As a health coach, electrolytes have become a staple part of my everyday health and wellness routine, as well as being one of my most recommended supplements in clinic.
In this article, I share my top five reasons why electrolytes are a personal non-negotiable. But, first things first…
What Exactly Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that include sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. They carry electrical charges in our body which help to regulate hydration, muscular contraction, nerve signalling and heart function.
Table of Contents
What Exactly Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes And Dehydration Electrolytes: An Everyday Essential 5 Reasons Why I Never Skip Electrolytes 1. Sweat Happens - Electrolytes Refill What You Lose 2. It Makes Your Water Work Harder 3. Fewer Cramps, Less Fatigue, Better Recovery 4. Fuel For Energy, Focus and Peak Performance 5. Low-Carb Diets Demand Electrolyte Support How I Incorporate Electrolytes Into My Daily Routine My Personal Experience Frequently Asked Questions
Electrolytes And Dehydration
We lose electrolytes through sweat and hydrating with water alone can actually cause dilution, especially during long, intense workouts.
Up to 75% of the adult population aren’t properly hydrated, and this can lead to some adverse symptoms which can affect both physical and cognitive performance. Low levels of sodium, potassium and calcium can lead to:
Muscular cramps
Dizziness
Headaches
Heart palpitations
Brain fog
Meanwhile, low levels of magnesium can cause:
Muscular cramps
Fatigue
Migraines
Poor sleep
Insulin resistance
On the flip side, high potassium intake is associated with a 20-25% lower risk of stroke and measurable reductions in blood pressure.
Electrolytes: An Everyday Essential
A misconception I often hear from my clients is that electrolytes are only needed when completing long, endurance-style activities such as marathons and triathlons. This couldn’t be further from the truth: yes, drinking plenty of water each day is important, but in order to truly optimise hydration, replenishing electrolytes - with a high-quality supplement such as Hydree from Extracted - is vital.
5 Reasons Why I Never Skip Electrolytes
Here are my top five reasons why electrolytes are a non-negotiable part of my routine - and should be an essential part of yours, too!
1. Sweat Happens - Electrolytes Refill What You Lose
Our bodies sweat as a cooling mechanism; water evaporates from our skin, which helps reduce our core body temperature. Active people can lose large amounts of sodium and potassium through sweating during exercise.
Supplementing with electrolytes can help to replenish the sodium and potassium lost through sweat - in the summer months, you may find yourself sweating more regularly and in larger quantities, so hydrating with water alone just isn’t going to cut it!
2. It Makes Your Water Work Harder
Water needs sodium and glucose transport systems in the gut to help direct it into the bloodstream more efficiently. Drinking water by itself can dilute these electrolyte levels, which can make you feel thirsty even when you’ve had lots to drink.
3. Fewer Cramps, Less Fatigue, Better Recovery
Our muscles contract thanks to a precise combination of electrical signals controlled by sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. When the levels of these minerals are too low or imbalanced, muscle contractions can misfire, which can lead to cramping and fatigue. Keeping electrolyte levels at the optimal level helps muscles contract and relax smoothly, which can improve endurance and reduce delayed onset muscle soreness (DOMS).
4. Fuel For Energy, Focus and Peak Performance
Optimal electrolyte balance is also paramount to brain functioning and nerve signalling. If levels drop too low, you could experience brain fog, reduced concentration, irritability, and low energy.
5. Low-Carb Diets Demand Electrolyte Support
If you consume low levels of carbohydrates, your intake of glucose drops which reduces the amount of insulin produced by your body. This signals your kidneys to excrete more sodium and water, which can lead to some of the aforementioned symptoms such as headaches, fatigue and muscle cramping. To combat this, supplementing with a high-quality electrolyte blend is crucial.
How I Incorporate Electrolytes Into My Daily Routine
Since incorporating electrolytes into my health and wellness routine, I’ve noticed a huge improvement in my performance in the gym, on the football field, and at work. I’ve also noticed an improvement in my concentration levels when tackling difficult work tasks and less fatigue both physically and mentally.
I take Extracted’s premium, pure-grade Hydree every day, either intra-workout if I’m at the gym, or after a work day/football training. I mix one sachet into my ice-cold water (enjoying the raspberry lemonade flavour!), which restores 400mg of sodium, 250mg of potassium and 100mg of calcium and magnesium. I immediately feel a boost of hydration and any feelings of thirst quickly diminish.
My Personal Experience
Since taking electrolytes on a daily basis, I’ve become mentally sharper with more focus for my day-to-day tasks. I recover faster between workouts and football games, which has really helped me stay consistent with my weekly training routine.
I used to get cramp in my legs at the end of almost every intense football match I played. But that’s not been the case since taking electrolytes. It’s incredibly reassuring to know that those electrical signals in my body can fire optimally, thanks to a balanced electrolyte store.
If you’re struggling to optimise your hydration, try Hydree by Extracted. It’s the perfect blend of all four essential electrolytes which will keep you performing stronger, for longer!
The Author: Jordan Cantwell BSc Occupational Therapist
Jordan combines occupational therapy principles, health coaching and holistic support to help individuals improve their physical, cognitive and emotional wellbeing.
Jordan has experience working in multiple hospital settings and currently specialises in support and rehabilitation for individuals suffering from long-term effects of Covid-19.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I take Hydree?
Add one sachet of Hydree to a glass or water bottle, pour over chilled water and mix well. Natural Himalayan salt can cause a small amount of sediment, so if you’re using a bottle, just give it a quick shake before sipping.
Are the ingredients safe?
We partner with expert nutritionists and formulation teams to develop our high-potency supplements, prioritising quality and safety at all times.
Our formulas are much more powerful than ‘off-the-shelf’ supplements, providing long-term effectiveness.
How do I know if I'm dehydrated?
You don't always need to feel "parched" to be dehydrated! If you’re feeling tired, light-headed, foggy, getting headaches, dry skin, muscle cramps or noticing darker urine, your body may be low on fluids and electrolytes.
When we sweat, exercise, travel or even drink lots of plain water, we lose key electrolytes like sodium and potassium - and without replacing them, hydration can’t happen properly.
How do your subscriptions work?
Subscriptions are a convenient way to get your supplements delivered every month. After purchasing you will receive an email to manage your subscription.
You can cancel or pause at any time. We also send out handy reminders 3 days before you are billed so you know when your next pouch is on its way!
Note: This article is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.
