Electrolyte Drinks / Coconut Water
psuLemon
Posts: 38,428 MFP Moderator
Recently, my wife and I went to see an electrophysiologist because she has a medical condition that is called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a form of dysautonomia. As part of the condition, your body will deplete electrolytes extremely quickly. Mostly because even with a beta blocker, her resting HR is still about 90-105. Because of that, our doctor suggested a few things in terms of diet and supplements.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
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Replies
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There are electrolyte powders like Nuun, Ultima, Emergen-C, Ener-c. As for coconut water, I don't mush care for it either and often mix it with half regular water and maybe an electrolyte tab. Not so bad that way. Good luck!0
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Coconut water is not necessarily super coconutty. I suggest this brand, which is the best tasting and least crap-filled.
http://www.tastenirvana.com/
It's pretty sweet and VERY refreshing. I love it and would drink nothing but, except, you know, water is free-ish and these are about $2.50/bottle.
ETA I realize that I didn't answer your question. Sorry. But I love the stuff.0 -
If I'm not wrong, apple juice and lime juice both have high electrolyte content. Even orange juice has a reasonably high amount of electrolytes.
I'm basing this on the fact that doctors ask patients to drink these juices whenever the patient loses large amounts of water like when they have diarrhoea or something.
Hope this helps.
x 0 -
I take MediLyte tablets for my migraines, that might help? A box of 100 for $9.0
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Has she tried different brands of coconut water? I've found I don't like Vita-Coco. It has sugar from fruit and I think it tastes "off." Also, I've noticed anything not in a glass or paper carton tastes funny too.
Like Rosplosion mentioned, Taste Nirvana tastes terrific and is my favorite. Harmless Harvest and Amy & Brian are other brands that I've heard are very good too.0 -
I second the opinion that coconut water is not coconutty - it tastes a little "green" and may take some getting used to, but it really is gold as far as electrolytes are concerned.
It's sterile straight from the coconut and was actually used as a blood plasma sub. during war times!
Seriously - give it a two-week chance and see if it doesn't grow on you.0 -
Is it possible to add flavoring to the coconut water? One of the sugar free ones like Mio, or Crystal Light, or something like that?0
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I don't know...honestly, it's hard to beat "natures Gatorade"...coconut water is just super packed with electrolytes. Might try some V8...I do low sodium as the potassium seems to be more important for me, but both are pretty loaded with electrolytes. I usually have a 12 ounce low sodium v8 daily, usually at breakfast and a 12 oz coconut water after my lunch ride. I drink more coconut water on my long rides as that's what I fill my bottles with and also more in the summer when I'm sweating a lot more.
I'm on a diuretic and also workout quite a bit, so I have to do what I have to do to maintain my electrolytes. I didn't really used to be much of a fan of either V8 or the coconut water but now I look forward to them.0 -
Having recently suffered dehydration .. I am watching my hydration levels much closer now and hoping my electrolyte levels are ok.
I normally judge things by my urine now .. the best test of such. Orange = bad. Light-ish yellow = probably ok.
I have found .. Vitamin water Zero I think, to be ok. Not all that sugar of the others. Also G2 looks promising. Again .. low in calories and not all the sugar. Coconut water .. who knows.
Most of the sports drinks I have seen are just glorified .. and expensive supposedly healthier versions of pop. I just avoid the sugary ones.0 -
I think she should try a different brand of coconut water - i live in the caribbean so i can get it fresh, finding something good might be a bit tricky just don't dismiss it yet try a few first.0
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I'm afraid I don't have any advice for the hydration issue except to say that I love coconut and that coconut water doesn't taste anything like that. . . thought it was undrinkable.0
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Try chia fresca made with stevia. I lose electrolytes pretty quickly too, but because I'm pre-diabetic, I stay away from even coconut water. This has worked really well. Without it, I get the worst headaches every time I workout.
http://ohsheglows.com/2013/03/01/chia-fresca-a-natural-energy-drink/
http://www.cooktj.com/node/57910 -
Reducing fluid intake from 90oz seems odd. Is that water intake, or fluid intake? I have POTS, and I've been told I need 2-3 liters of fluids a day as well as sodium tablets and electrolyte drinks. POTS is a secondary condition for me, though (primary is EDS) so maybe that's different.
