Folks,

Some INPORTANT information, Yes, too much water without electrolytes (saltS) can be a problem, but a much larger problem is DEATH from too much sweating and too much Gatorade!! It has happened a number of times, and Gatorade is banned from some sports events.

Gatorade was designed at the University of Florida for football players in hot weather. It was NOT designed for hydration, but to solve electrolyte imbalance. It was administered by trainers, EMT's or physicians to those who showed the proper symptoms. WATER was given to those who were dehydrated!

Since the patents were sold, there has been a great push to use Gatorade for rehydration, but it has more salt than the human body. The first thing that happens is that it takes water OUT of the body to lower the salinity (osmosis). If you are already severely dehydrated this can cause the heart to stop.

Anyone who is eating normally (especially hikers munching on trail mix, nuts and jerkey and eating packaged foods) has little to worry about with water intoxication. They do need to consider the potential for problems if they get dehydrated and drink (uncut) Gatorade. If you like it, do the 50/50 mix or drink a similar bottle of water for every bottle of Gatorade. Stay hydrated and it is no problem. If you are showing signs of dehydration, drink water.

Respectfully,

Jerry