Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids. They help regulate key functions in the body, like fluid balance, muscle contraction, nerve transmission, heart rhythm, and even blood pH. Without them, water can’t properly hydrate our cells.
Summer = Sweat = Electrolyte Loss
When temperatures rise or we work out hard, we sweat. And with that sweat, we don’t just lose water — we also lose sodium, potassium, and small amounts of magnesium and calcium. If we don’t replenish them, symptoms like early fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, low blood pressure, irregular heartbeat, and even dehydration can show up — even if you’re drinking a lot of water (because without salts, the body can’t retain that water properly).
This same thing happens when people drink large amounts of water thinking it will hydrate them better, but this excess can actually lower mineral levels in the body — especially sodium — leading to hyponatremia. Let me explain:
When you drink too much water, the kidneys — which normally eliminate excess liquid and help maintain electrolyte balance — can’t get rid of the water fast enough. This dilutes the sodium in the blood and can lead to a dangerous drop in sodium levels (hyponatremia), which comes with a host of symptoms.
Store-Bought Electrolytes
You know the food industry always has a quick and cheap fix for everything. But now that you know what electrolytes are and why they matter so much, let’s take a look at what’s actually in many commercial brands:
- High-Fructose Corn Syrup (HFCS) or large amounts of sucrose, dextrose, or maltodextrin: This is basically sugar, and promotes obesity, fatty liver, and insulin resistance.
- Food dyes (whether artificial or natural — they act the same): Linked to hyperactivity and behavioral issues in kids; some studies also link them to allergies, cancer, migraines, etc.
- Monopotassium phosphate: Can cause mineral imbalances, negatively impact bone and kidney health, and raise cardiovascular risk — especially in people with existing kidney issues.
- Calcium lactate: Can lead to digestive issues like gas or bloating, and in rare cases, hypercalcemia, which affects kidney and heart function.
And the list of harmful ingredients just goes on.
Replacing Electrolytes Naturally: A Homemade Recipe
Replenishing your electrolytes naturally and healthfully is simple — you only need a few key ingredients nature gives us in their purest form: coconut water and sea salt.
Coconut water is rich in minerals, and unrefined sea salt provides not just sodium but also potassium and magnesium. But be careful: not all brands are created equal. Always check ingredient labels to ensure your coconut water is pure (preferably organic) and free from added sugars. It's not just what you eat that matters, but also the quality of those foods.
One major issue with sea salt today is contamination with heavy metals and microplastics. That’s why I love the brand Baja Gold — if you visit their website, you’ll find third-party lab tests showing exactly what’s in their products.
Now, with this basic recipe, you can play around and make it your own. Add fresh herbs, fruit, citrus zest — whatever you have at home — to enjoy a refreshing, nourishing drink, free from toxins.
