What you’ll want in the powder, packet, or mixed drink differs based on use case. What to Look for in Electrolyte Powders and Packetsīefore considering what ingredients and stats your ideal electrolyte supplements should have, you need to spell out why you’re supplementing electrolytes. If you anticipate a long workout, sip on an electrolyte drink throughout. They also help keep your body’s fluid balance in check and prevent nasty dehydration symptoms like tiredness, thirst, and headaches, Gately says. How Effective are Electrolyte Powders for Hydration?Įlectrolyte powders hydrate you faster than plain water. If your fitness regime is lighter, or isn’t seeing you work up a significant sweat, it’s probably wise to drink electrolytes just on workout days rather than daily. Yes, if you workout to a sweat frequently and the electrolyte drinks you’re having are as low in sugar as possible. ![]() Is It OK to Drink Electrolyte Drinks Every Day? Excessive sweating can cause dehydration and loss of nutrients, which may cause cramping and fatigue. They can also be useful if you train in hot or humid conditions. She adds that electrolyte supplements can be an important addition to water intake if you’re a heavy sweater or your workouts last over an hour. “Utilizing electrolyte powders can be beneficial to replace losses, but it is important to remember that it is just that, a replacement,” says Gately. Who Should Use An Electrolyte Supplement? After a workout, an electrolyte product with carbs can help replenish your glycogen stores. Consuming them mid-workout can help delay fatigue and keep your intensity high during longer training sessions. Look for a powder or tablet that has some carbohydrates, since that’s your body’s go-to-source of fuel when you exercise. When mixed with water, electrolyte powders and tablets help replace fluid loss to fight dehydration and help boost recovery. What Do Electrolyte and Hydration Powders Do? If electrolytes are not replenished, during and after, you risk dehydration, reduced muscle function, and decreased brain power, says Gately. Magnesium, which promotes muscle and nerve function, and plays a role in energy productionĭuring a workout where you sweat excessively, your body can lose some of these essential minerals.Potassium, which supports muscle contractions and fluid balance.Sodium, which helps with muscle and nerve function.Four big ones you may see on many labels: These are the best electrolyte and hydration powders you can buy.Įlectrolytes are electrically charged minerals that help with everything from regulating muscle and nerve function to maintaining pH levels and balancing fluids. Since choosing an electrolyte powder when you’re planning a workout-or you’re already sweaty and exhausted-is the last thing you want to do, we did the heavy lifting for you. ![]() After a gym session, a pick with plenty of sodium will help replenish lost fluids. Mid-workout you may lean towards an electrolyte powder with carbs to fuel your workout, for example. “Determining which powder is right for you will mostly depend on your level of activity and need for electrolyte replacement,” says registered dietitian Valerie Gately, MS, RDN, LD. Enter, electrolyte and hydration packets and tablets, which are great alternatives to sports drinks.Įlectrolyte powders-often call hydration powders or hydration packets-contain varying amounts of electrolytes, as well as carbohydrates, vitamins, and artificial sweeteners. There are plenty of ready-to-chug solutions out there, but they can be packed with sugar. Grabbing an electrolyte-packed sports drink during or after an intense workout can help rehydrate you, fight fatigue, and speed up recovery.
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