i figured that was it, but he also has salt on the list, so i thought it might serve some other/additional purpose.

what about TANG and similar drink mixes? it definitely has the sugar, and all the vitamins are nice too.

Just one small point for your consideration:

ORS formulae, such as that promulgated by the WHO, are intended for the treatment of life-threatening dehydration due to diarrheal diseases. It is not a treatment or prophylactic for heat illness.

A normal diet, in fact almost any reasonable diet, provides sufficient quantities of sodium and other electrolytes. In almost all cases, plain water in sufficient amounts at regular intervals, combined with perhaps smaller, more frequent meals and snacks, is sufficient to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte balance for healthy people, even in hot and humid environments.

However, while dehydration can, and often does, certainly contribute to heat illness, there is a level of exertion combined with environmental exposure that, regardless of fluid and electrolyte replacement or supplementation, will cause heat illness.

Just my $0.02.

How do people in the Middle East and sub-Saharan Africa do it then? I've always been curious about that.

In Japan and Korea I drink Pocari Sweat.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pocari_Sweat

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AME--i see that sold on J-list sometimes..is it really anygood??

I have no idea if it is a good electrolyte replacement (especially, as Jeff McCann points out, only water is really necessary for people on a normal diet), but I drink it because it's quite pleasant. Especially ice cold on a hot day.

It is sweet, but not cloyingly so, and very slightly salty. It is slightly cloudy, and non-carbonated.

When I was on vacation in Tokyo in August (!) one year I found that I had to drink plenty of fluid quite regularly. The vending machines have a great choice, and a can or bottle of something is usually less than $2.

If I'm spending money I'd like more than just plain water thank you. I find it quite galling that a bottle of water costs the same as a bottle of something that has a bunch of stuff added.

Actually, drinking fountains can be found easily in Tokyo, so once you've bought your first bottle you can refill it for free.

I guess my recommendation is don't be put off by the name. Try some and then decide if you want to try it again. You can often find it in Asian supermarkets and convenience stores (we have it in New Zealand, even).

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Simply drink water and eat a banana once in awhile. No need to spend money on advertised products. What's more, eating good foods is, well, good for you!