This really starts with the idea that the average person is somewhat dehydrated. There are different markers out there to let you know if you are dehydrated such as:
- Do you feel like with all the water you drink you still feel thirsty?
- Do you have dry skin with especially dry lips?
- What color is your urine?
- Etc
But even if you aren’t feeling dehydrated, I still think there are some major benefits to making sure our electrolyte balances stay in check. Most people think of sodium when they think electrolytes, but there is also potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride.
There are many different markers that show you might have an electrolyte imbalance as well such as: constant fatigue, dizziness, headaches, insomnia, brain fog, and even anxiety.
Supplementing with electrolytes is so easy that it really should be a no brainer for people to do this once they understand the fact that almost everyone is deficient in these nutrients. Especially if you are active in any way or you live in a super hot and humid climate or a climate that gets extremely cold, which should be almost everywhere.
I have even read some things about how supplementing with the proper amount of electrolytes keeps the skin hydrated and will help reduce the cases of sunburn. Now I don’t have any articles to show that, but I have heard it from many sources over the years.
The simplest way to do this is going to be just getting an electrolyte mix. You can do this using a company I love called LMNT (which we sell here at GCP), which are flavored powders with no shady sugar additives. The main thing you are looking for is a sodium, potassium, and magnesium mix, with sodium being relatively high compared to the other two.
WHAT IS YOUR MAIN POINT OR CALL TO ACTION FOR PEOPLE?
- Simply just add some electrolytes to your daily fluid intake. I listed some ideas earlier on where to get them. I don’t see a negative side effect of adding them, only benefits. I don’t think people need to drink them with every drink they have during the day. I would definitely supplement one time a day and if you are extremely dehydrated or sick, uptick that to 2-3 times a day during that period until you recover.
If people want to learn more about electrolytes where would you suggest they go?
- My number one recommendation is check our Robb Wolfs articles on electrolytes, I linked my favorite one below.
- Check out the Drink LMNT website and try their free sample pack and see what it feels like to have the right mixture of electrolytes in your diet for a while and see the difference.
