Electrolytes Series: Why Electrolytes Are Essential for Hydration

You may have heard of electrolytes in sports drinks, and even be aware of some of the natural options available out there. But what do electrolytes actually do and what should you look for in an electrolyte drink or electrolyte supplements? What do electrolytes do? Electrolytes are a group of minerals – including magnesium, sodium, and potassium – that help conduct electricity around the body. They are essential for basically every activity in your body: muscle contraction (like your heart), regulating pH balance, keeping you hydrated and controlling your nervous system function. Why are electrolytes important? Electrolytes are essential to our survival, yet we can easily lose electrolytes through urine and sweat. Overconsumption of diuretic drinks such as coffee, alcohol and caffeinated teas can also reduce our electrolyte levels in the body. This becomes especially problematic when we are sick, as we also lose electrolytes when we vomit or experience diarrhea. Symptoms of low electrolytes levels It can be more common to see extreme symptoms of low electrolyte levels in those who are athletes or practice a ketogenic diet (hint: the keto flu can be better managed with electrolyte supplementation). However, there are common symptoms that many of us experience, that may indicate dehydration or low electrolyte levels, including: Fatigue Headache Dizziness Nausea (with or without vomiting) Trembling Dry mouth and skin Muscle weakness Stiff and aching joints More severe symptoms of electrolyte deficiency include: Change in mental status, such as confusion, delirium, lethargy, hallucinations Poor skin elasticity Rapid heart rate Sunken eyes If you experience these symptoms, please seek medical attention immediately. When to take electrolytes In general, electrolytes can be helpful to keep up with your daily hydration goals, especially on those busy days where remembering to drink water can be a challenge. You can skip that third cup of coffee and reach for some electrolytes – you may even find it more energizing! Some other times you may want to consider taking electrolytes include: When you have been in the heat for an extended period (think summertime adventures!) If you drank a little too much alcohol one night If you are engaging in high-intensity exercise If you are following a ketogenic or low-carb diet, or regularly practice fasting If you are experiencing the flu or a severe bout of diarrhea If you have been feeling more muscle fatigue than usual with no changes to your daily water consumption How to replenish electrolytes First, start with food. Lots of vegetables and fruits can supply you with magnesium and potassium, as well as sea salt to support sodium production. But for many people, this isn’t enough. Supplementing with an electrolyte mix, like Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™, can provide you with these essential minerals. What is the best electrolyte drink? For years, we reached for electrolyte drinks packed with sugar – anyone else remember the days of choosing your favourite colour sugary sports drink for the soccer tournament? However, a few tips to ensure you pick the best electrolyte for your health goals include: Make sure it's sugar-free While glucose is important for many professional athletes, many average fitness folks can get away with consuming their carbs from whole-food sources pre- and post-workout. Look for a higher sodium content Many people shy away from sodium as we’ve been told it can lead to cardiovascular issues. However, studies show that low sodium intake can have the same effect. Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ powder contains 440 mg of sodium per serving, which is known to support sore muscles. As previously mentioned, this is especially important for those following a low-carb or ketogenic diet, whether they exercise regularly or not. Check the magnesium content Magnesium is always beneficial to have in an electrolyte mix to help with post-workout recovery. Magnesium citrate can be ideal, especially if you deal with muscle cramping. Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ powder contains 60 mg of magnesium per serving. No added colours or preservatives Look for natural colouring, especially ones that add to the nutritional value of the product, like red beet powder! Today, electrolyte drinks are savvier than ever, not only supporting your mineral needs, but taking a whole-body approach. Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen™ combines nutrients like vitamin C, which is excellent to support tissue repair, plus 5 g of hydrolyzed grass-fed collagen per serving for additional joint support. In addition, you get all the benefits, without the less ideal ingredients like sugar, preservatives and artificial colours.

