I run rescue squad and i heard one of hte Paramedics say that mixing half gatorade and half water was a better way to hydrate yourself. Is this true?? I was wondering if anyone else has heard this
Sean

Gatorade is great... Replaces your glycogen levels and does keep you hydrated..

It's a taste thing, personally I prefer diluted Gatorade. But, replenishing lost fluids following exercise is best done using a solution that comes as close to the osmotic level of your plasma, meaning the mineral/glucose concentration is similar. For instance, drinking plain water when dehydrated following exercise does not replace fluids as well as Gatorade or something similar (although Gatorade is still more dilute than your plasma). So by adding salt or glucose to the water, you actually replenish fluids more effectively. The reason is that plain water causes you to urinate more.

i see
thanks

Here is what I read. When exercising you should drink water, cold water if possible. Or when dehydrated becuase then the small intestine will absorb it quicker. Gatorade is fine after exercising but if you need fluids quickly then water is the better way.

Originally posted by mobster:
Here is what I read. When exercising you should drink water, cold water if possible. Or when dehydrated becuase then the small intestine will absorb it quicker. Gatorade is fine after exercising but if you need fluids quickly then water is the better way.

Actually, there are several studies that have found drinking water and solutions up to 10% (Gatorade is 6%) are no different with respect to gastric emptying. Temperature can affect rate of emptying and so you are correct in stating fluids should be cold (plus who wants to drink warm liquids when they are exercising).

If you are exercising for a long period of time (as a paramedic or for fun), drinking fluids with carbohydrates are essential.

got my gatorade last night and used it for my ride today.

From what I've heard, unless you're exercising for over 90 minutes, Gatorade is just a waste of money.

Want a cheap version of gatorade? Dextrose and water.. I just have apple juice after my workout.. Simple carbs aren't hard to find..

I don't know what is better, but I like the half & half method. I pour myself half a glass of Gatorade and then fill it the rest of the way with water. I've done it this way for years, partly just because Gatorade can get pretty expensive if you work out alot and diluting it makes it last twice as long!

After a workout it is said to have 1 part of protein to 3 parts of carbs. Meaning 30 grams of protein should yeild 90 grams of carbs.