With summer (and heat!) in full swing, now is a good time to revisit
electrolytes, exercise and health. Whether you’re a workout fiend or just a beginner, you likely know that when you sweat, you lose electrolytes. But what exactly does that mean, and why is it important?
What are electrolytes?
Put simply, electrolytes are minerals – potassium, sodium and calcium – that are essential for regulating muscle contractions and keeping you hydrated. If your body is low in electrolytes, you may experience muscle cramps, headache, fatigue and/or nausea. To avoid electrolyte imbalance, it’s important to regularly replenish these minerals. One of the best ways to restore them is to take electrolytes during and after exercise.
How to get electrolytes
Luckily there are plenty of convenient ways to add electrolytes to your workouts. Below is a list of powders, tablets, ready-to-drink products, drops and chewables to help make it easy for you to find something that will best fit your routine.
Best electrolyte powders
Xtend The Original BCAA Watermelon Explosion
This product is great for both muscle recovery and electrolytes. Xtend contains 7 grams of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), to support muscle recovery and growth while also delivering an important hydrating electrolyte blend, along with additional performance ingredients to help you refuel, repair and recover. It’s sugar free, and it contains zero carbs and zero calories. During and post workout simple add a scoop to about 10oz. of water, shake and drink.
Ultima Health Products Ultima Replenisher™ Electrolyte Powder (Raspberry)
With all six electrolytes plus extra minerals, real fruit flavors and plant-based color, this product is a go-to choice for healthy replenishment so you can feel and perform your best. Zero sugar, zero calories and no artificial flavors or sweeteners are a bonus. Just one packet makes a 16oz. electrolyte replacement drink. Toss a packet in your gym bag and go!
Best ready-to-drink electrolyte products
R.W. Knudsen Family Recharge (Tropical)
If you’re looking for an easy way to replace electrolytes, try this tropical sports drink made from concentrates. It consists of 50% all-natural fruit juice, plus added electrolytes (sodium and potassium) for a quick recharge.
Vita Coco Coconut Water (Pineapple)
Coconut water is nutrient rich and naturally contains electrolytes. Vita Coco coconuts are carefully hand-picked on thousands of small farms throughout the tropics. Lost electrolytes are replenished naturally quickly with this convenient RTD beverage that will recharge your body with vital nutrients.
Best electrolyte drops
Trace Minerals Research 40,000 Volts Electrolyte Concentrate
Turn any beverage into an electrolyte sports drink with these convenient drops. This gluten-free, certified vegan concentrate contains ionic trace minerals and Utah sea minerals in a base liquid potassium chloride. Just add 1 teaspoon (about 80 drops) to any large beverage during or after strenuous activity to help maintain healthy electrolyte levels.
Best electrolyte tablets
Trace Minerals Research Electrolyte Stamina
Reduce muscle cramps, maintain muscle stamina, and support energy and endurance with these tablets that provide magnesium, potassium, vitamin B6, taurine, ionic trace minerals tablets. Just take 4-6 tablets daily divided with meals, and before and after periods of physical activity.
NUUN Active Electrolyte Enhanced Drink Tabs (Strawberry Lemonade)
If you’re looking for a super easy way to have electrolytes on hand, these great-tasting tablets packaged in a small tube are the way to go. Nunn tablets are designed to keep you hydrated wherever your active lifestyle takes you. Each tablet is packed with optimal electrolytes, contains clean ingredients, and is low in calories and sugar. Toss one into a 16 oz. container of water for a refreshing low-sugar sports drink.
Best electrolyte chewables
ProBar Bolt Organic Energy Chews
These organic chews are loaded with electrolytes, B vitamins, antioxidants and complex carbs for fast fuel-ups. They’re made with superfruits, free of gluten and are non-GMO. Plus they are fun to eat and taste great!
