It seems like everyone is talking about electrolytes these days. You may already know that they are critical for optimal hydration, but they actually have a much longer list of benefits and roles in the body beyond just supporting hydration. I will go over some of those more underrated benefits in this blog!
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge and play a crucial role in various physiological functions within the body.
I recently interviewed my good friend, co-author and founder of LMNT Robb Wolf to talk more about the benefits of electrolytes:
If you’d prefer to read instead of watch, here’s the basics of what we discussed. While they are commonly associated with hydration, electrolytes offer several other benefits beyond maintaining fluid balance. Here are some of the key benefits of electrolytes:
Breastfeeding:
Many mothers actually report a significant increase in milk production when they’re supplementing with electrolytes. Breastfeeding mothers often have increased fluid requirements. Electrolytes, particularly sodium and potassium, can help with fluid absorption and retention, ensuring proper hydration.
Breastfeeding is also a very energy intensive job – and what do we need for energy production? An adequate supply of electrolytes!
Fasting:
Fasting can be a valuable tool for optimal health, promoting metabolic flexibility, cellular repair, and improved insulin sensitivity. However, fasting needs to be done with care to ensure it is safe, productive and enjoyable. One important part of fasting is supplementing with electrolytes. Fasting can lead to fluid loss, so electrolytes can help maintain proper hydration by promoting water absorption.
Extended fasting may lead to imbalances in electrolytes, especially sodium, potassium, and magnesium. That’s why some people experience flu-like symptoms when they fast or reduce carbohydrate intake. Replenishing electrolytes can help prevent muscle cramps, fatigue, or irregular heartbeats. Also, proper electrolyte levels can help sustain physical and cognitive function during fasting, to ward off any feelings of weakness or impaired concentration.
Supplementing with electrolytes can also help with stabilizing blood sugar levels, which can be affected during fasting periods, since magnesium plays a role in insulin sensitivity.
Muscle Function:
Ever experience muscle cramps, weakness or spasms? That might be a sign that you have an electrolyte imbalance. Electrolytes, such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and magnesium, are vital for proper muscle contraction and relaxation. They help transmit electrical signals between nerve cells and muscles, promoting optimal muscle function.
Nerve Function:
Electrolytes are crucial for nerve impulse transmission. Sodium and potassium, in particular, play a significant role in generating and transmitting nerve signals. Proper nerve function is essential for various physiological processes, including reflexes and cognitive function. Getting enough electrolytes can minimize brain fog, reduce fatigue, and promote a general sense of calm.
Heart Function & Blood Pressure Regulation:
You may have heard that you need to reduce sodium consumption for heart health. However, electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are essential for maintaining the electrical activity of the heart. These electrolytes help regulate the heart rate, rhythm, and overall cardiac function. Imbalances can lead to arrhythmias and other cardiovascular issues.
Contrary to popular belief, going low on sodium isn’t automatically the golden ticket to perfect blood pressure. Sodium and potassium play a key role in regulating blood pressure – they help control fluid balance, which influences blood volume and pressure. Imbalances in these electrolytes can actually contribute to hypertension or low blood pressure.
Nutrient Transport:
Moving nutrients across cell membranes is essential for energy production and overall cellular function, and we need electrolytes to do that! Electrolytes create an electrochemical gradient that allows for the movement of substances like glucose and amino acids into cells.
Hydration:
The number one reason people consider taking electrolytes is for hydration. Drinking plain water can lead to an imbalance of electrolytes, and as you can see with all of the important functions of balanced electrolytes above, that would be a huge issue. Electrolytes help the body absorb and retain water, preventing dehydration and ensuring effective hydration.
So, now you know that beyond hydration, electrolytes play critical roles in muscle and nerve function, heart function, blood pressure regulation, nutrient transport, and overall cellular activity. Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes is essential for optimal health and well-being.
Who should use electrolyte supplements?
I often get this question, and if you haven’t already gathered from the long list of benefits above, supplementing with quality electrolytes can benefit a wide range of people.
Of course they’re great for the kind of person who sweats it out at the gym or anyone doing hard labor in the sun to replenish lost electrolytes from sweat. Remember, when you’re pushing your body to the limit, especially in high-intensity workouts, you’re losing more than just beads of sweat. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium are getting the boot too.
Enter electrolyte supplements – the MVPs that swoop in to save the day by replenishing those vital minerals, keeping your muscles happy and your hydration game strong.
But it’s not just for gym rats; if you’ve ever battled the aftermath of a stomach bug, or you’re trying out the keto life, these supplements can be a game-changer.
So, whether you’re a fitness fanatic, just trying to survive a scorching summer day, or a breastfeeding mom wanting to tackle brain fog, electrolyte supplements might be the missing piece in your hydration puzzle.
Try out my favorite brand, LMNT, and let me know what you think, and when you use my link, you’ll get a free flavor sample pack with your order!
