For years I have been cutting Gatorade fluid 50-50 with water, getting the electrolyte concentration roughly down to that of what was then Gookinaide. This was based on an article in Runner's World which stated that the relatively high concentration in Gatorade impeded absorption of fluids.


On a hike many years ago in Arizona, I drank water regularly, but acquired a pounding headache. At the end of the day, I ate some salted pretzels - manna from heaven! I reviewed my diet for that day and realize that, quite by random, it had been entirely salt free.

Running distances, I cannot tolerate full strength Gatorade, but either dilute Gatorade or Gookinade goes down very well.