The Tamesis
Hydration is one of the most important things we can do for our bodies. “Everything in your body, from organ function to hormone balance, depends on optimal hydration,” Los Angeles nutritionist Kimberly Snyder previously said. Fashion. If you’re like me and carry a water bottle with you but still don’t get the recommended 2.7 to 3.7 liters of water per day, you’re most likely already looking for other ways to boost your hydration levels. With so many electrolyte powders on the market that do just this, we decided to dig a little deeper. Here’s what the experts have to say.
What are electrolytes?
“Electrolytes are essential minerals that include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride,” says Amy Shapiro, registered dietitian and founder of Real Nutrition. These minerals carry an electrical charge when dissolved in liquids, helping with a variety of body functions, from muscle contraction to blood pressure and, of course, hydration.
How do electrolyte powders compare to traditional electrolyte drinks?
Shapiro said electrolyte powder differs from traditional sports electrolyte drinks in several ways, including sugar content, electrolyte concentration and ingredient quality.
Taylor Fazio, MS, RD, SPN, also a wellness advisor at The Lanby, a health and wellness membership club in New York City, previously stated Fashion She recommends looking for an electrolyte drink with minimal ingredients (no artificial dyes or preservatives, almost no added sugar) and a balanced blend of sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Her other tips include looking for mineral or sea salt and, if sugar is added, using natural ingredients like stevia or monk fruit.
Do electrolyte drinks help rehydrate?
In short, the answer is yes, but not everyone needs them. Electrolytes help your body retain water, enhance absorption, and replace minerals lost through factors such as illness, sweating, and heat. Nutritionist Riya Lakhani-Kanji previously said: “They can help greatly improve hydration, especially when used during strenuous physical activity.” Fashion. Other situations in which electrolytes are beneficial include illness, fatigue, travel, pregnancy, or hot climates.
However, for most people, plain water and a balanced diet are enough to maintain proper hydration levels. “Most healthy people get the electrolytes they need by drinking fluids regularly and eating a variety of healthy foods,” Allison G. Miner, EdD, MS, RDN, a registered dietitian dietitian and assistant professor of nutrition and food studies at George Mason University, previously said. Fashionadds, “You need a comprehensive range of nutrients to function optimally, and if you only focus on one or two nutrients, you may inadvertently miss out on others.”
For example, some foods and drinks that naturally provide electrolytes include bananas, salted nuts, celery, milk, coconut water, and green leafy vegetables.
Who should not take electrolytes?
“Too many electrolytes can be just as harmful as too few, so moderation and balance are key,” says Lakhani-Kanji. “Excessive intake, especially from beverages or supplements, can increase sodium levels, which can affect blood pressure, cause potassium imbalances, which can affect heart rhythm, and lead to indigestion and kidney strain in susceptible people,” Shapiro added.
So, as with other supplements, it’s best to talk to your doctor before making electrolyte drinks part of your daily routine, especially if you have underlying health issues such as kidney problems, heart problems, or a disease that affects your body’s mineral balance.
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