If you’re not sweating a lot when you’re drinking them, yeah kind of all you’re doing is making expensive pee. If what you like about them is the flavour, just get Crystal Light or Mio or something, imo. But for athletes, manual labourers, etc. they’re good bang for your buck in terms of hydration.
“you need to replenish your electrolytes” is mostly scam science and you’re just fine from the food you’re already getting. The real “boost” from Gatorade and the like is because it’s loaded with sugar.
That Gatorade adds a bit of sodium is pretty much the only thing which separates it from sugared Kool-Aid.
I’m a cyclist and on long rides > 2 hours or hot humid days, I use these drinks to chase a banana ( potassium) with salt from the drinks. They have a little potassium, but not as much as a banana. I also pack sleeves of electrolyte powder I can mix with straight water to prevent cramping.
Fun fact: Similar powders are used to save countless lives from death by dehydration during cholera epidemics in nations that have those. So the concept certainly works.
But if you need them is up to your livestyle. How much do you sweat, do other electrolyte sources (regular food) cover what you need?
Also, i have heard they help a lot against hangovers. Might be worth their money to some for that fact alone.
You can get jars of plain electrolyte powder on Amazon that last for years. It’s only essential if you do somthing like extended fasting. The people trying to sell you it in a hydration drink or somthing yeah its a waste. It’s not enough electrolytes to provide signifigant amount anyways. Nothing you wouldn’t be better off just eating a snack for.
They were incredibly useful to me when I lived at high altitude (over 6,000 Ft). It’s harder to stay hydrated at high altitude, so I kept Liquid IV and Pedialyte powders or popsicles on hand. I used them after working out, and I insisted any visitors from sea level drank them too in order to avoid altitude sickness.
I don’t think what randos on reddit think about this matter much – the question you should ask is “what is the scientific consensus on this issue (if there is one)?”.
I find the tablet form more practical, so I’d go that over a powdered sachet. While I was working as a chef, they were great.
I don’t like the taste of electrolyte drinks, but if you’re mixing up one with more water, that’s a non-issue. Pop 1-2 tablets in your water bottle, and you’re good to go! I found that I was terrible at drinking plain water when it was hot, but the addition of the salt+sugar helped me keep my fluids up.
Whether or not they are a waste of money depends on your lifestyle. I was buying hydrolite tablets semi regularly during the summer while I was cheffing but haven’t bought them since I changed careers.
Comments
No, not if you like them. I drink Liquid IV on nights where I’m dehydrated and/or had been sweating a lot that day and I feel great the next morning.
No. They’re a product with a useful purpose
If you’re not sweating a lot when you’re drinking them, yeah kind of all you’re doing is making expensive pee. If what you like about them is the flavour, just get Crystal Light or Mio or something, imo. But for athletes, manual labourers, etc. they’re good bang for your buck in terms of hydration.
“you need to replenish your electrolytes” is mostly scam science and you’re just fine from the food you’re already getting. The real “boost” from Gatorade and the like is because it’s loaded with sugar.
That Gatorade adds a bit of sodium is pretty much the only thing which separates it from sugared Kool-Aid.
Yes
I get them on a subscription from Amazon. Use them all the time
If you’re eating foods with some salts and sugars, ur fine with just water. If you go long periods without food, electrolytes help.
I’m a cyclist and on long rides > 2 hours or hot humid days, I use these drinks to chase a banana ( potassium) with salt from the drinks. They have a little potassium, but not as much as a banana. I also pack sleeves of electrolyte powder I can mix with straight water to prevent cramping.
45 yr old soccer coach. My sessions usually last about 1 1/2 hour – 3 hours.
Before I got liquid IV I would be so thirsty during practices that I would need to be constantly drinking water.
After I got liquid IV, I drink a bottle of water on the way to practice and usually never even stop to drink water during practice ever.
I had heard nothing about it other than a buddy that said they help with hangovers. For me, as I coach 3 nights a week, these things are amazing.
Fun fact: Similar powders are used to save countless lives from death by dehydration during cholera epidemics in nations that have those. So the concept certainly works.
But if you need them is up to your livestyle. How much do you sweat, do other electrolyte sources (regular food) cover what you need?
Also, i have heard they help a lot against hangovers. Might be worth their money to some for that fact alone.
You can get jars of plain electrolyte powder on Amazon that last for years. It’s only essential if you do somthing like extended fasting. The people trying to sell you it in a hydration drink or somthing yeah its a waste. It’s not enough electrolytes to provide signifigant amount anyways. Nothing you wouldn’t be better off just eating a snack for.
Yes
Yes, in the sense that you can make your own blend for cheaper.
You can buy any drink mix (lemonade for example) and add salt, potassium chloride, and magnesium chloride. Much more cost effective.
Yes, you can make homemade ones. But I did buy a box of powdered mix to keep as backup in my hiking, camping and car bag.
They were incredibly useful to me when I lived at high altitude (over 6,000 Ft). It’s harder to stay hydrated at high altitude, so I kept Liquid IV and Pedialyte powders or popsicles on hand. I used them after working out, and I insisted any visitors from sea level drank them too in order to avoid altitude sickness.
Not when I get shakey from electrolyte depletion and have trouble getting stuff down.
Some seems overpriced to me though and I wish they didn’t have food dye
No, it’s got what plants crave.
You can make your own. You just put a few different types of salt in some water and add flavour if you want. You can make gallons for pennies.
Plenty of websites with the correct ratios and you won’t get ill if they aren’t perfect.
not a waste but typically way overpriced.
I don’t think what randos on reddit think about this matter much – the question you should ask is “what is the scientific consensus on this issue (if there is one)?”.
I do, but then I get liquid iv for free.
Nope! Helps when sweating/working out, with drinking, and when I’m dehydrated from my meds
Personally I think they are, you can buy salt potassium and magnesium and make your own pretty easily
When you can easily make your own? Yes.
Not if you’re sweating a lot or need quick hydration—otherwise, plain water works fine.
Some are overpriced, but they can be useful for athletes or people who struggle to stay hydrated.
If you eat a balanced diet, you probably don’t need them, but they’re convenient.
They’re great for hangovers and long workouts, but for daily use, it’s mostly marketing.
You can make your own with salt, sugar, and water for way cheaper!
We use it for illnesses, especially stomach bugs. But we always make it half strength.
I find the tablet form more practical, so I’d go that over a powdered sachet. While I was working as a chef, they were great.
I don’t like the taste of electrolyte drinks, but if you’re mixing up one with more water, that’s a non-issue. Pop 1-2 tablets in your water bottle, and you’re good to go! I found that I was terrible at drinking plain water when it was hot, but the addition of the salt+sugar helped me keep my fluids up.
Whether or not they are a waste of money depends on your lifestyle. I was buying hydrolite tablets semi regularly during the summer while I was cheffing but haven’t bought them since I changed careers.
It’s a literal lifesaver for me, since I work outside in the Texas summer.
Most are because they are significantly under dosed and missing many important electrolytes but there some good ones