Origin
Athletes sweat. If they lose too much sweat, there is a risk of dehydration, electrolyte imbalance and poor performance.
What began as a beverage intended to keep the University of Florida football team hydrated and muscle cramp-free during games in the sometimes oppressive Southern heat has become a household name. The same Gatorade that elite athletes grab to replenish lost fluids, electrolytes and carbohydrates is the same drink lining the shelves of grocery stores across America.
How it Works
Gatorade contains 6g of carbohydrate per 100ml of fluid, making it a 6 percent carbohydrate beverage. Research has shown that this solution tastes best, and is easily moved from the stomach to the small intestine where it is absorbed. Concentrations that are higher or lower are less efficient at delivering this much-needed energy to the working muscles. There's a reason for its unique flavor. The electrolytes in Gatorade (sodium, potassium and chloride) replenish what is lost through sweat. Without these important minerals, the body cannot stay properly hydrated and muscle function is impaired. Gatorade's lab-tested liquid is formulated so that athletes will take in enough fluid to replace what was lost through sweat, and replenish needed electrolytes so that they remain hydrated.
Ingredients
Gatorade is a blend of carbohydrates, electrolytes and water. Specifically, 14g of carbohydrate, 110mg sodium, 30mg potassium and 93mg chloride per 8-oz. serving of Gatorade replenishes minerals lost through sweat. This blend of ingredients is considered the optimal mixture for quick absorption and delivery to working muscles.
Make your own
Generally, endurance sports lasting longer than two hours require a fluid replacement drink that contains both electrolytes and carbohydrates in order to compensate for the salt and water lost through perspiration.
You can make your own electrolyte replacement drink using water, sugar, salt and Kool-Aid. Mix 10 tbsp. sugar, .75 tsp. salt and 1 package of instant Kool-Aid with 2 liters water.
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