What is the Best Electrolyte Powder?
Have you ever been woken out of your sleep by a painful charley horse? Have you experienced dizziness or a headache after working out in high temperatures? If so, chances are that you've experienced an electrolyte imbalance. Though most imbalances can be fixed at home, more severe ones may require medical treatment.
Below you’ll find a guide to everything you need to know about electrolyte imbalances, including what causes them and how to fix/prevent them. We’ll also highlight some of the best electrolyte supplements to keep your levels balanced.
- Elm & Rye Electrolyte
- Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix
- DripDrop Electrolyte Drink Mix
- LMNT Recharge
- Force Factor Liquid Labs Rapid Hydration
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that support fluid balance and regulate various chemical reactions such as sending nerve impulses and supporting blood pH balance. Because around 60% of the body is made up of water, nearly every cell and ounce of fluid contains electrolytes.
Every electrolyte has a different function in the body including:
- Potassium - Supports heart, muscle, and nerve functions. Potassium also supports metabolic functions and helps remove waste from the cells.
- Magnesium - Supports bone health as well as muscle and nerve function.
- Calcium - Supports healthy blood pressure levels as well as the transmission of nerve impulses.
- Sodium - Supports nerve and muscle function and helps control fluid levels in the body.
- Chloride - Supports blood pressure, blood levels, and body fluids.
- Phosphate - Supports nerve and muscle function as well as the skeletal system.
- Bicarbonate - Supports blood pH balance and moves carbon dioxide through the bloodstream.
What Causes Electrolyte Imbalances?
There are all sorts of things that can lead to an electrolyte imbalance. The most common cause is a loss of body fluids as due to vomiting, diarrhea, and/or excessive sweating. Certain medications like diuretics also decrease fluid levels.
On the opposite end of the spectrum, electrolyte imbalances can also be caused by too much fluid. For example, drinking too much water in a short amount of time can reduce sodium and magnesium levels in the blood.
Symptoms of an Electrolyte Imbalance
An electrolyte imbalance occurs when there is too much or too little of certain minerals in the body. Symptoms vary based on the electrolyte type as well as the severity of the imbalance. Most people with a slight electrolyte imbalance won’t notice any side effects.
However, severe electrolyte imbalances can cause all sorts of symptoms, including:
- Muscle cramps
- Fatigue
- Headaches
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Confusion
- Irritability
- Numbness
- Irregular heartbeat
- Nausea and vomiting
If you experience any of these symptoms, drinking an electrolyte supplement can help to get things back into balance. However, if symptoms don’t subside, you’ll want to seek medical attention immediately.
If left untreated, an electrolyte imbalance could cause seizures, coma, and even sudden cardiac arrest.
Top 5 Electrolyte Supplements
Below are the five best electrolyte supplements that will keep you hydrated or help you to rehydrate after intensive physical activity.
1. Elm & Rye Electrolyte
Hydrate faster with Elm & Rye Electrolyte. This supplement is available in lemon-flavored gummies as well as lemon-lime flavored powder. Each serving delivers a blend of five essential vitamins and minerals, including potassium, vitamins B6 and B12, vitamin C, and pantothenic acid.
2. Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix
The Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Drink Mix quenches thirst and rehydrates extremely fast. It’s formulated with essential electrolytes like potassium citrate and sodium citrate, along with a blend of vitamins including vitamin C, vitamin B12, vitamin B3, and vitamin B5. Choose from a variety of flavors such as grapefruit, pear, tropical punch, concord grape, golden cherry, and watermelon.
3. DripDrop Electrolyte Drink Mix
DripDrop Electrolyte Drink Mix is the fastest way to rehydrate. It comes in great flavors like berry, lemon, watermelon, and orange.This supplement features a doctor-developed formula that contains three times the electrolytes and half the sugar when compared to one of the most popular sports drinks. Flavors include berry, lemon, watermelon, and orange.
4. LMNT Recharge
LMNT Recharge is formulated with three different electrolytes: sodium, potassium, and magnesium. It's sweetened with stevia instead of sugar, making it a great option for people who follow a keto, low-carb, or paleo lifestyle. LMNT Recharge comes in many different unique flavors, including mango chili, chocolate caramel, watermelon salt, and raspberry salt.
5. Force Factor Liquid Labs Rapid Hydration
Force Factor Liquid Labs Rapid Hydration features five key electrolytes along with coconut water and a unique sea mineral complex. It's made with natural cane sugar to increase absorption. Force Factor Liquid Labs Rapid Hydration comes in all sorts of flavors, including lemon lime, fresh citrus, and tropical fruit.
How to Prevent an Electrolyte Imbalance
More often than not, electrolyte imbalances are preventable.The first step is to add an electrolyte powder to your daily regimen. These supplements are even more important if you’re physically active. Other things you can do to optimize electrolyte levels include:
Stay hydrated. Hydration is key in keeping your electrolyte levels balanced. Drink no less than eight glasses of water throughout the day. If you exercise, you’ll need to drink at least 10 glasses. If you need something with a little more flavor than plain water to keep you hydrated, try coconut water.
Eat electrolyte-rich foods. There are many foods that increase electrolyte levels. This includes oranges, avocados, strawberries, bananas, spinach, potatoes, and turkey.
Don’t drink too many carbonated beverages or energy drinks. These drinks may cause a sudden spike in blood sugar levels, which could cause imbalanced electrolytes. If you do drink soda or energy drinks, ensure you're drinking at least eight cups of water a day.
Avoid overexertion in hot weather. Hot weather and strenuous activity are a recipe for disaster. Always avoid working out when it's hot outside as this could cause an electrolyte imbalance as well as dehydration.
Final Thoughts
If left untreated, an electrolyte imbalance can be extremely serious. By having the right electrolyte powder on hand and minimizing your risk by staying hydrated, you can keep yourself healthy and feeling your best.