The Best Electrolyte Supplements Tested in 2023 Electrolyte supplements are a great way to maintain the human body’s optimal level of essential electrolytes and peak performance capability. Electrolytes might seem like just another trendy term, but these essential minerals are an important part of our daily physical function. We gain electrolytes from our nutritional intake, and we lose them naturally through sweating and filtration. People with high levels of physical exertion can struggle to maintain their optimal electrolyte balance. Luckily, with healthy electrolyte supplements that come in tablets, powders, and drinks, it’s easy to replenish your body with the boost it needs. Keep reading to learn why electrolytes are so important for our health and see my top picks for the best electrolyte supplements on the market today. What Are Electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals that have an electrical charge when dissolved in fluids like water, blood, and urine. They can have a positive or negative charge, and help with important functions within our bodies. We get electrolytes from the food and fluids we consume. Our bodies lose them naturally through physical activity (sweating during intense workouts), natural filtration (urination), and illness (vomiting or diarrhea). Low levels of electrolytes can be common in athletes who aren’t proactively managing their intake. They can experience symptoms like muscle cramps and headaches to name a few. Most Common Types of Electrolytes The most common and significant electrolytes include: Sodium Potassium Chloride Magnesium Calcium Phosphate Bicarbonates Why Do We Need Them & How Many Do We Need? Electrolytes are essential minerals needed for basic life functioning. We need electrolytes for many important processes including: Regular nerve and muscle function Hydration Balance blood acidity and pressure Help rebuild damaged tissue According to the NCBI the average person needs around 1,600 to 2,000 mg (40 to 50 mEq) of electrolytes every day. However, no two bodies are created equal and individual electrolyte needs may vary greatly based on health and activity level. Product Image Product Name Primary Button Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Variety Pack Check Price Dr. Berg’s Electrolytes Powder Packets – Travel Size Electrolyte Packets Check Price LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets | Variety Pack Check Price FlavCity Variety Pack Electrolyte Drink Mix Check Price GoHydrate Electrolyte Drink Mix Check Price Nuun Sport: Electrolyte Drink Tablets, Variety Pack Check Price Dr. Berg’s Electrolytes Powder Packets – Travel Size Electrolyte Packets Check Price LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets | Variety Pack Check Price FlavCity Variety Pack Electrolyte Drink Mix Check Price GoHydrate Electrolyte Drink Mix Check Price What Is An Electrolyte Imbalance? When levels of electrolytes within your blood are too high, or too low, it can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. As you can imagine, this can greatly impact your bodily functions. Our bodies lose electrolytes through natural and healthy processes like filtration and excretion, and sweating. After episodes of rigorous exercise, diarrhea, or vomiting, our bodies can sometimes use a boost in electrolytes to recover. A combination of our kidneys and hormones regulate the concentration levels of each electrolyte. Simply put, if any electrolyte has too high of a concentration, the kidneys and hormones will help filter it out and restore balance. Electrolyte imbalances could be a sign of a deeper health issue like problems with your heart, lungs, or kidney. If the imbalance is serious, a medical provider may order a Electrolyte Panel to determine which electrolyte levels are too high or too low. Common symptoms of an imbalance include confusion or irritability, diarrhea or constipation, fatigue, headaches, irregular heart rate, muscle cramps or weakness, among others. If you start experiencing electrolyte imbalance symptoms from exercise or regular activity, supplements could become a critical part of your regular routine. My Experience With Electrolytes I am by no means an extreme athlete. I’m your basic very active 58 year old woman who has gone through menopause. My workout schedule is high intensity exercise for one hour, five days a week. I started noticing my energy waning once I entered my 50’s. After deciding to start using an electrolyte supplement in my water during workouts and experienced a noticeable increase in my energy. Now I take an electrolyte supplement every morning before my workout to make sure my body maintains the right energy level and optimal electrolyte balance. I also notice the benefits when I hike in the heat, or am excessively sweating. And last, I have to say, after a night of a few glasses of wine, I think it helps me in the morning! Electrolyte supplement powders, drinks, or other formats can help quickly bring our electrolyte levels back to balance, and positively impact our overall health. Keep reading to learn more, or jump right to my best electrolyte supplement picks below. What Are Electrolyte Supplements? Electrolyte supplements are powders, tablets, drinks, and other products that help increase and rebalance your electrolytes. The most common ingredients are Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium. But keep in mind, the specific makeup of each electrolyte supplement is different, so always read the ingredient list. Different brands may work best for your individual needs. These essential vitamins can come in lots of different product types. I recommend finding one that works best with your existing lifestyle. It’s always easier to incorporate a new health routine into good habits you already have. The best electrolytes you’ll get are the ones you remember to take! I love taking Nuun Electrolyte Tablets every morning before my workouts. And because it’s part of my routine, it’s easy to maintain. Electrolyte Supplement Ingredients To Avoid Just like any other product I put in my body, I want to make sure it’s made of the highest quality ingredients possible. I’m looking to add important minerals and nutrients to my body, not a bunch of junk. To find the highest quality electrolyte supplements I think it’s a good idea to use the following tips: Avoid food coloring. Some electrolyte drinks like traditional sports drinks have lots of food coloring or artificial colors like yellow, red, and blue dyes (we’re
