Today's true sports drinks are still the classic Gatorade -- packed with the electrolytes potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium to provide energy during intense workouts -- as well as competitors such as Cytomax, Allsport, and Accelerade.
1 In most of the cases, Charlie horses are the late responses of overstraining a muscle during exercise, or otherwise. 2  Charley horse might be the result of an electrolyte or mineral imbalance in the body.  In some of the cases, Charlie horses have been found to be a signal of the onset of a vascular disease.
Causes of Charlie Horses. In most of the cases, Charlie horses are the late responses of straining a muscle during exercise, or otherwise. The most common type of Charley horse, found in the calf region, is often the result of kicking while swimming.Charley horses in the upper leg are mainly caused by activities like running or jumping. Chronic health problems such as diabetes can cause problems with leg cramps.ormone imbalances, pregnancy and vascular problems can also be the cause, as can a bad case of the stomach flu with diarrhea. A deficiency in the electrolyte, potassium may bring on leg cramps. Potassium is an essential element that the body requires in order to regulate heartbeat and blood pressure.