By Kelsey Conger

Clinical Herbalist

Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. They’re found in your tissues, blood, sweat, tears, and other bodily fluids. Electrolytes are instrumental in maintaining balanced water levels and pH in your body. Electrolytes include sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, phosphate, magnesium, copper, zinc, iron, manganese, molybdenum, copper, and chromium. However, there are six electrolytes that are the most important: sodium, potassium, chloride, bicarbonate, calcium, and phosphate.

Electrolytes allow the transportation of water into your body’s tissues. Your body cannot properly absorb water into its cells and tissues without electrolytes! 

What you may not know is that filtered drinking water, whether store-bought or from the tap, does not contain electrolytes. Why do we drink water without electrolytes if our bodies can’t absorb it?

 

Our Modern Water

Well, originally our drinking water sources naturally did have electrolytes. People sourced all their drinking water from springs and other natural water sources such as wells, rivers, and lakes. The water found in these places all originate from mountain springs and underground aquifers that naturally impart minerals into the water. As water moves through these natural sources, it picks up minerals such as sodium, calcium, potassium, and magnesium found in the surrounding rock. 

In today’s modern world the majority of us however, are typically drinking water from our tap and it is extremely important that this tap water is filtered, as there are a great number of pollutants found in the public water supply.  (Check out this incredible tool by the EWG to get an accurate reading of the pollutants found in tap water in your zip code!) The problem with filtering the water though is that it is also stripped of replenishing minerals that enable your body to better absorb water into its tissues. This can  also mean our drinking water doesn’t have an especially appealing taste, which compounds the issue as many people don’t end up drinking enough of it.

Ultimately, all this equates to the vast majority of Americans living in a state of chronic dehydration! Our bodies simply cannot function at 100% unless our tissues are fully hydrated. For example, our digestive system alone produces about 7 liters of digestive juices a day! Our skin, brain, heart, liver, and other organs can’t do their job without adequate hydration.

When our body cannot do its job, we inevitably don’t feel our best. Symptoms of dehydration can include inflammation, fatigue, moodiness, dizziness, cramps, constipation, headaches, migraines, sugar and salt cravings, and more. What might seem like a complex health issue, can oftentimes be resolved by intentionally adding electrolytes content in our water. Many chronic migraine sufferers will tell you how transformative it was when they learned to add electrolytes to their water.

 

Electrolytes are the Solution

It is essential that we are getting enough electrolytes every day. The good news is, it’s actually really easy to do! There’s a number of ways you can incorporate electrolytes into your daily routine, with both foods and supplements.

There are a number of foods rich in electrolytes. The first and easiest one to work with is salt! Three kinds of unrefined salt you might see at the store are Celtic Sea Salt, Utah Real Salt, and Pink Himalayan Salt. It’s important to purchase unrefined salt only, as refined salt is stripped of important trace minerals and electrolytes such as calcium, magnesium, potassium, and phosphorus and is utilized by the body very differently. Use this salt to cook with and even try adding a teensy pinch to your filtered water! 

Another great source of electrolytes is coconut water! This yummy drink is rich in the six most important electrolytes and is especially rich in potassium. Be sure to shop for organic and unpasteurized coconut water, as processed and boxed coconut waters generally do not contain these vital minerals. Seaweed is another delicious and satisfying source of minerals! And of course, leafy greens such as kale, dandelion, and chard are also highly potent sources of electrolytes.

Even if you are eating all these fabulous foods, you may find that you need additional electrolyte support. There are many products out there, but it’s important to read the ingredients before you make a purchase. Always check for added sugars, preservatives, dyes, and other unnecessary ingredients. We have several electrolyte powders here at Remedy that we’re sure you will love!

 

What’s In Stock

Banana Bag - contains vitamin C, B vitamins, and electrolytes specially blended to relieve that morning after feeling. Bye-bye hangovers!

Liquid I.V. - vitamin C, B vitamins, and electrolytes formulated to be rapidly absorbed by the body. Great for instant hydration after physical activity, or GI illness associated with nausea or vomiting.

Trace Minerals PowerPak - contains vitamin C, B vitamins, and a broad spectrum of electrolytes to deeply restore nutrient and mineral balance. This is perfect for anyone recovering from an illness or doing endurance sports.

Emergen-C Super Orange - contains vitamin C, B vitamins, antioxidants, and electrolytes to give you an immune and energy boost. The immune boosting blend is a classic beloved by many.

Emergen-C ElectroMix - contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium to replenish stores of these main minerals. This basic blend is a great place to start if you just want something simple and easy.

 

Final Thoughts

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning all about hydration this week! We believe the importance of electrolytes can’t be emphasized enough. Soil depletion of key minerals such as magnesium and calcium has become widespread, meaning that electrolyte supplementation is oftentimes necessary! As we discussed, other aspects of modern life such as ultra-filtered water and refined salt added to all our foods are major reasons why many people are depleted in essential trace minerals. 

Skip the sugary sports drinks this month and instead stop by Remedy for a high-quality electrolyte supplement! We’re happy to speak with you and break down all your options here at the pharmacy. Once you experience proper hydration - many people truly have no idea what this feels like - we promise you won’t ever go back. Increased energy and glowy skin are only two of the benefits you’ll reap from staying hydrated!