What’s the fuss with electrolytes?

So, what’s the fuss with electrolytes?

Are they real or just a fad?

Isn’t drinking filtered water enough to keep everything in check?

We decided to lay out all the facts about electrolytes and give you the real deal.

What are electrolytes?

It might sound like a marketing gimmick, but electrolytes are real and they’re important.

To put it simply, ‘electrolytes’ refer to the essential minerals found in your blood, sweat and urine. They are essential for a huge number of your body’s processes – from keeping you hydrated and maintaining your body’s acidic balance to boosting efficient nerve and muscle function and regulating your body’s pH levels.

The electrolytes in your body include:

Sodium
Potassium
Chloride
Calcium
Magnesium
Phosphate
Bicarbonate

How do you know if you need a top-up?

While drinking filtered water and eating a balanced diet are inarguably the best ways to hydrate your body and maintain your balance of minerals, in some cases you may need a little more help.

If you exercise a lot, haven’t been drinking enough water, are feeling a little under the weather (that includes the dreaded Christmas party hangover!) or even if the weather has been really warm, your electrolytes are probably due for a top up.

As fluids leave your body via sweat or illness-related bodily functions, your mineral electrolyte supply is going to get sapped.

That’s why it’s always a great idea to boost your electrolytes after a nasty case of gastro. It’s the best way to avoid dehydration and other related issues when you’re battling a bug.

DID YOU KNOW? If you’re on a low-carb diet, your electrolyte supply is likely to be low. That’s because your body is using fat for fuel (rather than glucose) and is retaining less water. As your body excretes more water, your electrolytes go along with it.

What about store-bought electrolyte drinks?

While some electrolyte-boosting products on the market do work, they can also include some not-so-great ingredients. Think: artificial colours, artificial flavours and excess sugar that can mess with your gut.

Nasties aside, they can also be expensive. And let’s not forget about the massive plastic wastage.

There are just so many reasons why going down the DIY electrolyte route is the smarter choice.