Electrolyte replacement?

[Blueberry]

So is there anything similar to Nuun out there? I've had some odd stomach cramps while riding, and want to see if it's something in the Nuun causing it. Might be - might not be.

So - something that gives electrolytes, but not a huge calorie load (so not a typical sports drink).

[Sky King]

Aren't our bodies weird.
Nuun is one of the few I can take without too many issues. I like that it is easy to carry when touring.
I also like Ultima Replenisher, no sugar, gluten free, no caffine, vegan - I buy my at whole foods or our local coop.
Anybody use coconut water - my naturopath swears by it (he is a cross bike and MTB racer) I am allergic to coconut ...

oh and jelly belly sports beans are the best (IMO)

[Blueberry]

Nuun goes down well for me - even when nothing else will. So - I'm hoping it's OK. However, I've had some cramping/bloating on the bike, and want to see if Nuun could be the culprit. It's gotten me through some wicked rides, so I really hope not.

[OakLeaf]

So is there anything similar to Nuun out there?

For a dissolving tablet, I like Zenergize Hydrate. More sodium and no antifreeze.

[SadieKate]

So is there anything similar to Nuun out there? I've had some odd stomach cramps while riding, and want to see if it's something in the Nuun causing it. Might be - might not be.

So - something that gives electrolytes, but not a huge calorie load (so not a typical sports drink).

Since I recently had this discussion, I just copied this verbatim from an old email of mine:

Speaking of kidneys, I tried to google sorbitol-free hydration tables and found a post on RW's forum from an internal med doc responding to someone complaining about GI issues with Nuun. He stated that Nuun contains 3 laxatives: magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol (Merilax). He also said he was surprised that most people don't have GI issues from it.

I cannot tolerate sorbitol so the only tablet I have tried is Nathan. When I only have an hydration bladder to carry liquid, I use Elete drops and a Nathan tablet for flavoring. Elete seems to have the best balance for both me and my hubby. When I have a water bottle and need to be taking in calories also, I'll use Cytomax and bump up the electrolytes with Elete.

[zoom-zoom]

Since I recently had this discussion, I just copied this verbatim from an old email of mine:

Speaking of kidneys, I tried to google sorbitol-free hydration tables and found a post on RW's forum from an internal med doc responding to someone complaining about GI issues with Nuun. He stated that Nuun contains 3 laxatives: magnesium sulfate (epsom salts), sorbitol, and polyethylene glycol (Merilax). He also said he was surprised that most people don't have GI issues from it.

I cannot tolerate sorbitol so the only tablet I have tried is Nathan. When I only have an hydration bladder to carry liquid, I use Elete drops and a Nathan tablet for flavoring. Elete seems to have the best balance for both me and my hubby. When I have a water bottle and need to be taking in calories also, I'll use Cytomax and bump up the electrolytes with Elete.

I can tolerate Nuun, but only maybe a bottle/day. If I'm doing a long ride with several bottles of fluids I avoid it...because of the sugar alcohol (sorbitol) induced toots. I don't need to be jet-propelled on my bike. Nuun says that the amount in their tablets isn't enough to cause gastric issues, but I call foul on that claim. I'd rather just pop Endurolytes or other electrolyte capsules if I want electrolytes without flavor or calories.

[SadieKate]

Thanks for the reminder. We carry Endurolytes for when we need a big infusion.

[OakLeaf]

Besides no laxative antifreeze, Zenergize also contains no laxative sugar alcohols. It does have magnesium carbonate, and "natural flavors" which is always a little bit worrying.

[soprano]

My second bottle of water gets electrolytes. I have a 1 liter water bottle. When I refill it, I pop in a Nunn tablet. Easy to do, easy to remember. Bananas also work great and are easy on the tummy.

I've read here and elsewhere that the rough-and-ready way to tell that you're low on electrolytes is to taste your sweat. If it doesn't taste salty, you're low.

It was 109 during my commute home yesterday. It felt like riding through an oven. I got stuck behind a city bus at a stoplight and decided to wait about 25 feet back because the heat coming of the back was so incredible.

[velo]

Well, I think at this point I'll not worry too much about it, but begin to check into what's available locally. I also want to talk to my doc about it. Today, I rode early and it stayed in the 60's and 70's so I don't think I was sweating much. At about 26 miles, I started getting a little cramp in my right hamstring, but realized I just wasn't drinking enough. I consciously drank more over the next 5 minutes and it went away. No electrolytes needed, just more water. By the time I finished up, a tad over 30, I was fine. Hot weather is on the way, though.