Should You Be Taking Electrolytes?

August 08, 2022

Today we're giving you the scoop on electrolytes and if you should be taking them! First of all, what are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals found in your blood, sweat, and urine. These minerals are involved in many important bodily processes. They play a vital role in balancing fluids, promoting hydration, conducting nervous system and muscle functions, regulating the body’s pH levels, and more! Electrolytes found in the body include calcium, sodium, potassium, chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate, and magnesium. We can get electrolytes through food, drinks, and supplements.

When the levels of electrolytes in the body are too high or low, these imbalances can have negative effects on the body - though they typically do not cause symptoms unless the imbalance is severe. Electrolyte imbalances most commonly occur due to dehydration from severe heat exposure, vomiting, and diarrhea. Electrolyte loss can also occur if you are sweating excessively due to long periods of physical activity, particularly in hot weather.

Therefore, consuming enough electrolytes is particularly crucial during the summer, when it's hot out! In the summer, we're also more likely to be drinking alcohol - which further dehydrates and imbalances us in extreme temperatures.

Signs of electrolyte imbalance include:

Fatigue or lethargy

Fluid retention & bloating

Shortness of breath

Headaches

Muscle cramping

Irregular heartbeat

Mental confusion

While a severe electrolyte imbalance is uncommon, dehydration and moderate imbalances are quite common during the summer. Between intense daily heat, prolonged high temperatures, increased alcohol consumption, day-long activities with friends & family, and holiday weekends and parties, we may forget to properly nourish and hydrate in accordance with the season and our activities. Always remember to drink your water when you're out having fun! We recommend carrying a large bottle with you wherever you go.

So do you need to be taking an electrolyte supplement? No, you do not need a supplement because you can get electrolytes from proper nutrition. However, a supplement can be a helpful aid to ensure you are getting enough of them. They are a quick and extremely convenient way to hit your body's electrolyte needs. With a supplement, you'll never need to guess if you have adequate levels.

Some electrolyte supplements we recommend:

Nuun Sport Electrolyte Drink Tablets

LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Powder Packets

Performance IQ Electrolyte Powder Drink Mix

If you prefer, you can also get electrolytes through foods (if they contain calcium, sodium, potassium, etc.) as well as through Pedialyte, electrolyte waters, and certain sports drinks like Gatorade. No matter which route you choose to take for electrolytes, just make sure you are getting an adequate amount!