Electrolyte drink

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nyker
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Electrolyte drink

Post by nyker »

Looking for some good recommendations on an electrolyte.

Ideally one that has the minimal stomach or GI impact and not filled with added sugar/stevia. Powder or tablets are both good.
If there is one particularly suited better to helping acclimatize to high altitudes even better.

I've always used Vitalyte (the old Gookinaid) which seems to be more popular in the Sierra mountaineering community. This seemed to always work well but I'm thinking it contributes to some GI issues I have up a mountain on certain days. I've used Gatorade in a pinch but there's too much sugar and when I dilute it it tastes weird.
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disentangled
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by disentangled »

Try LMNT. The unflavored version has nothing else in it except salt, magnesium, and potassium. I make my own, though, with good quality pink salt, ionic magnesium, and powdered potassium chloride. It's not rocket science to figure out the right proportions, just don't overdo the potassium.
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daway8
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by daway8 »

I use Propel - made by the makers of Gatorade but has no sugar. Several flavors I like (Kiwi strawberry, grape, berry, etc)
timisimaginary
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by timisimaginary »

I like good old pedialyte. You can get it in a box of single-use powder packets just like the expensive boutique brands. I especially appreciate that it comes in simple flavors like cherry or grape, when all the fancy brands can’t seem to resist combining flavors so you get something like Watermelon Blackberry Cola or Pink Lemonade Mango. I don’t know how it compares in exact ratios or formulations of minerals, but I figure it’s better than something that tastes too disgusting to drink.

If I want something with calories too, I’ll go with Tailwind. I usually get the cola flavor, but sometimes I’ll add a little cherry kool-aid to get a cherry cola flavor and make it more palatable. I’m thinking of trying the naked flavor and then using kool-aid to mix in the flavors I prefer.
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WishIWasInTheMts
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by WishIWasInTheMts »

I’m a big fan of Nuun. Good variety of flavors but I stick with lemon-lime and strawberry lemonade.
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Alan Arnette
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by Alan Arnette »

Colroado-based Honey Stinger has a nice selection.
HokieTom
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I use Ultima electrolyte mix…………….

Post by HokieTom »

No sugar and great flavors. I like Lemonade, grape, watermelon, and cherry. They are for 16.9 ounce water bottles and available from Amazon.
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by TomPierce »

I've used a variety over the years and tend to favor Fizz or Nuun tablets. Super easy to use in the field and I think better than water esp in really hot areas.

-Tom
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nyker
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by nyker »

Thanks everyone, I'll look into some of these.
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mtree
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by mtree »

I like Emergen-C hydration powder. Even the original Emergen-C immune thingy powder has lots of electrolytes... way more than a standard Gatorade. Walmart has a knock-off product which is even cheaper. Anything more expensive than that is a waste of money. Easy to carry, dissolves in a jiffy, tastes fine. Its my go-to. If you need more, take 2. Compare to Pedialyte and others and you can't go wrong.
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Exiled Michigander
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by Exiled Michigander »

TANG
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Jorts
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Re: Electrolyte drink

Post by Jorts »

FYI, electrolyte absorption can be impaired without glucose present. Having said that, you’ll still absorb them just not necessarily as effectively. Depends a lot on duration, RPE, what you ate that morning, etc. We need glucose. A lot of us just take in too much of it when we don’t need it.

Also, I recommend salt tabs for electrolyte replacement. Can dip a filter bottle into a stream and just quickly pop 2 tabs. Works great.
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