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 Low levels of minerals, such as sodium, magnesium or potassium, in the body can be one of the reasons for Charlie horses. 2  Deficiency of calcium in pregnant women can also be another reason for the onset of Charley horse.  Low level of liquids in the body, while exercising, might be a probable cause of Charley horse.
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.