It's no secret that electrolytes have become increasingly popular in the health and fitness industry. From electrolyte powder and drinks to supplements, more and more people are turning to these essential elements to stay hydrated and energised. 

The reason for their growing popularity is simple: electrolytes help maintain the body's fluid balance and regulate muscle and nerve function. Whether you're a professional athlete or someone who simply wants to lead a healthier lifestyle, electrolytes can help you perform at your best. Don’t waste your potential; perform at your peak with electrolytes. 

 

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential nutrients that help regulate fluid balance and conduct electrical impulses in the body. These charged ions are found in common minerals like sodium, potassium, and chloride. When we sweat during exercise or physical work, we lose electrolytes, which can cause dehydration, lethargy, and muscle cramps. An adult’s body contains about 60%, which means that almost every fluid and cell in your body contains and depends on electrolytes to perform. These electrolytes are vital in maintaining the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells (Cleveland Clinic. 2021).

That's why electrolyte powders, drinks, and supplements have become increasingly popular among athletes and active consumers alike. These products provide a convenient and efficient way to replenish lost electrolytes and improve hydration levels. Whether you're hitting the gym or just need a quick boost, electrolyte solutions can help you feel your best and perform at your peak.

 

What Do Electrolytes Do?

As we mentioned above, electrolytes are essential minerals that are critical for various bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function. These minerals conduct electricity when dissolved in water and are often referred to as the electric tissues of the body. Without electrolytes, our muscles would not contract, and our nerves would not transmit signals effectively (Felman, A., 2023). 

When we exercise or engage in strenuous activities, our body loses electrolytes through sweat, leaving us feeling fatigued and dehydrated. This is why it is so important to maintain an adequate electrolyte balance. By replenishing our body with electrolytes, we can enhance physical performance, improve hydration levels, aid endurance, and prevent muscle cramps. Sodium, potassium, and calcium play an essential role in your body, with electrolyte imbalances leading to symptoms like muscle weakness and excessive muscle contraction (Felman, A., 2023).

 

How Do I Get Electrolytes?

First, it's important to determine whether your electrolyte stores are depleted, which they most likely will be after any intense physical labour. Are you feeling tired and sluggish after a workout? Exhausted after a hot day on the job site? That’s a sign that your body is low in electrolytes. Electrolytes play a significant role in maintaining our body's fluid balance. There are various ways to get electrolytes, including electrolyte powders, drinks, and supplements. By adding electrolytes to your diet, you'll improve your hydration levels and overall health, leaving you feeling energised and refreshed. Here are some of the best ways to boost your electrolyte stores after a sweaty session.

 

Does Water Have Electrolytes?

Generally, your first source of refreshment is water. Nothing is more satisfying than downing a bottle of fresh, cold water after a run, a heavy set, or a long day in the sun. Water is a vital component for our bodies to function properly, but did you know it also contains electrolytes? 

Water naturally contains small amounts of electrolytes, varying depending on your water source. However, water alone is not enough to help you meet your daily electrolyte needs, especially if you’re putting your body to the test. Sometimes, we need an extra boost of electrolytes, especially during intense physical activity or when we are sick (WebMD, 2024).

 

Sources of Electrolytes

Whether you're an athlete, an avid gym-goer, or someone who simply enjoys working up a sweat, it's important to replenish your body with electrolytes after a strenuous workout. There are several ways to get electrolytes, including sports drinks, electrolyte powders, coconut water, and electrolyte supplements. Sports drinks are a great option because they're convenient and often contain the right amount of electrolytes. However, it is important to check the ingredients panel to make sure you aren’t just purchasing a sugar-filled drink marketed as a ‘sports drink’. Make sure they have an adequate amount of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium to support your needs (Cleveland Clinic. 2023).

If you're looking for a more natural alternative, you can try coconut water, which is loaded with potassium and magnesium. Other natural sources include fruits and vegetables while ensuring you steer clear of processed foods. Fruits, leafy greens, seaweed, dairy products, olives, nuts & seeds, and even dark chocolate can all help you replenish electrolytes (Cleveland Clinic. 2023).

You can also opt for electrolyte supplements or powders, which are easily mixed with water and provide a quick, easy way to replenish your electrolytes. These options are generally healthier as they contain less sugar and a greater volume of essential electrolytes. Regardless of your preference, it's important to prioritise electrolyte intake to ensure proper hydration and optimal athletic performance.

