Favorite Powdered Electrolyte Drinks?

> I'm actually interested to know how many soldiers you've had to treat for heat
> related ailments?
Soldiers – none. But the training is stock standard for volunteer firefighters here in Oz. It is also quite well-known in walking circles – try walking in 40 C heat with bright sun and limited water.

Expert – definitely not. But I have been following the research literature for maybe 20 years, and handling field cases for nearly that long.

Cheers

Many years ago, I was in the Army during the Vietnam Era. While in training at Fort Polk, we didn't have any electrolyte drinks, although we were encouraged to swallow a salt tablet with our breakfast meal. In the summertime, it was very hot and very humid, but still we went out on long marches. Water management was odd. We were told to carry two canteens of water for a 15-mile march. However, we were trained not to let the canteens get partially full. Then, they would slosh and make too much noise. We could carry them full, or we could carry them empty, but the half-full slosh was bad. As a result, some guys wouldn't drink at all. As you would expect, they became the first victims of either heat exhaustion or heat stroke. On one day, we had one of each.

Now with modern water bottles and dilute electrolyte drinks, I can sip fluids all day and keep going much longer.

–B.G.–

"Soldiers – none. But the training is stock standard for volunteer firefighters here in Oz. It is also quite well-known in walking circles – try walking in 40 C heat with bright sun and limited water."

I'm very familiar with those conditions. Last week it got up to 109*F here in town. We see temps in the triple digits for weeks at a time and it's not uncommon to get above 110* for a week or so:

.

Some of the heat casualties I mentioned earlier where in much warmer places like Ft. Benning, GA and the jungles of Panama.

I actually wrote a lengthier response but figure it's a waste of time here and the conversation is just going to devolve into a whip out contest. I'm going to stick with what I know works and you do the same. I will say that comparing a walk in 104*F weather compared to the conditions a soldier is subjected to is mildly hilarious so thanks for that! In fairness, Firefighters do have a tough/hot job so that certainly is comparable somewhat.

OP,

Did I mention that Nuun tablets are not only tasty, but fizzy too!

"While in training at Fort Polk…"

Now THAT is a miserable location! Been there twice.

When I left Fort Polk, I was so disgusted with it that I vowed never to set foot in the state of Louisiana again.

–B.G.–

Table salt, calcium tabs, magnesium tabs. Cheap and effective.

+1 for me. Sea salt though.

Looking to experiment with brown rice syrup as part of my carb intake.

"Looking to experiment with brown rice syrup as part of my carb intake."

From Calorie King –

148 calories per fluid ounce

From Wiki –

The final product is 45% maltose, 3% glucose, and 52% maltotriose…. has a glycemic index (GI) of 98 which is higher than table sugar (65) and about the same as glucose (100)…

Definitely a "fast burn" fuel.

"magnesium tabs"

How much?

I had purchased some 200mg Magnesium Citrate tablets, to help alleviate muscle stiffness. My healthcare provider tells me that it might cause looseness in the bowels.

–B.G.–

I have been using GU products for a number of years. (Avail. thru REI)

I find that the electrolyte drink makes a huge difference in eliminating evening leg/foot cramps.

And the GU Roctane gel, is a huge kickstart when running out of gas on the trail.

Good tasting as well with lots of flavors to choose from in the Roctane product.

I think the GU Chomps (think gummy bears) are over rated as I don't seem to get the energy kick with them that the roctane gel provides.

I mix/match with water only as well depending on the situation, but always have some of both in my pack.

"Did I mention that Nuun tablets are not only tasty, but fizzy too!"

And gawdawful expensive, too.

"1 for me. Sea salt though."

Me, too. I should have been more specific. I can't stand even the mild iodine taste
of Mortons.

""magnesium tabs"

How much?"

200 mg magnesium oxide tab in the morning and 120 mg magnesium oxide tab around mid day, then 100 mg magnesium oxide as part of a multi vitamin tablet in the evening.

The magnesium also helps in the absorption of calcium, FWIW.

For those of us who tend toward a potassium deficiency, substitute dieter's salt. It is mostly potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride.

–B.G.–

"substitute dieter's salt. It is mostly potassium chloride instead of sodium chloride."

For the Mortons version, it's more like ~350 mg K and ~280 mg Na per 1/4 tsp, IIRC.
I used to use it, but switched to sea salt after further study revealed that K deficiency is rare in general, and wasn't a problem for me in particular.

Caveat: People doing Greg Gressel type hikes are probably an exception to this general rule.

"And gawdawful expensive, too."

My original snarky response involved me explaining how I spend less on Nuun tablets throughout an entire three day backpacking trip than the average hipster spends on coffee in a single day in some obscure bohemian coffee joint that you've probably never heard of but I had to check today's Nuun market prices at REI when I discovered THIS!:

http://www.rei.com/product/870729/nuun-energy-drink-mix-multiple-servings

How have I missed these?!?

Dear Nuun,

Is there no end to how wonderful you are?

Sincerely,

Hydrated-(but not overly)-in-Washington-even-though-caffeine-is-counter-productive

"My original snarky response involved me explaining how I spend less on Nuun tablets throughout an entire three day backpacking trip than the average hipster spends on coffee in a single day in some obscure bohemian coffee joint that you've probably never heard of"

How do you manage to divide a Nuun tablet into 3 equal pieces?

"How have I missed these?!?

Dear Nuun,

Is there no end to how wonderful you are?"

Nobody ever went broke underestimating the American public, as the saying goes. ;0))

Let's see now, 1 tablet costs $.65 and contains 350 mg of Na, 100 mg of K, and, even though it lists CaCO3 and MgO as ingredients, contains no detectable amounts in the Product Specs Section. A lifetime supply of Mortons Lite salt costs ~$2 and 1/4 tsp supplies ~280 mg of Na and 350 mg of K. I admit it doesn't contain any caffeine, but even so, I dunno, Ian……..

Yes but does it fizzle?

"How do you manage to divide a Nuun tablet into 3 equal pieces?"

I haven't purchased a cup of coffee for $.21 since… well ever.

"Yes but does it fizzle?"

Nah, that's what beer is for.

"I haven't purchased a cup of coffee for $.21 since… well ever."

You haven't lived until you've tried WA rest stop coffee. ;0))

at costco last weekend

I love how that company has "active hydration for golfers" tablets. Part Martini?

(sound of front door slamming shut soon followed by the screeching of tires)

PSA the Costco Nuuns come in single serving packets instead of the plastic tube. Works for me.

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