What Are Electrolytes Good For? Functions, Benefits, and When You Need Them

If you played any kind of youth sport, you're likely familiar with electrolytes as neon-colored, sugar-filled drinks that tasted like candy and provided a delightful rush of energy (and maybe a crash later).

In adulthood, you may think that electrolytes are reserved only for elite athletes or marathon days.

In truth, electrolytes are just about everywhere.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolyte is a broad term for a type of mineral that can carry a small electric charge when dissolved in water. All electrolytes are minerals, but not all minerals are electrolytes.

The most common electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate. These minerals are essential for healthy body functions (including normal muscle contractions and nerve function), and they can be found in a huge variety of foods.* Only one of these (bicarbonate) can be produced by the body, so the rest must be sourced from what we eat and drink.

While healthy adults can typically maintain a healthy electrolyte balance through a balanced diet and hydration, there are times where it might need a little help.

Electrolytes are lost through fluid loss—most commonly, sweat and urine. So, if you're doing high-intensive activities that require a lot of sweating and a lot of water consumption, you're going to lose electrolytes faster than you would at rest.

How do electrolytes affect the body?

Your body requires a healthy balance of electrolytes to function properly and comfortably.* Most of our automated bodily functions, including the muscle contractions that pump blood through the heart, run on electrically transmitted signals supplied by electrolytes.

These minerals are incredibly important in supporting muscle function, fluid balance and hydration, nervous system function, pH balance, blood pressure, and bone and tissue health.*

Main benefits of electrolytes by type

How to get enough electrolytes daily

Maintaining an optimal electrolyte balance supports essential functions in the body, promotes muscle performance and comfort, maintains hydration, and can help you focus and keep a good mood.*

And doing that might be easier than you think.

Getting electrolytes from a healthy diet

Eating a diet rich in healthy minerals and vitamins and drinking plenty of fresh water is a great way to support your electrolyte balance.

Some top sources of electrolyte minerals include:

• Bananas
• Leafy greens
• Avocado
• Coconut water
• Milk and dairy products
• Nuts and seeds
• Beans
• Salmon

Supplemental electrolytes when you need them

There are plenty of reasons to need a boost of electrolytes—and if you don't want to snack on spinach, electrolyte supplements can be a great option to quickly replenish essential minerals.*

Electrolyte supplements are available in a variety of forms, including gels, gummies, powders, and drinks.

Are electrolyte drinks necessary?

If you're eating a healthy, well-balanced diet, drinking 3-4 liters of water daily, and you're a generally healthy adult with no health conditions, electrolyte drinks are not necessary on a regular basis. This is especially true if your electrolyte drink of choice in loaded with sugar, focusing only on a few minerals and nothing else, and lacking in actual... electrolytes.

However, if you struggle to hit your nutrition goals, are exercising harder than normal, or are just losing fluids at a more rapid rate (like on hot summer days or after late nights), electrolyte drinks can be a quick and simple way to support fluid balance and hydration.*

An electrolyte drink that's worth its salt

DaVinci® Laboratories Electrolyte Drink Mix is a convenient, sugar-free, lemon-lime-flavored powder that mixes easily into still water. Just 1 scoop delivers a well-balanced combination of vitamins and minerals to support hydration, exercise performance and recovery, and an overall sense of wellness.*

Alongside foundational electrolytes, our doctor-designed formula includes B Vitamins, Vitamin C, and Zinc—selected for their complementary roles in supporting the physiological processes that regulate fluid transport and fluid balance.*

This sugar-free electrolyte powder is sweetened with allulose and monk fruit for a delicious, satisfying flavor without excessive added calories and no impact on blood sugar levels.*

If your daily routine needs a boost of electrolytes to support your goals, try it for yourself and feel the benefits.*

Frequently Asked Questions

What do electrolytes do for your body?

When dissolved in fluid, electrolytes carry a small electric charge. Those electric charges help to support the automatic functions of the body,

What are the signs of a suboptimal electrolyte balance?

If your electrolyte levels are not in balance, you may feel tired, stiff, achy, or cranky. A proper electrolyte balance helps to support many essential and automatic functions—if you're low on electrolytes, you'll probably feel it.*

What foods are high in electrolytes?

Different foods will provide different levels of key electrolytes like sodium, potassium, and magnesium; however, foods that are high in general electrolytes include leafy greens, dairy products, seeds, nuts, and legumes.

Are electrolyte drinks better than water?

Electrolyte drinks are better than water when you need to hydrate and replenish electrolyte levels at the same time.* If your body is low on electrolytes and you only drink water, you may negatively affect the balance even more. However, if you're eating a well-balanced diet and just need basic hydration, water alone is likely fine. Electrolyte drinks are not a replacement for water.

Do I need to drink electrolytes every day?

Unless directed by your doctor, you likely don't need to drink electrolytes every day. Adequate amounts of water and a healthy diet should provide appropriate electrolytes for a day of moderate weather and normal activity.

Can you drink too many electrolytes?

The important thing to remember about electrolyte balance is... balance. Overdoing it on electrolyte drinks can disrupt that balance and cause uncomfortable feelings like bloating. Excessive sodium, in particular, can be dangerous. Unless directed by a healthcare practitioner, make sure to always follow the suggested use for any electrolyte supplement.