Pedialyte for Endurance?
Athletes, professional ones, are shunning Gatorade for Pedialyte. The product has less sugar and twice the sodium of regular Gatorade. The important thing, when it comes to sports drinks, are your kidneys. Here’s a list of 6 things, according to squidoo that you should look for in a sports drink.
1. All six electrolytes (minerals) - Calcium, Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Phosphorus and Chloride. When you sweat, you lose all 6 of these. Then why do most sports drinks not have all six to replace what you lost?
2. A Sodium / Potassium ratio of approx 2.2 to 1 - this has to do with the Sodium - Potassium pump and the ability of fluids to be absorbed.
3. At least 100 mg of sodium. Your body cannot absorb fluids effectively without this!
4. At least 20 - 25 grams of carbs - but a mixture of 3 types - fast burning - like glucose so you get immediate energy - a medium burning carb like fructose - and a slow burning carb like maltodextrin so you have long term energy and prevent serious blood sugar fluctuation.
5. Should not have artificial colors or flavors - they do not improve performance and can be harmful if used consistently over a period of years.
6. Should not have any “natural” herbs or performance enhancers.
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