Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in body fluids. These include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They play a key role in maintaining vital bodily functions such as hydration, nerve signalling, muscle contraction, and pH balance. Without them, your body would struggle to function properly.
Electrolytes regulate the balance of fluids in and out of your cells, support nerve impulse transmission, and ensure muscles—including your heart—contract and relax properly. They also help maintain acid-base (pH) balance and aid in transporting nutrients into cells while removing waste products.
Electrolytes in the body
The body tightly regulates electrolyte concentrations through the kidneys, hormones, and cellular transport mechanisms. Even small imbalances can affect multiple systems, from cardiovascular and muscular health to brain function and mood.
Electrolytes aren't just for athletes. They’re beneficial for travellers, especially those flying or in hot climates. Read our essential travel tips or learn more about the signs of dehydration.
Electrolytes are also helpful for people recovering from illness, such as the flu, vomiting, or diarrhoea; those on low-carb/keto diets due to increased electrolyte loss; and heavy sweaters, including during work, heat, or hormonal changes, as well as anyone feeling fatigued, lightheaded, or hungover.
When your body is low on electrolytes, you may experience:
Symptoms vary based on which electrolyte is imbalanced:
| Powders | Flexible dosing, often with fewer fillers or sugars. Good for custom hydration. |
| Tablets / capsules | Convenient and travel-friendly; however, it is difficult to fit all the nutrients in a tablet/capsule, which results in having to take many of them to get the correct dosage. |
| Drinks |
Ready-to-consume but often high in sugars or artificial ingredients. |
| Gels |
Useful during endurance sports, providing fast-absorbing electrolytes and carbs. However, many people experience side effects from the added sweeteners and artificial ingredients. |
Learn the difference between good vs. bad electrolytes and how to choose a high-quality electrolyte formula.
You can increase electrolytes through diet and supplements. Food sources include bananas, leafy greens, avocados, dairy, nuts, seeds, coconut water and sea salt. Supplements can also help; look for tailored blends in powder format for targeted support.
Timing depends on your needs:
Yes. Excess intake, especially of sodium or calcium, can cause health issues like high blood pressure, kidney strain, or mineral imbalances. Always follow dosage guidelines.
Most electrolyte supplements are safe on an empty stomach, but some (especially magnesium) may cause mild GI discomfort. If sensitive, take with a light snack.
Electrolytes are critical for more than just athletic performance. Whether you’re travelling, recovering from illness, or navigating daily stress, maintaining electrolyte balance supports energy, hydration, and overall wellbeing. Choose the right form and timing to match your lifestyle and needs.
You may be interested in trying our Hydrate+ Electrolytes. Hydrate+ provides the optimal balance of electrolytes, vitamins, minerals and amino acids to deliver everything your body needs for effective hydration, fluid balance, energy, focus, muscle performance, endurance, and recovery. It includes Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Calcium, Vitamin B12, Vitamin C, and L-Taurine, with zero sugar, stevia or artificial sweeteners.
View our range of award-winning probiotics, vitamins and supplements.
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