What Are Electrolytes and When Do You Need Them?
You hear about electrolytes from athletes, doctors and every sports-drink ad. But what are they, and do you actually need them? Here is a clear, simple guide.
What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when they dissolve in water. The main ones are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and chloride. Your body uses them to balance fluids, send nerve signals and make muscles contract.
What do electrolytes do?
- Keep you hydrated: they help your body hold on to and move water where it's needed.
- Support muscles: including your heart, which relies on the right balance of potassium and sodium.
- Keep nerves working: electrical signals in your nervous system depend on them.
When do you need more electrolytes?
You lose electrolytes mainly through sweat. You may benefit from replacing them when you:
- Exercise, especially for more than an hour or in the heat
- Spend time outdoors during a Lebanese summer
- Travel, fly or spend long days on the go
- Have a big night out or wake up feeling drained
Common signs that you may be low include tiredness, headaches, muscle cramps and feeling thirsty even after drinking water.
Is water enough?
For most everyday situations, water is perfect. But when you sweat a lot, you lose minerals as well as water, and plain water doesn't replace those minerals. That's when an electrolyte drink helps.
Can you drink electrolytes every day?
For most healthy people, one electrolyte drink a day is fine, especially in hot weather or on active days. If you have kidney or heart problems, high blood pressure, or follow a low-sodium diet, check with your doctor first.
Why sugar-free electrolytes?
Many sports drinks are loaded with sugar. Vital You Electrolytes have no added sugar, are sweetened with stevia, and contain just 5 calories per sachet, so you can hydrate without the sugar crash.
How to use electrolyte sachets
Mix one sachet of electrolytes with 360–480ml of water, depending on your preferred strength. Enjoy it cold over ice for a refreshing drink. Our stainless steel water bottle keeps it cold for hours.
Find your flavour
- Lychee: light and fruity
- Raspberry: tangy berry, recently made less sweet
- Watermelon: juicy summer favourite
- Lemon with amino acids: zesty, with vitamin B6, recently made less sweet
Can't decide? The Discovery Box mixes raspberry, watermelon and lychee in one box of 30 sachets.
