Drink Up: How the Best Electrolyte Supplements can Benefit Your Body (Even When Drinking Alcohol)
"A drop of water is worth more than a sack of gold to a thirsty man."
Hey there, fellow health enthusiasts! Are you looking to improve your workouts or just feel better overall? Well, we have all heard of electrolytes, but what are they really? I'm here to give you the lowdown on what they are, why they're important, how they can benefit you, and which electrolyte powder is the best electrolyte supplement.
So, what are electrolytes?
Simply put, electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge and help balance the body's fluid levels. They help regulate many bodily functions, including nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, hydration, and even pH balance.
There are several types of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and bicarbonate. Each plays a unique role in the body, but they all work together to keep you functioning at your best.
Why are electrolytes important to your body?
Well, for starters, they help keep you hydrated. When you sweat, you lose not only water but also electrolytes, and if you don't replenish them, you can become dehydrated. If you’re not concerned about sweating let’s just talk about the water that you are drinking in general daily. Most of our water is purified to take out all the toxic crap. However, when purifying the water, it also strips it of the good stuff, like minerals! Have you ever drank a ton of water and still felt thirsty? We need electrolytes for hydration. Electrolytes also help regulate nerve and muscle function. Sodium and potassium, in particular, are important for muscle contraction and relaxation. Without them, your muscles can cramp and spasm, leading to discomfort and even injury.
In addition, electrolytes play a role in maintaining proper blood pressure. Sodium, for example, helps regulate the amount of fluid in your blood vessels, which affects blood pressure. If you don't have enough sodium, your blood pressure can drop too low, leading to symptoms such as dizziness and fainting. Another important function of electrolytes is maintaining pH balance in the body. When your body's pH is too high or too low, it can lead to health problems. Electrolytes such as bicarbonate help regulate pH by neutralizing acids in the body.
"If you like water, you already like 60% of me ;)"
Recognizing Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance
Now that we've established the importance of electrolytes, let's talk about the symptoms of electrolyte imbalance. An imbalance can occur when you lose too many electrolytes, or when you consume too much or too little of certain electrolytes. Some symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include:
Muscle cramps or spasms
Fatigue or weakness
Nausea or vomiting
Headaches
Irregular heartbeat
Confusion or difficulty concentrating
Tingling or numbness
Seizures
Fainting
If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to talk to your doctor. I am not here to treat you just share some education around the importance of electrolytes and the best electrolyte supplement to help support hydration.
Supplementing with the Best Electrolyte Supplements
Speaking of supplementing, which electrolyte supplement is best? One way to maintain proper electrolyte balance is to consume electrolyte beverages. There are many different types of electrolyte supplements on the market, including powders, tablets, and sports drinks. But which one is right for you?
If you're looking to replenish electrolytes upon waking, before or after a workout, a day out in the sun, or a night of drinking, a sports drink can be a convenient option. However, most sports drinks are loaded with sugar, so be sure to read the label and choose one with minimal added sugars.
If you prefer a more natural option like me, coconut water is a great source of electrolytes. It contains potassium, sodium, magnesium, and calcium, all of which can help replenish electrolytes. I keep these organic coconut waters in stock at all times.
Another option is to supplement with electrolyte powders. These can be added to water or other beverages and provide a more concentrated dose of electrolytes. However, most electrolyte powders contain fillers, high sugar, and synthetic ingredients. Let’s take a look at my favorite electrolyte powder, who in my humble opinion is the best electrolyte supplement on the market.
Who makes the Best Electrolyte Supplement?
One of the best electrolyte supplements on the market is Cure Hydration. It makes me feel so refreshed, and there is an overall difference in my energy and hydration since using Cure Hydration. What makes them the best? They are made with all-natural ingredients, contain just the right amount of glucose (sugar), and contain the ideal balance of electrolytes. Cure Hydration is the only formula that’s made entirely with plant-based ingredients and zero synthetic ingredients. They use sustainably-sourced coconut water and Himalayan pink salt which are rich in naturally-occurring nutrients.
Cure Hydration is made using the perfect ratio of key ingredients to get you hydrated. With three grams of naturally occurring glucose, your body is efficiently absorbing fluids into your cells. the ratio of potassium to sodium that you need is roughly two to one. This is exactly the ratio that Cure Hydration contains. Unlike other electrolyte supplements that contain a much higher ratio of sodium and sugar.
