What Are Natural Electrolytes and Why Do We Need Them?

Did you drink enough water today? Is the question someone might ask you when you say that you are feeling dehydrated. And while it’s true that water is essential, hydration also depends on something called an electrolyte. This article explains what natural electrolytes are, where you can get them from and also why we need them for hydration. We’ll also look at ways to introduce them in your daily routine, to ensure that your body is hydrated. Let’s find out all about the minerals in our bodies!

What Are Natural Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge, positive or negative, and they are essential for the good functioning of the human body. They control hydration levels, nerve communication, muscle movement and even heartbeat regulation. The main electrolytes in the body are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphate. When people talk about natural electrolytes, what they mean is the electrolytes that you can get from naturally-sourced ingredients. The most common options are bananas for potassium, leafy greens for magnesium, natural salts for sodium, and dairy for calcium. All of these minerals work together, and we need all of them.

The electrolyte is an important part of our whole system, and we need it to feel good. The foods that we eat and the fluids we drink must provide electrolytes. This is why it’s important to know where natural electrolytes can be found. The main idea is to have a balanced diet, because that typically includes enough minerals for the average person. But, if you are particularly active, or an athlete, you might need some sports drinks to get to the level of minerals your body needs. Learn more about natural sources in this article from WebMD.

Why Do They Matter for Hydration?

I will let you in on a little secret: it’s not about how much water you consume, but how well your body uses and retains it. This is where the electrolyte comes in, because it ensures that the water is going where it should. These minerals dissolve in liquid and then carry electricity. This supports digestion, circulation, energy levels and temperature regulation. When the electrolyte levels are too low, your body struggles to maintain fluid balance. Some of the most common symptoms of an electrolyte imbalance are:

•          Tiredness
•          Dizziness
•          Trouble concentrating
•          Headaches
•          Irregular heart rate

Natural electrolytes are essential for hydration and for your physical and mental well-being. They assist most major functions of the body, which is why many people feel better when they start prioritising hydration. It’s great to drink lots of water, but it doesn’t always do the trick. You need to hydrate throughout the day, and to have a diet that provides the minerals you need. If you are an active person, you could also try some electrolyte products to make efficient hydration even simpler. Remember that you shouldn’t hydrate only after a workout!

Best Everyday Sources for Electrolytes

I’ve heard many people say that they believed they had to buy some miraculous products and ingredients to get electrolytes, but that’s not true. You don’t need powders with weird flavours to get your minerals. As we already discussed, you can find them in natural foods and in products without any artificial flavours. The best option is probably fruit. Some of the best ones are bananas, berries, oranges, melons and avocados. Vegetables are also great; leafy greens, cucumbers, sweet potatoes and tomatoes contribute to hydration. All of these fruits and vegetables can be included in lots of delicious recipes, the most obvious choice being a salad.

One other thing that you probably didn’t know can be helpful for hydration is coconut water. It contains fluids and potassium and can do wonders if you are trying to maintain good hydration levels. Dairy products are also useful because they have fluid, calcium and potassium. Lightly salty foods, like cheese and broths, are a good source of sodium. What you need is a diet with variety; you need all colours and different tastes to ensure that you are getting all of the nutrients that your body needs.

When You Might Need More Than Natural Electrolytes?

While natural electrolytes are typically great for most people, you might need some additional help. Being able to spot these situations ensures that your body won’t reach a very low hydration point. Exercising is the most common situation. When you are an active person, you sweat more than the average person, which means that you are losing more fluids. After a training, you might need a sports drink or something similar to replenish your fluids. Hot weather is another factor that makes you lose more fluid than you are actually getting in. This is why most people feel very tired and thirsty in the summer.

Mild illness often creates additional losses because of vomiting, going often to the bathroom and a loss of appetite. Doctors always recommend being careful with your hydration when you are sick. Busy days are also happening more and more often; people skip lunch and forget to drink water altogether. If you have a busy schedule, fit in some hydration breaks, so you don’t feel exhausted by the end of the day. Now, to put it more simply, you might need some more electrolytes even outside these situations, which is why it’s important to pay attention to what your body is telling you.

Conclusion

If you are suffering from an electrolyte imbalance, you can probably find some ingredients to help with that in your fridge. Fruits and vegetables are amazing when it comes to providing fluids and minerals, and coconut water will also be more hydrating than plain water. At the end of the day, it seems like doctors actually know what they are talking about and we need to drink water and have a balanced diet for our body to work efficiently. Dehydration affects us both mentally and physically, so when you are feeling sluggish, you might need a salad!