I drink a ton of Powerade. Nuun has the highest percentage of sodium I've found in the tablets to put in water, so I'm trying that next.
I don't drink water unless I'm eating something salty at the same time. So if I drink water, I need a salty snack (salted peanuts, potato chips, etc).0 -
In case you don't find an alternative to coconut water...
I've recently started drinking coconut water (not for medical reasons) and agree that not all commercially produced brands are the same. They really do taste different from brand to brand and between the different types of container materials (glass, plastic, boxes). I don't know why that is. It's just something I've observed. Another thing I noticed... I don't like to drink it warm/room temperature. It has to be really cold, in order for me to be able to drink it straight.
Does your wife drink smoothies? If so, have her use coconut water as the liquid in that. By adding the fruits, it masks the coconut flavor pretty well.
I've also used it when cooking lentils, to give them a Thai flavor. It could be added to other recipes, pretty easily.0 -
I use coconut water in my morning smoothies and I don't like coconut water by itself. I can get in about 14 ozs. You can't even taste it and it has a lot of potassium.0
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Reducing fluid intake from 90oz seems odd. Is that water intake, or fluid intake? I have POTS, and I've been told I need 2-3 liters of fluids a day as well as sodium tablets and electrolyte drinks. POTS is a secondary condition for me, though (primary is EDS) so maybe that's different.
I drink a ton of Powerade. Nuun has the highest percentage of sodium I've found in the tablets to put in water, so I'm trying that next.
I don't drink water unless I'm eating something salty at the same time. So if I drink water, I need a salty snack (salted peanuts, potato chips, etc).
when drinking Powerade, Gatorade, etc, I'd stay away from the regular kinds - they're loaded with HFCS. The Powerade Zero has all the electrolytes, and none of the sugar, and the sweetener in it is NOT aspartame, but a more natural type.0 -
I didn't like coconut water at first and still don't like most brands. After a while though, I can't drink anything else.
My favorite is Harmless Harvest (http://harmlessharvest.com/).
It's so much better than most brands and sometimes the water is a little pink, which tastes even better I think.0 -
Reducing fluid intake from 90oz seems odd. Is that water intake, or fluid intake? I have POTS, and I've been told I need 2-3 liters of fluids a day as well as sodium tablets and electrolyte drinks. POTS is a secondary condition for me, though (primary is EDS) so maybe that's different.
I drink a ton of Powerade. Nuun has the highest percentage of sodium I've found in the tablets to put in water, so I'm trying that next.
I don't drink water unless I'm eating something salty at the same time. So if I drink water, I need a salty snack (salted peanuts, potato chips, etc).
Actually, when my wife started to increase water intake, she started seeing more adverse signs (increased dizziness, fainting, etc..). After some bloodwork, it should signs of dehydration. That is why this EP suggested coconut water. Right now we have only tried a few flavors to include one powder mix. She does like the "flavored" coconut waters: bodyarmor and powercoco (best they are grape or strawberry banana flavors). I will get her to try a couple that have been mentioned in this thread. The issue with the ones i just mentioned are a bit higher in calories and sugars (since mixed).
She does drink gatorade and powerade when it's the last resort. Mostly because it has a lot of sugar in it (something she was suggested to minimize). We have also use G2 but I feel there are better options out there.
In terms of food, so does drink shakes most mornings as she isn't big into breakfast. Generally it's 1 cup of berries, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 scoop of EAS protein powder. I may try to mix in the coconut powder too as it seems like a good idea.0 -
I didn't like coconut water at first and still don't like most brands. After a while though, I can't drink anything else.
My favorite is Harmless Harvest (http://harmlessharvest.com/).
It's so much better than most brands and sometimes the water is a little pink, which tastes even better I think.
Of the ones suggested in this thread... this brand and the nun look to be the most promising based on their nutritional contents. They are definitely high in the potassium and magnesium and I believe my local Wegmans carries the brand.
