These sweeteners may contribute to uncomfortable digestive symptoms , such as gas and bloating in some people. One simple way to avoid the less-than-favorable ingredients in sports drinks is to make your own. Try making a healthier version at home. Pedialyte is a commercial electrolyte drink marketed for children, but adults may use it, too.

Each variety contains only 9 grams of sugar, but the flavored options also contain artificial sweeteners.

If you want to avoid artificial sweeteners, opt for an unflavored version. Pedialyte is a rehydration supplement that only contains sodium, chloride, and potassium. Most healthy, moderately active people can stay hydrated and obtain adequate amounts of electrolytes by eating a balanced, nutrient-dense diet and drinking plenty of water.

Most people can maintain fluid and electrolyte balance from water and a balanced diet alone. Electrolytes are minerals that help your body carry out a variety of vital functions, such as hydration, muscle contractions, pH balance, and nerve signaling.

To function properly, your body must maintain adequate levels of fluid and electrolytes at all times. Beverages like coconut water, milk, fruit juice, and sports drinks can all contribute to hydration and electrolyte balance.

For most people, a balanced diet and adequate water intake is enough to maintain electrolyte levels. Drinking plenty of water and watching for early signs of dehydration can help you determine whether adding an electrolyte beverage to your routine is right for you.

Our experts continually monitor the health and wellness space, and we update our articles when new information becomes available. This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts.

Our team of licensed nutritionists and dietitians strive to be objective, unbiased, honest and to present both sides of the argument. This article contains scientific references. The numbers in the parentheses 1, 2, 3 are clickable links to peer-reviewed scientific papers.

The common cold and strep throat have some common symptoms, but one is a viral infection and the other bacterial. Treatment will be different for each. If you have a cold and want to run, a good rule of thumb is to consider the location of your symptoms.

If your symptoms are located above your neck…. Pedialyte is an over-the-counter rehydration drink for both children and adults. It's one of the most effective treatments for mild to moderate…. A Quiz for Teens Are You a Workaholic?

How Well Do You Sleep? Health Conditions Discover Plan Connect. Nutrition Evidence Based 8 Healthy Drinks Rich in Electrolytes. Medically reviewed by Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice — By Ansley Hill, RD, LD — Updated on February 28, How we vet brands and products Healthline only shows you brands and products that we stand behind.

Our team thoroughly researches and evaluates the recommendations we make on our site. To establish that the product manufacturers addressed safety and efficacy standards, we: Evaluate ingredients and composition: Do they have the potential to cause harm?

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Read more about our vetting process. Was this helpful? Share on Pinterest. Coconut water. Watermelon water and other fruit juices. Electrolyte-infused waters. Electrolyte tablets. Sports drinks. Is an electrolyte drink right for you?

The bottom line. How we reviewed this article: Sources. Healthline has strict sourcing guidelines and relies on peer-reviewed studies, academic research institutions, and medical associations.

We avoid using tertiary references. You can learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate and current by reading our editorial policy. Feb 28, Written By Ansley Hill. Oct 30, Written By Ansley Hill. Medically Reviewed By Adda Bjarnadottir, MS, RDN Ice.

Share this article. Evidence Based This article is based on scientific evidence, written by experts and fact checked by experts. More in Cold and Flu Takedown 10 Natural Remedies for Flu Symptoms.

What's the Difference Between Pedialyte and Gatorade? Is Pedialyte Effective for Dehydration in People of All Ages? While maintaining electrolyte balance is often achievable through diet and lifestyle adjustments, there are situations where professional medical advice is crucial.

Severe or persistent electrolyte imbalances can lead to serious health complications, making it essential to recognize when to seek help from healthcare professionals. It's important to be aware of signs that indicate a need for medical intervention:. Remember, while self-care is important, there's no substitute for professional medical advice, especially in cases of severe electrolyte imbalances.

Listening to your body and being proactive in seeking medical help when needed is key to maintaining your health and well-being. Effectively managing your electrolyte balance is key to maintaining good health.

A balanced diet, proper hydration, and a healthy lifestyle are essential components of this. By understanding the importance of electrolytes like magnesium in your body and recognizing the signs of imbalance, you can take proactive steps to maintain optimal health.

Buoy's Hydration Drops offer a simple and efficient solution for treating and preventing magnesium deficiency and other electrolyte imbalances.

Easy to incorporate into your daily routine, these drops are a practical way to enhance your hydration and ensure you're getting the essential minerals your body needs. Take control of your health today. Add Buoy Hydrating Wellness Drops to your wellness plan today to ensure a balanced electrolyte level and overall well-being.

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Tweet on Twitter Opens in a new window. Share on Facebook Opens in a new window. Share Share Link. Essential Takeaways: Electrolyte imbalances can cause debilitating fatigue, headaches, muscle cramps, and irregular heartbeat.

These common symptoms are frequently misattributed to everyday stress or fatigue, obscuring the real issue of disrupted electrolyte levels.

While dietary adjustments are crucial, supplementing with Hydration Drops offers an easy and effective solution to address electrolyte imbalances. Simply add a light squeeze to the drinks you already enjoy throughout your day for a convenient boost of these vital nutrients.

Recognizing the Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance Hydration: The First Step in Correcting Imbalance Dietary Adjustments to Restore Balance The Role of Salt and Sugar in Managing Electrolyte Levels Lifestyle Changes for Long-Term Electrolyte Balance Understanding When to Seek Medical Help Empowering Yourself to Manage Electrolyte Balance Recognizing the Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance Electrolyte imbalance in the body can manifest through various symptoms, some subtle and others more pronounced.

