I always hear the term with electrolytes

[KingNothing]

I always hear the term "with electrolytes!"

I always hear the term "with electrolytes!" thrown onto sports drink labels. What does this mean? Is it really useful for athletes? I thought electrolytes were chemicals that conducted electricity as a liquid - but it's been a long time since chem class.

EDIT: Sorry, meant to post in general discussion. Please move!

 

[Bloodthunder]

You lose salt when you run. The sports drinks contains salt to replenish them. Electrolytes, when used in sports drinks, is just a fancy way of saying "salt".

By the way, the ingredients in most sports drinks are: Sugar, salt (sodium & potassium) and baking soda.
And they sell this cheapass concoction by the millions.

 

[pallidin]

Yeah, if you've ever licked your skin after a sweaty exercise you will quickly notice a distinct salty taste.

 

[KingNothing]

Yeah, if you've ever licked your skin after a sweaty exercise you will quickly notice a distinct salty taste.

Well, I usually only lick my calves, and sometimes my lower back. I guess those areas aren't very salty, so I hadn't noticed.

 

[Bloodthunder]

Well, I usually only lick my calves, and sometimes my lower back. I guess those areas aren't very salty, so I hadn't noticed.

My elbow doesn't seem very salty either, hmm...