I think NUUN looks like a good midday option if my wife would need a good pick me up0 -
Coconut water is not necessarily super coconutty. I suggest this brand, which is the best tasting and least crap-filled.
http://www.tastenirvana.com/
It's pretty sweet and VERY refreshing. I love it and would drink nothing but, except, you know, water is free-ish and these are about $2.50/bottle.
ETA I realize that I didn't answer your question. Sorry. But I love the stuff.
Thanks, I don't think my wife has tried that. So I will check it out.0 -
Skratch labs makes the most natural electrolyte sports drink that I've found. Don't want HFCS or any of those nasty artificial sweeteners. And I can't stomach coconut water either...
Infiniti will whip up a custom electrolyte drink for you - just call & they will customize it to your flavor/protein/carb/electrolyte desires. It's pretty expensive, though, unless you catch it on sale.0 -
Reducing fluid intake from 90oz seems odd. Is that water intake, or fluid intake? I have POTS, and I've been told I need 2-3 liters of fluids a day as well as sodium tablets and electrolyte drinks. POTS is a secondary condition for me, though (primary is EDS) so maybe that's different.
I drink a ton of Powerade. Nuun has the highest percentage of sodium I've found in the tablets to put in water, so I'm trying that next.
I don't drink water unless I'm eating something salty at the same time. So if I drink water, I need a salty snack (salted peanuts, potato chips, etc).
Actually, when my wife started to increase water intake, she started seeing more adverse signs (increased dizziness, fainting, etc..). After some bloodwork, it should signs of dehydration. That is why this EP suggested coconut water. Right now we have only tried a few flavors to include one powder mix. She does like the "flavored" coconut waters: bodyarmor and powercoco (best they are grape or strawberry banana flavors). I will get her to try a couple that have been mentioned in this thread. The issue with the ones i just mentioned are a bit higher in calories and sugars (since mixed).
She does drink gatorade and powerade when it's the last resort. Mostly because it has a lot of sugar in it (something she was suggested to minimize). We have also use G2 but I feel there are better options out there.
In terms of food, so does drink shakes most mornings as she isn't big into breakfast. Generally it's 1 cup of berries, 1 cup of unsweetened almond milk and 1 scoop of EAS protein powder. I may try to mix in the coconut powder too as it seems like a good idea.
I don't tolerate plain water well either, unless it's balanced by salty foods, but I get worse when I lower overall fluid intake. Keeping fluid intake high while minimizing drinks without electrolytes is a mess.
I'm pretty hopeful about the nuun. I bought it at fleet feet so I could try it, but it's cheaper on Amazon.
Eta: I haven't tried it because I'm lazy, but some people with POTS have good luck with homemade electrolyte drinks. I don't remember all the specifics, but it has lemon juice, and salt, and honey, and calcium and magnesium, I think.0 -
Recently, my wife and I went to see an electrophysiologist because she has a medical condition that is called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a form of dysautonomia. As part of the condition, your body will deplete electrolytes extremely quickly. Mostly because even with a beta blocker, her resting HR is still about 90-105. Because of that, our doctor suggested a few things in terms of diet and supplements.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
Coconut water doesn't even taste like coconut, she should give it a try..............if that doesn't work, then she can mix it with pineapple juice and she won't taste the coconut water at all.0 -
Reducing fluid intake from 90oz seems odd. Is that water intake, or fluid intake? I have POTS, and I've been told I need 2-3 liters of fluids a day as well as sodium tablets and electrolyte drinks. POTS is a secondary condition for me, though (primary is EDS) so maybe that's different.
I drink a ton of Powerade. Nuun has the highest percentage of sodium I've found in the tablets to put in water, so I'm trying that next.
I don't drink water unless I'm eating something salty at the same time. So if I drink water, I need a salty snack (salted peanuts, potato chips, etc).
when drinking Powerade, Gatorade, etc, I'd stay away from the regular kinds - they're loaded with HFCS. The Powerade Zero has all the electrolytes, and none of the sugar, and the sweetener in it is NOT aspartame, but a more natural type.
There are worse things in life than HFCS, and it's pretty far down on my list of things to worry about.
