the weak but warm sunshine. I'm sure it was the Gatorade. This was the first time I've really drank the stuff. I tried to go 50/50 with water but it was still to much. I ate some, mostly protien bars, but we were so long on the ride I do think my empty stomach was part of the problem too. SadieKate, where do I find the E-caps? They sound like they are worth a try.

[CorsairMac]

Electro-Mix by Alacercorp, the same people that make Emer-Gen-C. It has nothing in it but what you need. It can be added to anything and I do mean just about Anything coz it's a very light lemon-lime flavour. It does not have sodium in it tho so on very hot days or very long rides you might need to add a dash of salt.

oops - my bad: shes' right it's Electro-Lyte (it's a mental thing.....that name just never sounds right to me! :-D)

[Helen]

Is there a sports drink alternative out there that isn't all sugar? I drank Gatorade this weekend instead of water and got a real gut-ache from all the sugar. Can you get a mix that's just electrolytes and other good stuff?

I think that normal mineral water is the best drink of all. You get all you need from this drink and you avoid all those Es that are usually included with all the commercial drinks.

[maryellen]

try ultima replenisher. No simple sugars (sweetened w stevia) and more electrolytes than gatorade.

[Helen]

I might appear silly but what is stevia ? I never heard of this kind of sweetener ? Is it healthy?

[CorsairMac]

I might appear silly but what is stevia ? I never heard of this kind of sweetener ? Is it healthy?

Stevia is an all natural sweetener made from the plant: Stevia! lol It doesn't coz the problems that processed sugars do, it has a sweeter taste so you can use less, and darn it - it's good for you!

[maryellen]

i'll add that i don't care for stevia as a sweetener in general (eg, in tea) and have trained myself to drink unsweetened coffee and tea. Some folks (like me) find that stevia has a bit of an aftertaste. BUT in ultima replenisher, i don't notice any stevia aftertaste.

[Dogmama]

I've used Cytomax for over 10 years and swear by it. I don't get a big sugar jolt/let down - just a nice increase in endurance.

[CorsairMac]

The problem is every time you pee, sweat, or breathe with your mouth open, you lose potassium amongst other electrolytes. So if you're exercising you're doing at least 2 of the 3 and your body can't replace the electrolytes fast enough to compensate. OTHO: if you're not experiencing any problems like leg cramps or extreme fatigue and are recovering ok, as always, go with what works for you.

[Helen]

The problem is every time you pee, sweat, or breathe with your mouth open, you lose potassium amongst other electrolytes. So if you're exercising you're doing at least 2 of the 3 and your body can't replace the electrolytes fast enough to compensate. OTHO: if you're not experiencing any problems like leg cramps or extreme fatigue and are recovering ok, as always, go with what works for you.

CorsairMac you seem to know many things about the human body ... maybe you can help me with something:
Recently ... almost every time I go out biking ... my stomach acids invade my esophagus. Is that a major problem ? How do I stop that ?
Thanks.

[CorsairMac]

CorsairMac you seem to know many things about the human body ... maybe you can help me with something:
Recently ... almost every time I go out biking ... my stomach acids invade my esophagus. Is that a major problem ? How do I stop that ?
Thanks.

My first thought would be: what are you eating prior to riding and/or during your ride?
Also: do you have problems with acid reflux at any other time??

You might try keeping a food diary and see if you can narrow down what is triggering the reponse.
There are also several nutrionists on the board that might be able to help you better!