Question: Gatorade vs V8 Vfusion

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 7:06 pm

Hi all, I have noticed several posts over the past year that mention using Gatorade for foot cramps and other mc issues. I get foot cramps from time to time, restless legs, and other muscle twitches at times, not nearly as bad as when I was first diagnosed. I suspect it is a problem with absorbing minerals. I use supplements to help and have a weekly b12/mag/folic acid shot. My question is: Isn't it the potassium in the Gatorade that gives the relief or is there some ingredient I'm missing that helps with these things? And if it is the potassium, wouldn't the V8 products be better since they contain a much higher level of potassium than the Gatorade? My V8 V-fusion has 250mg of potassium and the V8 Spicy Hot has 650 mg. Gatorade only has 30mg of potassium. I'm just wondering what I'm missing and why Gatorade would be used over these products?????? Thanks for any input, JoAnn

grannyh · Post by **grannyh** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 7:13 pm

For me the V8 causes problems.. or did before I went on the gatorade. Maybe I just don't need a massive amount of potassium when I take a small amount of the gatorade every day. The powdered gatorade is also considerably cheaper than V8.. (I know because my hubby drinks V8).
grannyh

JoAnn · Post by **JoAnn** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:50 pm

Thanks Grannyh, I think I used to react to the V8 too before remission, but have been drinking mainly the VFusion the past month. I tried the V8 Hot and Spicy this past week and did OK with it. I'm still thrilled about your remission and your ability to eat what you want. You're a great inspiration, Love JoAnn

grannyh · Post by **grannyh** » Sun Jan 02, 2011 9:53 pm

The weird thing is.. I can't really take credit for the remission.. it just happened...LOL
grannyh

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 7:42 am

Hi Jo Ann,

Some folks have trouble with nightshades, like tomato. I did when first diagnosed for a few years.

And I just can't handle the sugar load in Gatorade - or the artificial flavors/dyes. When I had my last colonoscopy they recommended putting the prep (Miralax) in Gatorade. That would have been good for electrolytes, I guess, but I ended up to putting it in pure apple juice. Of course I drank chicken broth, too, to get sodium.

Love,

Polly

grannyh · Post by **grannyh** » Mon Jan 03, 2011 8:27 am

Like everything else with MC.. we each have to pick our own "non poison (to each individual) supplements". That is why we learn patience ...or go nuts...LOL
grannyh

tcorbett · Post by **tcorbett** » Tue Jan 04, 2011 1:11 pm

JoAnn,

Your cramps do sound like low potassium. I have low potassium and when I was on high dose prednisone, it can really make your potassium crazy - I had horrible hand and foot cramps. Have you had your potassium checked recently? If not, be sure to get that done, you don't want to go too high with potassium - I think normal range is like 3.5 - 5.0 or 6.0 - I've only been as high as 3.4 while taking 20meq/3x a day - definately malabsorption! lol I've been as low as 1.9!

I have seen recipes to make your own "gatorade" - you can make it with less sugar or use honey. I am on the SCDiet and can only use honey for a sweetener. I am going to make some today, since I'm sick with a cold and feeling rather dehydrated.

Also, as was mentioned - V8 is made from tomatoes which are a nightshade and those have been known to cause inflammation which we don't need. I have V8 - the original for emergencies - when I feel like my potassium is really down. I know it's not the best, but I think it can get absorbed rather quickly.

Good Luck! Hope those cramps pass quickly - they are no fun!

Theresa in chilly Maine