What are electrolyte powders?
Electrolyte powders are convenient drink mixes designed to prepare an electrolyte drink. Electrolytes are essential minerals found in the human body, and they are lost during heavy sweating or stomach flu. Electrolyte powders are well known among athletes and people on a ketogenic diet, but they can benefit anyone – for example, during sauna sessions or on hot summer days.
Undeniable benefits of electrolyte powders:
- easy way to support hydration during exercise, illness, hangovers, heat or sauna
- helps maintain energy and performance in hot weather or training
- supports prevention of nerve and muscle issues (like cramps) after intense exercise
- great for supporting hydration in older adults
- relieves symptoms of the “keto flu”
What are the signs of electrolyte deficiency?
Common symptoms of low electrolytes include muscle cramps, spasms, drowsiness, and confusion. Thankfully, this imbalance can often be corrected by drinking one or two glasses of an electrolyte drink. Electrolyte deficiency is most common in people who have completed long and intense physical activity (like marathon runners) or those switching to a ketogenic diet.
Electrolytes and the ketogenic diet
When following a ketogenic diet, it's important to pay attention to your electrolyte intake. In the early stages of keto, the body flushes out water as muscle glycogen stores deplete – and with it, essential electrolytes are lost. This can lead to the so-called “keto flu,” which can be avoided by monitoring salt and electrolyte intake from the beginning. This is where electrolyte powders are a fantastic solution!