I have been using them for over a year, and share them with all my friends and family. They all agree on how much better they feel after using Cure Hydration. I’m hooked and will never look back. It has become a new staple in my natural medicine cabinet and natural supplement regimen.
Cure Hydration Flavors
I love the variety of flavors that Cure Hydration has to offer. My favorite is Watermelon, but there are so many options! Also, don’t give up after just trying one if it is not up your alley. They are all very unique. Here are the flavors they currently have:
· Watermelon · Lemonade · Lime · Berry Pomegranate · Peach · Orange · Grapefruit
Alcohol and Electrolytes
Electrolyte powders can also have a positive effect on your body when it comes to drinking alcohol. Alcohol is a diuretic, which means it causes you to lose more fluids and electrolytes through urine. This can lead to dehydration and electrolyte imbalances, which can cause unpleasant symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and fatigue.
Adding the best electrolyte supplement to your water can help replenish the electrolytes lost through alcohol-induced dehydration. This can help alleviate some of the negative symptoms of drinking (like a hangover) and help you feel better overall.
Personally, I take Cure Hydration before bed if I drank alcohol with my dinner. Sometimes, I will even take it during dinner if I start to feel a little dehydrated. If you’re a close friend it is no surprise to you that I carry one in my purse to whip out when needed. That’s how much I like and believe in it.
However, it's important to remember that electrolyte powders should not be used as a substitute for responsible drinking! Always drink alcohol in moderation and be sure to stay hydrated with water and electrolyte-rich supplements to help minimize the negative effects.
Bonus - FSA/HSA Approved!
Cure Hydration Electrolyte mixers are FSA and HSA eligible. Purchasing with a tax advantage account is a great way to save money and improve your overall health.
Sharing is Caring
In summary, electrolytes are an important part of overall health and well-being. They help regulate many bodily functions, including hydration, nerve and muscle function, blood pressure, and pH balance. As we have learned staying hydrated involves more than just drinking water. By consuming electrolyte-rich beverages or supplementing with the best electrolyte supplements, you can help support proper fluid balance and prevent electrolyte imbalances. If you try out Cure Hydration be sure to take a pic and tag @littleladymuscles in your post! And because sharing is caring….
Use code LITTLELADY20 for 20% OFF your Cure Hydration order!
Disclosure: I share products that I recommend and sometimes those products or services may have affiliate links. This means if you make a purchase I may receive a small commission for sharing with you. This comes at no additional cost to you and comes directly from the company. With that disclosure said - rest assured I only recommend products and companies I personally believe align with the mission, values, and focuses of Little Lady Muscles.
References
1. Neufer PD, et al. "Electrolyte loading improves exercise performance in hot conditions." Journal of Applied Physiology, 1995; 79(3): 716-722. 2. Shirreffs SM, et al. "Electrolyte and fluid balance in the heat-stressed athlete." Sports Medicine, 2000; 29(3): 181-211. 3. Noakes TD, et al. "The role of sodium in fluid homeostasis." European Journal of Clinical Nutrition, 2002; 56(Suppl 3): S7-S20. 4. Sawka MN, et al. "American College of Sports Medicine position stand. Exercise and fluid replacement." Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, 2007; 39(2): 377-390. 5. Ramanathan NL. "A new weighting system for mean surface temperature of the human body." Journal of Applied Physiology, 1964; 19: 531-533. 6. Jeukendrup AE, et al. "Electrolyte and carbohydrate replenishment during prolonged endurance exercise: effect on performance and endurance capacity." International Journal of Sports Medicine, 1997; 18(Suppl 1): S72-S79. 7. Salaspuro, M., Vapaatalo, H., & Seppänen, K. (1999). Effects of potassium supplementation on the electrolyte balance and hydration status in alcoholics. Alcohol, 19(4), 319-325. 8. Roberts, H. J., Lugo, R. A., & Reed, D. B. (1975). Effectiveness of electrolyte solution in the treatment of hangover. Journal of the American Medical Association, 231(4), 384-385.
These studies provide evidence for the importance of electrolytes in maintaining fluid balance, enhancing athletic performance, and preventing dehydration. They also highlight the need for proper electrolyte and fluid replacement during prolonged exercise or exposure to hot environments.