The balance of electrolytes in powerade works for me. I'm exploring alternatives, but for now a drink with HFCS is preferable to increasing POTS symptoms again.0 -
Recently, my wife and I went to see an electrophysiologist because she has a medical condition that is called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a form of dysautonomia. As part of the condition, your body will deplete electrolytes extremely quickly. Mostly because even with a beta blocker, her resting HR is still about 90-105. Because of that, our doctor suggested a few things in terms of diet and supplements.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
Coconut water doesn't even taste like coconut, she should give it a try..............if that doesn't work, then she can mix it with pineapple juice and she won't taste the coconut water at all.
She has tried a few brands... hates the taste. That is why i asked for some alternatives.0 -
Recently, my wife and I went to see an electrophysiologist because she has a medical condition that is called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a form of dysautonomia. As part of the condition, your body will deplete electrolytes extremely quickly. Mostly because even with a beta blocker, her resting HR is still about 90-105. Because of that, our doctor suggested a few things in terms of diet and supplements.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
Coconut water doesn't even taste like coconut, she should give it a try..............if that doesn't work, then she can mix it with pineapple juice and she won't taste the coconut water at all.
She has tried a few brands... hates the taste. That is why i asked for some alternatives.
Have her try to mix it with pineapple juice.0 -
Recently, my wife and I went to see an electrophysiologist because she has a medical condition that is called Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). It's a form of dysautonomia. As part of the condition, your body will deplete electrolytes extremely quickly. Mostly because even with a beta blocker, her resting HR is still about 90-105. Because of that, our doctor suggested a few things in terms of diet and supplements.
Supplements: potassium (prescription), magensium taurate (it blends amino acids with magnesium for quicker absorption), CoQ10, and Vitamin D 5000iu.
Diet: low carb/sugar and gluten free (been gluten free for a year since we found she was intolerant).
Along with diet, our EP suggested to reduce the amount of water she was drinking (90oz) because it dilutes her electrolytes and start drinking coconut water due to being low sugar and heavy in electolytes 1 to 2x a day. Unfortunately, my wife hates all things coconut. I was hoping some people would have opinions on substitutions for coconut waters (to include powders/tablets).
The other options we found that she kind of likes is bodyarmor and powercoco (grape/blue raspberry). The only issue is each are about $2 per 20oz bottle.
Anyone have any thoughts?
ps- yes, we did call our EP back and awaiting an alternative.
Coconut water doesn't even taste like coconut, she should give it a try..............if that doesn't work, then she can mix it with pineapple juice and she won't taste the coconut water at all.
She has tried a few brands... hates the taste. That is why i asked for some alternatives.
Have her try to mix it with pineapple juice.
I will suggest that, thanks.0 -
My wife wanted me to thank everyone for the ideas. She is now incorporating coconut powder into her shakes as well as using NUUN tablets. Last night both tried a few more types of water and thought they were disgusting. As we find more, we will try them too. Thanks for all the suggestions.0
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I was diagnosed with POTS earlier this year and was told by my doctor to drink a minimum of 6 servings a day of electrolyte drinks. He said Gatorade. My heart dropped, the thought of consuming that many calories and that much sugar in a drink caused me much anxiety. I tried a lot of different brands out there. I was drinking Nuun for a while because it was the healthiest option and I could get it at a decent price off Amazon, but I had to choke it down because I didn't care for the taste. I ended up getting connected with an Advocare distributor and they suggested trying Rehydrate, which is their brand's electrolyte drink. The stuff is amazing as far as taste goes, and doesn't contain all that added sugar and unnecessary crap. I ended up becoming an Advocare distributor myself just for the Rehydrate because I use so much of it and I get a 40% discount by being a distributor. If you have POTS and electrolytes help your symptoms as much as they help mine, I highly suggest looking into becoming a distributor for Advocare and getting the discount for Rehydrate. Actually for just a yearly membership fee similar to a wholesale club you can get 20% off for life if you didn't want to go as far as being a distributor. And those discounts go for other products too, not just Rehydrate but that stuff is like gold to me haha. The product details are attached so you can see just how high quality this stuff is. If I have to be drinking so much of something, I want it to taste as good as this does, and I want to be able to save as much as possible! The link to purchase it is below too!
http://us5.campaign-archive1.com/?u=7868e010919abeb6e54c2851c&id=b515422b0b
https://www.advocare.com/13094966/0
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