[scott.com]

I'm going to be doing a 47 km mountain bike race and it's going to be stinking hot. During the last race that I did in the heat I end sweating so much that my calves started cramping. He suggested that as well as drinking sports drink that I should add trace mineral drops to the water I'm drinking at work and that I will be drinking during the race.

So has anyone tried this and does it work

 

[Homebrew]

I've used the E-Caps Endurolytes and another brand called NutriBiotics Essential Electrolytes (much cheaper and available at Whole Foods). Very similar ingredients and seem to do the job. Eat some bananas too for some extra potasium.

Who is he?

 

[AndrewMcD]

I add salt

I'm going to be doing a 47 km mountain bike race and it's going to be stinking hot. During the last race that I did in the heat I end sweating so much that my calves started cramping. He suggested that as well as drinking sports drink that I should add trace mineral drops to the water I'm drinking at work and that I will be drinking during the race.

So has anyone tried this and does it work

I generally put about 1/8 of a teaspoon of tablesalt in each water bottle to help replenish salt. This seems to have helped alleviate cramping though I suspect my improved level of fitness this year has more to do with not cramping as much.

 

[Homebrew]

I generally put about 1/8 of a teaspoon of tablesalt in each water bottle to help replenish salt. This seems to have helped alleviate cramping though I suspect my improved level of fitness this year has more to do with not cramping as much.

You need more than sodium though. It's hard to say what your body will do under stress but normally, your body has a fair store of sodium already. Other electrolytes like potassium, magnesium, etc need to be replenished as well. This is where the electrolytes tabs mentioned help. At least try a pinch of salt substitute (potassium chloride) in addition to the table salt. Don't use too much. You don't want an isotonic solution. You should barely be able to taste it.

 

[RideOrDieDan]

I put half strength Kool-aid in my water bottles, but when I make it I put about 1/4 teaspoon seasalt in the kool-aid container. I also eat a banana everyday.