# Gatorade vs Water

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gatorade-vs-water/108839>\
**Category:** Factual Questions\
**Created:** [May 13, 2002, 5:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gatorade-vs-water/108839 "2002-05-13T17:08:39Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 1\
**Page:** 2

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**Author:** ![barbitu8](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/839c29/32.png) [@barbitu8](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/barbitu8)\
**Post date:** [May 15, 2002, 11:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/gatorade-vs-water/108839/21 "2002-05-15T23:11:48Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> \*Originally posted by Falchoon \*  
> \*\*Back to the Gatorade subject…is the powder one (mix yourself) as opposed to the pre-packaged ones? I would tend to think the pre-packaged ones would have more sugar and preservatives in them. \*\*

I use the powder form because it is much cheaper. Moreover, I can use any strength I want and I usually mix it in a diluted strength over the pre-packaged forms. I also mix my Gatorade with water during races. The ingredients are the same.

> [@](#):
>
> The salt and the sugar make a big difference. I think the standard rehydration solution recommended is 1 tsp of salt and 3 tablespoons of sugar for every liter of water. Basically, this is what Gatorade provides, but tastes much better. And this is what you need if you have any sort of diarrhea (see bbeaty’s post)

Salt will actually increase absorption of the water, according to reports of studies I’ve read.

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