Electrolytes: Why You Might Need More Than You Think
When most people hear the word electrolytes, they think of brightly colored sports drinks. But electrolytes are so much more than something you chug after a workout. They’re essential minerals that keep your body functioning at its best.
Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, and they help regulate:
Hydration and fluid balance
Muscle contractions (including your heartbeat )
Nerve signaling (so your brain and body stay in sync)
Energy levels and recovery
Digestion and nutrient absorption
Your body’s stress response
When You Might Need Extra Electrolytes
While everyone needs electrolytes daily, certain situations increase your body’s demand, including:
Exercise and sweating
Hot weather or sauna use
Drinking mostly filtered water (minerals get stripped out)
Stress (electrolytes are used up faster when cortisol is high)
Pregnancy and breastfeeding (higher mineral needs)
Living at altitude (increased respiration can shift fluid balance)
Low-carb or keto diets (these flush out sodium and potassium)
Frequent fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, or irregular heartbeat
Why Restricting (Even Accidently) Can Backfire
Electrolyte balance is about ratios, not cutting out sodium altogether. All cells in the body rely on a sodium-potassium pump to move nutrients in and waste out. When sodium is too low, this system can’t function properly, even if you’re drinking enough water.
MALE CLIENT EXAMPLE
I worked with a male client who was prescribed a very low-salt diet for blood pressure. He was drinking a gallon of filtered water per day but experienced erratic heart rates—sometimes very low, other times very high even at rest. Once he reintroduced electrolytes (balancing sodium with potassium and magnesium), his heart rate stabilized, and his energy improved significantly.
FEMALE CLIENT EXAMPLE
Another client, a busy professional under constant stress, was experiencing daily fatigue, dizziness, and trouble focusing. On top of that, her digestion was sluggish and meals often left her feeling bloated or heavy. High stress had been depleting her electrolytes, and she was unknowingly washing more out by drinking only plain filtered water. Because sodium is needed to make adequate stomach acid, her low electrolyte status was directly impacting her digestion. After adding a daily electrolyte drink, she noticed better energy, improved focus, smoother digestion, and fewer afternoon crashes.
A Simple Homemade Electrolyte Drink
You can make your own electorlyte drink at home. This is sometimes called an Adrenal Cocktail since electrolytes support your adrenals.
1-2 cups water
Juice of 1/2 lemon or lime (for vitamin C + flavor)
A pinch of Redmond Sea Salt (for sodium and trace minerals)
1/8 tsp cream of tartar (for potassium)
Optional: Splash of coconut water (potassium + natural sweetness but be mindful of blood sugar spikes)
My Preferred Electrolyte Mix
There are plenty of electrolyte brands on the market but many contained added sugar, artificial sweeteners, colors, or fillers. That’s why I personally use and recommend Redmond’s Re-Lyte.
Made with Redmond Real Salt, which is rich in trace minerals
No artificial ingredients, dyes, or unnecessary sweeteners
Balanced ratios of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride
Tastes clean and refreshing without being overly sweet
It’s one of the few electrolyte brands I trust both personally and professionally.
How To Add Electrolytes Into Your Day
Morning boost: Rehydrate after sleep
During workouts: Replace what you lose in sweat
Afternoon pick-me-up: Skip the extra coffee and sip electrolytes for steady energy
Pregnancy & breastfeeding: Support increased hydration and mineral needs
Hot days or altitude: Stay ahead of dehydration
*Avoid in the evenings as they can be very energizing!
Try Them For Yourself
After years of personal use, I’m excited to share that I’m now an affiliate with Redmond. That means you get access to clean, high-quality electrolytes and you can save 15% with my code: ATTHEROOT
