General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc. Rss Feed  
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2011-08-10 1:09 PM

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Subject: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

I got a sample pack of Hammer Endurolytes in a registration bag. So I gave them a try during the run on a HIM this past July. I'm assuming they helped. They did not make me sick to my stomach and I only took about 4 during the 2 hr run. I got to the point where I could not drink anymore gatoraid due to it being too sweet, so i switched to the pills.

Does anyone else use or recomend these for future races? 

 

  



2011-08-10 1:21 PM
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Iron Donkey
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

Many persons use them, and I have used them.  I haven't had any issues taking 2 - 3 every hour on my long training or racing days, especially when it was warmer.

Everybody is different, and if they work for you then that's a good thing.

2011-08-10 2:30 PM
in reply to: #3637878

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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

I've taken the Hammer Endurolytes with no issues, and I believe they may provide a benefit, but who knows.

I switched to Salt Stick Caps for my HIM, and have had no issues so far.  I can take 1 per hour, instead of having to take 3-4 pills.  My main concern is cramping and staying hydrated.

Do they help?  I don't know.  Do they hurt?  I don't believe so.  This is my first long distance race, so we will see.  I just want to make sure i'm replacing enough of my Electrolytes to finish strong and not bonk.

2011-08-10 3:23 PM
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Elite
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
I've used both the Hammer e-caps as well as the powder version mixed directly into my water bottles.  They seemed to do fine for me with no GI issues. I have switched to EFS to get more electrolytes from my calorie source in order to simplifiy my nutrition plan. Give them a try.  They will work for some and not for others.
2011-08-10 9:07 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
So far, I see a few people saying "they don't hurt".  OK.  Do we have some reason to think that they actually HELP?  (BTW, I think that this question is actually very difficult to answer, which is one of the reasons that the science on this issue is very inconclusive.)
2011-08-11 8:12 AM
in reply to: #3637878

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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

I bike with a guy who uses salt caps or whatever they are called.  One century ride a few weeks ago he forgot them but assumed his carbo-pro has electrolytes in it.  He ended his day in the hospital with 2 IV bags.  Diagnosis was dehydration and low salt.  Salt does help you retain water as well to stave off dehydration to a point.

Take it with a grain of salt.  It is just an n=1 experience.  YMMV.  Also I am not a doctor but I assume if you think there is a positive effect even if it may be placebo, go for it.



2011-08-11 8:40 AM
in reply to: #3637878

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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
DLR1 - 2011-08-10 2:09 PM

I got a sample pack of Hammer Endurolytes in a registration bag. So I gave them a try during the run on a HIM this past July. I'm assuming they helped. They did not make me sick to my stomach and I only took about 4 during the 2 hr run. I got to the point where I could not drink anymore gatoraid due to it being too sweet, so i switched to the pills.

Does anyone else use or recomend these for future races? 

 

 

I'm starting to move toward the "less is more" camp.  For anything under 2 hours, I rarely have more than a gel and water.  For longer workouts, I carry Endurolytes in addition to my Infinit.

I rarely use them, but if it is really hot and humid out and I'm sweating a lot, I'll supplement with 1-2 per hour.  They seem to stem off muscle cramping for me since if I don't supplement on those really hot days, I cramp up a bit (and it's not fluid).

2011-08-11 12:00 PM
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2011-08-11 12:19 PM
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Champion
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
I think its individual.  I don't disagree with anything that has been said.  I think the longer you go, the more you rsweat and the saltier you sweat the more of a concern it becomes.  There is a camp that thinks you don't need to supplament at all.  I think that it is a grey area and its not going to be the same for each person.  The important things are to take into account how much sweat you are loosing and  how much salt potentially is in that sweat. 
2011-08-12 12:59 AM
in reply to: #3637878

Expert
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

I carry them just in case. If it's really hot, sometimes I end up drinking enough water that the electrolytes in my nutrition isn't enough and then I add in a capsule or two. But most long rides, runs and races, I get plenty from my nutrition.

2011-08-12 10:00 AM
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
After trying them a few times and not being convinced of any benefit, I left my electrolyte tablets at home for a 80 mile ride in 90+ temps.  I could absolutely tell that my body chemistry was different without them.  It was a miserable workout.  I have found that the longer I am riding / running and the hotter the temp the more necessary these tablets are.


2011-08-12 3:24 PM
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Master
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.

I use Shark Salts.  400 mg of Na per pill.  Endurolytes are only aobut 40 mg / pill.  I'd have to take 10 or more to get enough Na.  And Shark Salts has more than just Na. 

When I get in enough electrolytes, I don't pee as much.  It seems I retain the fluids I'm ingesting. If I don't supplement with Shark Salts then I pee almost as fast as I drink.  Sometime, I want to do a sweat rate experiment with and without electrolyte supplements to see the difference in weight loss.

2011-08-13 1:48 PM
in reply to: #3637878

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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
I have not used any salt products.  Never seemed to have an issue that made me think I needed them.
2011-08-14 9:51 AM
in reply to: #3637878

Pro
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Subject: RE: Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc.
I am not a big fan of the Endurolytes or any other Salt/Electrolyte pill or tablet. I am a heavy, salty sweater and used them for years until I ended up with kidney stones a few weeks before IMLOU in '07. I can't say conclusively that the Salt/Electrolyte pills that I was using were the cause since I didn't catch it as it pass passed. My Urologist suggested that the combination of high core temperature (It was 90-100 most days that summer), dehydration and the extra salt/electrolytes could have been a cause. I quit using them and haven't had a cramping problem nor a kidney stone since. Your results may be different..
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General Discussion Triathlon Talk » Who uses Endurolytes or salt tabs etc. Rss Feed