Survival pack contents

[taylorcraftbc65]

On a remote thread I had listed the items that I carry in Manu Sina when I fly cross country over some VERY desolate, and sparcely populated country in west Texas. Victor Bravo commented on the Gatorade that I carry for drinking. He said that it took a lot of the bodies water just to process the Gatorade, that water was better, but that he was no health care professional, and for me to check out what he had to say.
There is a possability that someone on this site, or a family member of a member can shed some light on this for ALL of us. I carry the Gatorade for the electrolytes that are in it, which is important in the triple digit temps, and very dry conditions found in this area.
Anyone have any input? Should I switch to water? What about electrolytes? Thanks in advance for the replies.

[Pinyon-nut]

Re: Survival pack contents

While I an no health care pro either, it was my understanding that gatorade (and other sports drinks ) were created to replenish fluids lost as sweat during exertion. I have been told in several survival courses (military schools) That any fluid that did not contain caffine or alcohol was OK . Please correct me if I´m wrong. (I´ll sic Gunny Williams on Ya. He´s never wrong. ;·) )

Ron

[Steve Green]

Re: Survival pack contents

I work in emergency medicine and play ice hockey, not specifically the best source of information, but here is my two bits worth.

Gatorade is great for fluid, electrolyte, and glucose replacement. Fluid replacement mostly because it tastes good (a matter of opinion, but I like it), and people are willing to drink more of it than straight water.

Most of the knowledgable people I have spoken to about it say that you do not need the electrolytes or glucose unless you are, for instance, an endurance athlete. Otherwise, you mostly just get expensive urine. Straight water does the average person just fine the majority of the time.

I would think that for the desert, a maximum 50/50 cut with water would taste good, and provide some of the electrolytes lost in a high heat situation. I use 30-50% Gatorade to water, when I am sweating profusely (something I try not to make a habit of too often, except when playing), which works for me. Down side to that, for your use, would be that Gatorade is supposed to be refridgerated after opening.