Sports Drinks alternative?

[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.

[abuelitodimetu]

I have used with success nuun (www.nuun.com). It has a hint of lime flavor. Very pleasing. Because it has no sugar, you can pour it over your head if you start to overheat during a race and is the only thing you carry.
Another one I will be trying is Electro Mix by the Alacer company (makers of emergen-C) (http://www.iherb.com/electromix.html)

[Helen]

Thank you CorsairMac but I think I prefer the maryellen way, which means no sweetener in my drinks even if they are 100%.

[traveller_62]

There area a lot of factors to consider in deciding a hydration/nutrition strategy. For rides under an hour I use GU or HammerGel and plain water. If I drink a "sports drink" product for these shorter or low intensity rides I find that it bothers my stomach.

For intense rides over two hours I eat a sandwich (usually peanut butter and honey) two hours before the ride and then use Accelerade (made up from powder) during the ride. If I do extra hills in my longer work outs I take along some GU for an extra boost about mid-way through the ride.

I have never been able to tolerate Gatorade....even diluted. My stomach cramps up terribly. The Accerlerade isn't pleasant to drink (kind of thick) but I've found that it really is effective for staying hydrated.

I agree with many of the others that have posted here that we sometimes over compensate for the loss of electrolytes/minerals and end up with an osmotic imbalance that actually hurts muscle performance.

traveller

[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.

[bcipam]

There is a product you can buy that when used in plain water, creates a drink that contains all the electrolytes you need. The product is ordorless and favorless and contains no sugar. Of course for the life I can't remember the name but the local bike shop/Tri-Alth. shop will know. It comes in a little bottle and just 2 drops are needed for one water bottle. If I come up with the name I'll let you know. [I think it's made by Enervit but uncertain...)

[Helen]

There is a product you can buy that when used in plain water, creates a drink that contains all the electrolytes you need.

I am afraid it contains too many chemicals for my taste ... even if it has no sugar. It can't be natural ... Am I wrong ?

[traveller_62]

Actually electrolytes are a natural part of your body's chemistry. Muscles won't work without 'em. Sports drinks and the related products just allow you to deliver them more efficiently to your muscles when you are doing intense exercise. So I don't think you should think of them as being somehow artificial.

If you are working out hard for hours at a time or are in a competition (bike race, triathlon, etc.) you will need to take in replacement electrolytes or risk muscle fatigue/failure. For regular old workouts I don't think they are needed. If you've eaten sufficiently well prior to working out and drink plain water to stay hydrated you will usually be fine.

cheers,
traveller

[SadieKate]

Endurolytes from Hammer come in both a capsule and powder form. I've had excellent luck with them (thanks, V and AG and ??!). I generally don't worry about electrolytes or calories for rides under an hour. If it is hot (90F and above), I will use 1 bottle or 1 capsule of electrolytes. It seems to make recovery easier.

[Helen]

Actually electrolytes are a natural part of your body's chemistry. Muscles won't work without 'em. Sports drinks and the related products just allow you to deliver them more efficiently to your muscles when you are doing intense exercise. So I don't think you should think of them as being somehow artificial.

I am sorry I was under that impression ... now I understand it completely. But what about the electrolytes produced by our own bodies. According to your sayings, our bodies will produce the right electrolytes only if we are well fed and hydrated ? In this case ... I think I'll chose the natural way ... its a lot more economical too

[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.