What exactly are electrolytes? A dietitian explains.

Electrolytes are the architects of balance within your body, precisely orchestrating everything from hydration to nerve function. These unassuming ions power the essential processes that keep your body in motion, yet their importance is often underestimated or pigeonholed as simply offering a salve to dehydration. This is evidenced by the electrolyte drinks you now see practically everywhere, hyped as hydration-promoting powerhouses designed to replenish gym-goers, refresh hard workers and fuel outdoor enthusiasts through a range of sweaty activities.

These electrolyte powders and drinks do help maintain water balance and hydration, so that's not to be discounted, but as a registered dietitian, I believe it's important for people to understand that the role of electrolytes goes much further. These small but mighty minerals are fundamental to your body's performance and are crucial for overall well-being.

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals from food, drinks or supplements that carry an electrical charge when dissolved in body fluids such as blood, sweat or urine. These charged particles are pivotal in keeping your body functioning optimally. "They are involved in various processes, from facilitating chemical reactions and maintaining hydration to enhancing the absorption of other vitamins. Additionally, electrolytes are important for nervous system and muscle function, balancing pH levels and maintaining blood pressure," explains Megan Huff, registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition by Megan.

Every electrolyte has a unique role in supporting health and well-being. Here are some of the key players:

• Sodium: Primarily responsible for regulating fluid balance and maintaining blood pressure, sodium also supports nerve and muscle function. It's found in many foods and is often added to foods as salt.

• Potassium: Vital for heart function, potassium helps maintain a regular heartbeat and supports proper muscle contraction and nerve signaling. It also contributes to fluid balance within the body.

• Calcium: Known for its role in building strong bones and teeth, calcium is also critical for muscle contraction, blood clotting and nerve signal transmission.

• Magnesium: This electrolyte supports muscle and nerve function, blood sugar control and blood pressure regulation. It's also involved in energy production and DNA synthesis.

• Chloride: This electrolyte works alongside sodium to manage fluid levels and contributes to the production of stomach acids necessary for digestion.

• Bicarbonate: Key for pH regulation, bicarbonate helps neutralize acids and bases in the body, ensuring proper cellular function.

• Phosphate: Essential for energy production, phosphate supports bone health, tissue repair and metabolic processes.

An electrolyte imbalance can interfere with bodily functions, causing fatigue, dizziness or irregular heartbeat. In severe cases, it may lead to more critical conditions, including seizures, muscle spasms or life-threatening complications. These effects occur because electrolytes regulate the body's electrical signals, which govern heart rhythm and brain activity.

Sources of electrolytes

Maintaining healthy electrolyte levels starts with a well-rounded diet packed with nutrient-rich foods. Bananas and oranges are excellent sources of potassium, while leafy greens like spinach are loaded with magnesium. Dairy products, nuts and seeds are rich sources of calcium and magnesium, delivering a significant nutritional boost. And for a quick sodium hit? A crunchy pickle does the trick.

Proper hydration is just as critical to electrolyte balance. Drinking enough water and consuming water-rich fruits or vegetables like watermelon, cucumber or apples are helpful for maintaining proper hydration on a day-to-day basis. That said, when you're engaged in intense exercise, spending lots of time outside in hot or humid weather that leads to heavy sweating, or battling the flu or other illness that causes fluid loss through vomiting, diarrhea or a high temperature, replenishing lost electrolytes becomes critical. Coconut water is a natural, potassium-packed choice you can turn to for mild dehydration, while electrolyte-infused drinks are better suited for faster recovery. These beverages typically provide a balanced mix of essential electrolytes to restore what's been lost through sweat or other fluids.

Supplements and sports drinks offer a convenient, on-the-go solution for active individuals or anyone who wants to hedge their bets and make sure they're getting enough of these essential minerals. Available in powders or ready-to-drink bottles, they're ideal for quickly topping up your electrolytes when life gets busy. Athletes, in particular, swear by these products for maintaining hydration, optimizing performance and recovering efficiently after physical exertion.

Should you include electrolyte powders or drinks in your diet?

Electrolyte powders and drinks have surged in popularity (you can find our nutritionist-approved favorites here), but they're not necessary for everyone. For most people, everyday activities don't lead to enough electrolyte loss to warrant supplementation.

However, these products can be valuable for athletes who participate in intense activities. Strenuous training often leads to heavy sweating, which depletes crucial minerals. Supplementation becomes particularly helpful in scenarios involving extreme physical exertion, such as marathon running, cycling races or long-duration team sports. They may also be helpful in tournament or event scenarios where athletes play multiple games or participate in multiple events over the course of several days.

Similarly, electrolyte support may be more pressing during prolonged illnesses with symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, which can cause acute dehydration and mineral loss. Even those living in hot climates, where sweating is a daily occurrence, might benefit from extra attention to their electrolyte balance. Also, older individuals may be more at risk for dehydration and electrolyte imbalance due to physiological changes that take place with age.

That said, electrolyte drinks aren't suitable for everyone, especially those with specific health issues. "Certain health conditions may need to limit or avoid electrolyte beverages based on recommendations from their health care provider," explains Cassandra Padula Burke, RDN, CPT, triathlon coach and owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Md. "Individuals with hypertension or cardiovascular conditions should limit their intake of high-sodium sports drinks to minimize the risk of increasing their blood pressure," she adds.

Additionally, Burke cautions, "Some electrolyte beverages could lead to imbalances for individuals with kidney disease. These individuals may need to limit beverages with potassium and sodium to ensure their kidneys can regulate fluid balance."

When considering an electrolyte beverage or supplement, the balance and quantities of electrolytes depend on individual needs. "The amount of sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium to look for in an electrolyte beverage — or supplement — is highly dependent on the needs of the person consuming it," Burke explains. Consulting a health care professional can help determine whether these products are right for you and what to look for.

Bottom line

Electrolytes support critical bodily functions, including nerve and muscle activity, hydration and pH balance. Maintaining a proper electrolyte balance is especially important for athletes, individuals with specific medical conditions and those exposed to intense physical activity or extreme climates.

Knowing when and how to replenish electrolytes can help prevent imbalances that could lead to health problems. By recognizing the signs of an electrolyte deficiency and proactively managing your intake, you can safeguard your health and promote overall well-being. However, you should talk with your health care provider before supplementing with electrolyte powders or drinks, particularly if you're managing specific health conditions where electrolyte balance needs to be carefully managed.

Meet the experts

• Megan Huff, registered dietitian and owner of Nutrition by Megan

• Cassandra Padula Burke, RDN, CPT, triathlon coach and owner of Catalyst Performance Lab in Finksburg, Md.

Our health content is for informational purposes only and is not intended as professional medical advice. Consult a medical professional on questions about your health.