What do electrolyte powders do?

What are electrolyte powders?

As the name suggests, they electrolytes in a powdered form.  Some of them also come in the form of a dissolvable tablet.  But what exactly are these substances? These are essential minerals that our bodies need and that carry an electric charge. Famous examples of them are potassium, calcium, phosphate, chloride, magnesium, etc. Our cells use these nutrients from the food we take and the liquids we drink. They charge our cells, tissues and help in the normal functioning of our bodies. Let’s briefly discuss their functions below.

Functions:

They primarily work as rehydration supplements by maintaining our fluids level and providing the vital minerals listed above. They are more potent than plain water and spread faster in the body. We lose them when we sweat, urinate, defecate, etc. We are also expending them to do our daily chores or arduous physical activity like working out, running, swimming, etc. Electrolyte powders provide us a welcome relief and rejuvenate our physiques. We get ready to perform our duties once again. 

Consumption of these powders:

They are readily available in the market. You can have these in a jar, bottle, or sachets if you want to carry them to work or while traveling. You dissolve the required quantity of it in water and drink it. You can also add it to your favourite smoothie or milkshake. They are available in different flavours, so you can pick one that tickles your taste buds. While purchasing one, look for the one that has the least or zero amounts of non-essential substances. These may include sugar, artificial sweeteners, or any other flavour agents. Remember, you want minimum calories with lots of energy to serve your needs. They can also help you in getting over a hangover after a hard party night. Sometimes, they speed up the recovery process from disease, and doctors prescribe them to boost your immune system.

Can we take them daily?

Being essentially hydration powders, you can consume them daily. You can take them before or after your workout or when you have come home braving a hot summer day. You can have them at any time of the day or night, for that matter. But a word of caution, too much of anything is wrong. So excessive intake of these minerals can also be harmful to your body. They can cause headaches, muscle weakness, and fatigue in the body, among other things. Do not let your intake exceed the recommended level as per your age, physical fitness, weather conditions, lifestyle, etc.

Do we need them?

The answer to this question is both yes and no. They are a ready source of energy and nutrition, and there is no doubt about it. But if you are taking a healthy and balanced diet, you can meet their recommended intake. However, it is seldom the case, so no harm in taking one.

Conclusion:

Rehydration supplements are a great way to stay active, hydrated, and energized. Their intake in moderation is beneficial for our bodies.