 

What Happens When Your Body is Low in Electrolytes?

When your body is low in electrolytes, it can negatively affect your physical and mental performance. A low electrolyte balance can negatively impact your performance, and not getting enough electrolytes may lead to symptoms like headaches, dizziness, and dehydration. You may experience reduced energy levels, brain fog, muscle pains, and delayed recovery times after exercise, which is not ideal if you train on a regular basis. For those looking to build muscle, an electrolyte imbalance can halt those goals by causing fatigue, muscle weakness, cramps, and spasms while also slowing down the recovery process (Holland, K., 2022).

To combat low electrolyte levels, you can incorporate electrolyte-rich foods into your diet, consider taking electrolyte supplements, or use electrolyte powder or drinks. These options can help you replenish the minerals your body needs to function at its best. Don't let low electrolyte levels hold you back—make sure you're getting the necessary nutrients to perform at your peak.

 

The Best Electrolyte Supplements 

Damage Control + Electrolytes

Maximise performance and recovery with the ultimate electrolyte supplement: Damage Control!

Evolve Damage Control + Electrolytes offers a premium blend of rapid-delivery EAAs, electrolytes, and nutrients to support muscle recovery, hydration, and performance. Our electrolyte powder supports muscle protein synthesis and recovery while helping to reduce muscle soreness after exercise. This electrolyte drink goes beyond standard electrolyte supplements to support muscle recovery, hydration, nutrient replenishment, and overall performance. 

Evolve Damage Control + Electrolytes sets a new industry standard with its powerful combination of BCAAs, EAAs, and electrolytes, offering unparalleled support for your fitness goals. Whether you're an athlete pushing your limits, a tradesperson working in demanding conditions, or anyone striving for peak performance, this powerful electrolyte powder provides the essential amino acids and electrolytes needed for optimal hydration, muscle protein synthesis, and muscle repair. 

Formulated with a blend of branched-chain and essential amino acids alongside and Electrolytes & Hydration blend that utilises Celtic sea salt, magnesium bisglycinate chelate, potassium citrate and calcium citrate to recover nutrients lost during sweat. An Absorption Matrix comprising Velositol® and AstraGin® supports nutrient utilisation and bioavailability. This electrolyte supplement can fuel your performance during and after strenuous workouts, marathons, or any physically demanding tasks.

Hydr8

Get serious about your hydration with our latest innovation, Hydr8!

This advanced hydration and electrolyte blend is designed to support exercise performance, nutrient replenishment, and overall hydration. With its unique formula containing a marine multi-mineral complex and Senactiv®, Evolve Hydr8 stands out as one of the most comprehensive and effective hydration solutions on the market.

Evolve Hydr8 addresses the common issue of dehydration, offering a dynamic electrolyte and hydration formula to replenish, restore, and refuel your body after physical activity or when facing general dehydration. With key elements like calcium, magnesium, chloride, sodium, and potassium, along with taurine and Aquamin® marine multi-mineral complex, this blend supports hydration, electrolyte balance, mineral replenishment, and effective recovery.

Designed for fitness enthusiasts and athletes alike, Hydr8 is the go-to choice for those who need optimal hydration. From gym-goers to marathon runners, this formula is tailored to replenish essential nutrients, ensuring peak performance during workouts or strenuous activities. With its focus on maintaining hydration levels for enhanced performance, Hydr8 is a standout option in the market for individuals looking to excel in their physical pursuits.

 

The Rundown

Incorporating electrolytes into your diet can be beneficial for boosting performance and reducing recovery time after a workout. Electrolytes such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium help regulate hydration levels and maintain optimal fluid balance within the body. With electrolyte powder, electrolyte drinks, and electrolyte supplements, you can easily replace the electrolytes lost during a workout or daily activities and keep yourself hydrated throughout the day. 

Not only will electrolytes help maintain a more balanced body, but they can also enhance your exercise performance and recovery, making it easier to achieve your fitness goals. Whether you're an athlete or just someone looking to improve your overall health and wellness, incorporating electrolytes into your routine can make all the difference.

For more information about how electrolyte powder and electrolyte supplements can support your performance, chat with our knowledgeable team at Evolve Nutrition today or reach out online.