[RC] FW: sodium bicarb formula in Equi ade - Jerry & Susan MilamThis
is a post from the Equi ade manufacturer. Heidi and Susan, please evaluate her
formula and let me know if this 6.5% is too much for our
sport.
Thanks,
Susan
-----Original Message----- Hi Susan- I understand your concerns about
sodium bicarbonate for Endurance Horses. And this issue really is under
debate, as it is the amount of sodium bicarb that is probably what is more
important. In high levels it could be bad for horses after they have
exercised (actually sweated) to an extreme amount. But in a small
percentage sodium bicarb is found to be more beneficial than harmful. Here
is why: Muscles get their enegy and blood supply from cells. These
cells help maintain a normal acid/alkaline balance in the horses metabolic
system, which helps the horse perform to it's best capabilities without
suffering from metabolic stress. When a horse (or human) overexerts their
muscles through exercise the muscles can end up with an overload of lactic acid
(or acidosis) which causes muscle soreness and can lead to tying up.
The reason sodium bicarbonate is in Equi-ade, (and some other electrolytes), is
that sodium bicarb is an alkaline based product which therefore helps balance
out the overabundance of lactic acid in the cells, which then promotes normal
cell function to the muscles, in working horses or people. But, there are some
camps who beleive sodium bicarb is not a good thing in electrolytes because
horses that sweat in great excess (like endurance horses) can then suffer from
alkalosis, and suffer metabolically. So if a horse is in alkalosis
then you would not want to add any more alkaline products to the horses
system. You may know all or some of this, but thought I would go over that
with you. Before I developed Equi-ade, I researched these types of issues
and checked with both the veterinarians at Texas A&M University, (they
actually gave me the base formula for an electrolyte for working horses), and
Shelly Bridges-top Endurance rider and trainer, she has ridden on a few Pan Am
teams, and they both agreed that sodium bicarb in a small percentage was much
more beneficial to working horses than harmful. (This is how I formulated my
percentages for Equi-ade, which is 6.5%). I have been using Equi-ade on my
own horses (as guinea pigs!) here in Texas for a year now, with very good
results. Although I train dressage horses, I can promise you that here in
theTexas summers, they really have tough workouts and sweat in great
amounts. What you would want to avoid in a very hot sweaty horse is large
amounts of sodium bicarb, like the type that might be in a paste? (I would
have to compare the percentages to know that for sure.) I had another
endurance rider ask this same question a few weeks ago. I told her
what I told you but suggested she should consult with her own veterinarian on
the matter, as I think each horse owner should decide what they think is best
for them. I did ship out the three Equi-ade containers to you today, so If
you want, you can keep these if you feel comfortable with this. If you
decide you do not want to use the Equi-ade with the sodium bicarb, just e mail
me and let me know. I can make you up Equi-ade bicarb free! If you
would send back the other box I will send you three more that are bicarb free
and reimburse your shipping from the other box. Hopes this help answer
your questions. From: LIGHTENINGW@xxxxxxx [mailto:LIGHTENINGW@xxxxxxx] Sent: Friday, May 28, 2004 4:23 PM To: milamj@xxxxxxxxxxx Subject: Re: sodium bicarb in Equi ade Take care- sincerely-Jennifer Weems /Hot Pony Products
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