Quote Originally Posted by Nina R. Messina
Don't forget the importance of electrolyte replacement along with water. Remember, when we exercise and perspire, we are losing potassium, sodium and chloride. When we drink plain water, not only are we not replacing the lost electrolytes, we are actually diluting what electrolytes we have left. All the more so if we drink a LOT of plain water. Thus the significance of Gatorade or similar product.
Which brings up the subject of exactly how much electrolyte drink you actually drink. Do you drink it along with water or instead of water? I can't imagine drinking nothing but Gatorade on a long ride but some of the other products that aren't so sweet would be okay in addition to water. I just can't bring myself to drink only a flavored drink and not good old water as well.