Eletewater, a Simple Solution for Optimum Hydration
January 13, 2009 ·
Written by trailrunningSoul.com ·
Filed Under Shoes & Gear
All require a high level of fitness and determination and all require plenty of planning, kit and nutritional decisions. The one which always gives the most problems is hydration and electrolyte use, especially as many of these events take place in remote areas and in high temperatures.
Most people are familiar with the numerous sports drinks on the market but the main problem with these is that many are powder based. Powder is difficult to carry, especially during a multi stage desert race, it is bulky and heavy and not easy to mix correctly, especially during for instance, a sand storm!!
A better alternative is to carry pure electrolyte tablets, smaller and lighter, as they don’t include carbohydrates. The tablets such as NUUN or ZYM are excellent but being flavoured this doesn’t go down too well day after day when you crave more savoury foods or are just sick of having to drink sweet, flavoured water which for some people can cause bloating and stomach cramps.
Water on its own is necessary but too much can be dangerous resulting in the life threatening Hyponatremia, which is caused when the bodies correct balance of minerals is diluted, so when I discovered Elete I was more than happy to give it a try.
Elete is an electrolyte concentrate which contains no sweetners, flavouring or calories. It is easy to take and is compatible with hydration packs, (which means it doesn’t stain, leave a smell or funny aftertaste, or grow fuzzy stuff in the bladder or hose).
Elete is made up of Sodium, Magnesium, Chloride and Potassium and 2.15ml/half a teaspoon, is enough to treat up to 1 litre of water. It can also be added to cooking which is another plus when you are stage racing and living on dehydrated meals.
A double strength dose can be used for cramp prevention and you can add Elete to fruit juice, any beverage according to taste or just mix in water and add a squeeze of lemon.
For events like the Marathon des Sables I would recommend 2 or 3 of the tiny 24.6ml bottles which would treat over 30litres along with a couple of tubes of NUUN or ZYM tablets for variety.
For more information check out www.eletewater.com
Paul Bateson
Team Axarsport s.l.
www.alandalusultratrail.com
Elete is fine and all, but race directors should prominently warn racers if the only electrolyte drink will be calorie free. I remember racing a marathon in Salt Lake City a few years ago and being quite pissed that unlike every other race I’d ever run, there was no option for a calorie-filled sports drink. Calorie free sports drink is fine, but it is not the norm and people need to know about it.