Sports Drinks alternative?

[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