I had read about Pocari Sweat, a Japanese sports drink but had never tried it, now for the interesting part it is half the calories and works really well. I have seen this stuff in many Asian groceries and finally had a chance to try some tonight while out for my walk. The flavor wasn’t to sweet but at the same time it satisfied my thirst. So if you don’t want to choke back sugar laden Gatorade, you might want to give Pocari Sweat a try.

Hey Shawn.  Thanks for taking me back; I used to live in Japan (and drink Pocari Sweat) just out of high school.  Another similar product folks can try out is called Aquarius.  It’s also mild and a sports drink, not sure on the calories though, because when I lived there I didn’t really check the labels.

Liz I’ll have to see it I can find that one, thanks for the info!

Shawn,
There has been some notoriety in the past few years on the use of pickle juice for rehydration and the treatment of cramps by some of the major NFL, College and High School football teams in the southern states.  They take a few ounces of pickle brine before, during and after the games and it was helped along when the Philadelphia Eagles touted it as an aide against cramping.

Mark, I heard the same thing and thought it was an old wives tale, or green Gatorade?

Shawn,
Here is a link to a WebMD article on the subject. 

http://www.webmd.com/content/article/17/1676_51817.htm

That is one cure I will not be trying. If I ever see either of those Japanese drinks, I’ll be sure to give them a try. Wonder if anywhere in Memphis would have them, I could ask Hubby to pick some up next time he’s down there.

Bree

Pickle brine would work because of the sodium, but it isn’t worth it, IMO. My preference is the Powerade single serving packets. They’re very low in sugar, and do the trick to rehydrate.