electrolytes, whats your preference?

[Bethany1]

I was in GNC yesterday and was looking around. Are most sports related products full of "extra" herbal ingredients? Because of the medications I take, some herbal stuff will set off a reaction so I have to look through the ingredient lists.

Since I haven't bought herbal stuff in 14 years, I can't remember which one will set off liver failure with the depakote I take. I should have gone to the hospital that night and have never done the herbal fad again. I avoid energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster like the plague as well.

[OakLeaf]

Yikes.

It depends on the brand, it's best for everyone to read the label but especially someone with potentially life-threatening issues.

Still, most electrolyte replacement drinks if they contain any herbs, it would be stevia for sweetness and nothing else. There are a lot of drinks sold to athletes that have herbs for other reasons, but I think we're only talking about electrolyte replacements here. GNC particularly markets a lot of bodybuilding and weight-loss oriented snake oil stuff. Visit your LBS or LRS for things that are more oriented toward endurance athletes - just about all of them have Hammer and Gu products and possibly a few other brands.

[Bethany1]

Yeah. Figured out you need to really be into weight loss or bodybuilding after wandering through the store. Some of that stuff seems to be for pretty desperate people.

My LBS doesn't really have much. I'm heading to Lincoln tomorrow and will hit a couple of stores to see what's there. I'll write down what has been posted here as there's some great info.

[ny biker]

I was in GNC yesterday and was looking around. Are most sports related products full of "extra" herbal ingredients? Because of the medications I take, some herbal stuff will set off a reaction so I have to look through the ingredient lists.

Since I haven't bought herbal stuff in 14 years, I can't remember which one will set off liver failure with the depakote I take. I should have gone to the hospital that night and have never done the herbal fad again. I avoid energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster like the plague as well.

Wait what? What can't you have with depakote? I've been on it since the early '90s and have never heard of this.

[Irulan]

I was in GNC yesterday and was looking around. Are most sports related products full of "extra" herbal ingredients? Because of the medications I take, some herbal stuff will set off a reaction so I have to look through the ingredient lists.

Since I haven't bought herbal stuff in 14 years, I can't remember which one will set off liver failure with the depakote I take. I should have gone to the hospital that night and have never done the herbal fad again. I avoid energy drinks like Red Bull and Monster like the plague as well.

I use Hammer nutrition products, and they do not contain herbs. Heed is their electrolyte product. They have very helpful customer service people on the phone.
http://www.hammernutrition.com/

[chatnoire]

I use a non-herbal as well. Friends of mine are Advocare dealers, and while I'm definitely not a bandwagon-type for products, I really like the Spark (an energy drink) and Rehydrate (electrolytes).

I have tried the rehydrate gels as well, and I'm still trying to decide which I like better for electrolyte replacement. I felt a bit wiped after our ride on Sunday, despite the 4 bottles of water, banana, clif bloks, and good food in advance, with a muscle milk after.

[Catrin]

I use Hammer nutrition products, and they do not contain herbs. Heed is their electrolyte product. They have very helpful customer service people on the phone.
http://www.hammernutrition.com/

+100 on Hammer Heed (strawberry). I also like Cliff Blocs, something called Salt Stick (capsules) occasionally, and Accelerade for rides >2 hours. It takes time to work out the mix our bodies need, as well as the timing. We are all a bit different in this area and what works for one may well not work for another at all.

[Wahine]

I use Hammer as well but I supplement the heed with endurolyte capsules.