Find out more about the minerals that your body needs on a daily basis. You need electrolytes daily. But what are they? Electrolytes are minerals (like sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium) that conduct an electrical charge when mixed with water. These electrolytes are essential to the body, and because they conduct an electrical charge are also referred to as salts. Yes, your body needs salt for several reasons. Role of electrolytes in your body The basic function of electrolytes is to regulate the flow of fluid and salts inside and outside of your cells. This is key to ensure you are well hydrated. Water alone doesn’t contain nutrients, so you may be deficient in helping your body send key signals and impulses if you're not providing your body with key essential minerals. Electrolytes: help regulate a variety of your body’s most essential functions, including sending signals throughout your body’s nervous system help maintain a balanced pH and temperature so that your cells and organs are functioning optimally support the digestive system through opening and closing of channels that need an ionic balance help your muscles contract and avoid cramping during activity control the constant impulses in your body to keep your heart beating, lungs breathing and brain functioning optimally supports your immunity and return to health after being ill You cannot have hydration without electrolytes Hydration = Water + Electrolytes When you sweat, urinate, or experience diarrhea, you lose electrolytes along with fluid, which can lead to dehydration and other health problems. Therefore, you're losing electrolytes daily and should replace them daily. While water is essential for staying hydrated, it does not contain significant amounts of electrolytes. Therefore, if you engage in intense physical activity or live in a hot and humid climate, simply drinking water may not be enough to replenish the electrolytes you lose through sweat. Without a balance of electrolytes and water, you can find yourself dehydrated. How to choose the right electrolytes... Electrolyte-rich beverages, such as sports drinks or coconut water, can provide the necessary minerals to help restore your electrolyte balance and prevent dehydration. However, it's important to be mindful of the added sugars and calories in some sports drinks and to choose lower-sugar options. Or you can make your own electrolyte drink using natural ingredients like fruit juice, honey, and salt. Organika's Electrolytes powder provide the essential minerals you need to replenish your body daily, without caffeine and without any sugar. What's even better is that this formula is gentle for everyday use. Want more from your electrolytes? Electrolytes Defence - Essential electrolytes coupled with immune boosting ingredients: zinc, elderberry and echinacea Electrolytes + Enhanced Collagen - Essential electrolytes coupled with Canada’s #1 Collagen Powder† for stronger joints, healthier hair, skin, and nails In summary, while water is essential for hydration, electrolytes are important for maintaining fluid balance and supporting various bodily functions.

Check the list to ensure you're well hydrated every day. Facts are facts, your body needs electrolytes to be properly hydrated. It’s the balance of fluid inside and outside your cells that defines if you are hydrated enough. This fluid balance is thanks to trace minerals that conduct electrical charges... minerals called electrolytes. What do you need to know about electrolytes? Electrolytes are important for overall health and well-being, and you need them daily. Drinking fluids that contain electrolytes can help replenish lost fluids and prevent dehydration, helping improve many functions in your body including things like: Nerve signalling Muscle contraction Digestion and metabolism Skin health Eliminating wastes And more Some electrolytes, such as potassium and magnesium, play a role in promoting healthy skin. For example, potassium may help regulate blood flow and oxygenation to the skin, while magnesium may help support collagen synthesis and prevent skin aging. How do you know if you are lacking electrolytes? There are several signs that you may not have enough electrolytes in your body, but here are some telltale signs you should look out for: Muscle cramps: since electrolytes help regulate muscle function, an imbalance can cause muscle cramps or spasms. Fatigue: electrolytes are involved in energy production and can help combat fatigue, therefore a lack of them can lead to decreased energy levels. Headaches: electrolyte imbalances can cause headaches or migraines, especially if dehydration is a factor. Nausea and vomiting: sometime an imbalance of electrolytes can lead to digestive issues, including nausea and vomiting; sometimes a side effect of headaches as well. Dizziness: Electrolytes help regulate blood pressure, and an imbalance can lead to lightheadedness. Weakness: Electrolytes are important for muscle strength, and when low in these key minerals, you can feel some weakness or decreased physical performance (ask any athlete). Urine colour is clear: if your urine is completely clear, like water... it means that you probably don't have the balance of minerals your body is striving for. Your urine should be slightly yellow, like champagne or lemonade. Irregular heartbeat: Electrolyte imbalances can affect heart function and cause irregular heartbeats or palpitations... in this case it’s important to seek medical attention immediately. Replenishing your electrolytes by adding them into your water is an easy way to improve your hydration daily. TIP: Add electrolytes to your water and drink it down before you start your day, see the difference it makes! SHOP OUR ELECTROLYTES