Nutrition and Hydration
Review: Base Electrolyte Salt
While I haven't done extensive research, it is clear to me that as I've aged, staying hydrated on the bike is more important than ever. That not only means drinking the right amount of water before, during and after rides, but also using electrolyte replacements. Proper electrolyte replacement prevents cramps during and after rides. Just as importantly, it improves performance on the bike as your muscles and nervous system work better with proper amounts of electrolytes.
One of my favorites is Base Electrolyte Salt.
​
​
​
​
​
From Base Performance, this product is way more than salt (sodium chloride).
BASE Salt is all natural and contains 84 essential minerals needed to maintain proper energy and fluid balance and avoid muscle cramps.
BASE Salt’s crystalline form is very easily digested, rapidly absorbed and available in the bloodstream to replenish the electrolytes lost in sweat. Not only does it work quickly, it also prevents the gastrointestinal distress caused by many other electrolyte products.
While some people choose to add it to water in their bottles, I prefer to use the BASE Race Tubes and place salt directly under my tongue and allow it to begin dissolving directly into your system via oral transmission.
Unless I have full finger gloves on in the winter, I do this by simply wetting my thumb, putting my thumb over the top of the tube, inverting the tube to deposit the salt on my thumb and then lick it.
Depending on much I need (which I use to have to guess but now know exactly using my hDrop - more to come on that soon), I simply take 1-5 thumbfuls.
While your experience may be different, I find that regular use of Base Electrolyte Salt holds off cramping. And if you forget to use it regularly, I've also found that it will help resolve cramps if a minor one comes on during a ride. ​​
​
