Poor man's Gatorade.

[PhotonWrangler]

The sugar is important. It’s not for flavor, and it cannot be replaced by an artificial sweetener.
The sugar plays a role in getting the electrolytes through the intestinal wall and into your bloodstream. Without the sugar, you can put the electrolytes in at the top and lose them out the bottom without their ever getting out of your gut.
On the other hand, the sugar does not have to be in the electrolyte mix to be in your gut. If you are eating something sugary/starchy at the same time, then the drink itself does not have to contain sugar.

I did not know about the need for sugar in the mix; thank you. This explains some things.

 

[pnwoutdoors]

A deer has probably peed in your water before

While camping, drinking from a high mountain stream's sort of like that, as well, with the deer additions from up the canyon.

"Poor Man's Gatorade", indeed. Electrolytes, giardia & crypto ... oh it's got everything.

Been a great many years since I last found a small stream I'd trust. Sign o' the times.

 

[bluflaam777]

While camping, drinking from a high mountain stream's sort of like that, as well, with the deer additions from up the canyon.

"Poor Man's Gatorade", indeed. Electrolytes, giardia & crypto ... oh it's got everything.

Been a great many years since I last found a small stream I'd trust. Sign o' the times.

I heard they all hang out with Cocaine Bear. Maybe just a rumor?