Here are some common symptoms to be aware of: Fatigue: One of the earliest signs of electrolyte imbalance is a persistent sense of tiredness or fatigue. Headaches: Frequent headaches or a feeling of heaviness in the head can be linked to imbalances in electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, which affect fluid balance and nerve function in the body.

Muscle Cramps and Weakness: Electrolytes like potassium, calcium, and magnesium play a key role in muscle function. An imbalance can lead to muscle spasms, cramps, or a general feeling of muscle weakness. Irregular Heartbeat: An irregular heartbeat or palpitations can be a serious symptom of electrolyte imbalance.

The heart relies on a delicate balance of electrolytes to maintain a regular rhythm and proper contractions. Digestive Issues: Imbalances can also lead to digestive problems, including constipation or diarrhea.

This is because the digestive system requires a proper electrolyte balance to function effectively. Mood Changes and Irritability: Fluctuations in electrolyte levels can affect brain function, leading to mood swings, confusion, or irritability. Dizziness or Lightheadedness: Electrolyte imbalances, particularly of sodium and potassium, can lead to feelings of dizziness or lightheadedness, and in severe cases, fainting 1.

Learn More About Recognizing Electrolyte Imbalances For a deeper insight into recognizing electrolyte imbalances, you might find the blog post Symptoms of Electrolyte Imbalance: A Detailed Overview particularly useful.

Hydration: The First Step in Correcting Imbalance Proper hydration is fundamental in maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance in the body. The amount of water required can vary based on your lifestyle, climate, and physical activity levels 2. Monitor Fluid Loss: Increase your water intake during hot weather, intense exercise, or if you're experiencing fever or gastrointestinal issues, as these conditions can lead to increased fluid loss 2.

Balanced Fluid Sources: While water is the best source of hydration, other fluids like herbal teas or coconut water can also contribute.

However, be mindful of beverages that can dehydrate, such as those with high caffeine or alcohol content. Include Hydrating Foods: Fruits and vegetables with high water content, like cucumbers, oranges, and watermelons, can also aid in maintaining hydration 3.

Listen to Your Body: Pay attention to signs of dehydration, including dry mouth, fatigue, and dark urine 4. Let these signals prompt you to hydrate. The Crucial Role of Hydration in Supporting Bodily Functions and Well-Being This balance is vital for everything from muscle function to nerve signaling and can significantly impact your overall well-being.

Dietary Adjustments to Restore Balance Correcting an electrolyte imbalance often involves dietary adjustments to ensure adequate intake of key electrolytes. Potassium: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, and spinach are excellent sources of potassium.

Incorporate these into your meals or have them as snacks 6. Magnesium: Add nuts , seeds especially pumpkin seeds , whole grains, and leafy green vegetables like spinach to your diet for a magnesium boost 7.

Calcium: Dairy products are well-known calcium sources, but for those seeking plant-based options, kale, almonds, and tofu are excellent choices 8.

Very high calcium, on the other hand, can lead to kidney failure, abnormal heart rhythm arrhythmia , mental confusion and even coma.

Arrhythmias can also result from low magnesium, as well as high or low potassium levels, especially in people who already have a heart condition. The good news: Most of the time, healthy people don't have to worry about electrolytes. The key to preventing health-threatening imbalances is to be aware of these instances when electrolytes are more likely to become depleted or build up.

And, if need be, get advice from your doctor or another health care provider on how to maintain or restore the balance. While some situations, such as health conditions, are beyond your control, Braun says there are steps you can take to avoid severe electrolyte spikes or dips:.

Although sodium is a vital electrolyte, your body doesn't need a lot — just 1 teaspoon daily. Too much salt can contribute to high blood pressure and other health problems.

Try these salt-saving tips:. You may feel like you hear this too often. But it's good advice. Don't wait until you become dehydrated to drink fluids; keep a water bottle with you and drink small amounts throughout the day. That's why Braun recommends replacing 8 ounces of your daily water with a sugar-free or low-sugar sports drink e.

When you're vomiting, have diarrhea or are feverish, you rapidly lose fluids and electrolytes, Braun cautions. Children and seniors, especially, can get severely dehydrated very fast. Oral rehydration solutions like Pedialyte — which contain the right mix of salt, sugar, potassium and other minerals — are a good way to replenish those vital fluids.

Essential Electrolytes. Most often linked to sports drinks, electrolytes are vital for good health. Home RUSH Stories Essential Electrolytes.

Heart Health. Share to Facebook Share to Twitter Share to LinkedIn Share via Email. By Judy Germany. The essence of electrolytes You're probably familiar with most or all of the electrolytes, even if you didn't necessarily know they were electrolytes: Bicarbonate Calcium Chloride Magnesium Phosphate Potassium Sodium These electrically-charged minerals help regulate everything from hydration the amount of water in your body , to your nervous system to muscle function — including the most important muscle of all: the heart.

When to worry? These are some common causes of electrolyte spikes or dips: Taking diuretics Prolonged vomiting, diarrhea or high fever, such as from a virus Congestive heart failure Hormonal or endocrine disorders, such as primary hyperparathyroidism Certain cancers, including breast cancer , lung cancer and multiple myeloma Eating disorders Drinking too much water, which can cause overhydration Kidney disease The key to preventing health-threatening imbalances is to be aware of these instances when electrolytes are more likely to become depleted or build up.

Maintaining electrolytes While some situations, such as health conditions, are beyond your control, Braun says there are steps you can take to avoid severe electrolyte spikes or dips: 1. Eat your electrolytes. Make these electrolyte-rich foods part of your daily diet: Calcium — Milk and milk products including plain, nonfat yogurt , meat, fish with bones e.

Go easy on the salt. Try these salt-saving tips: Use fresh herbs and spices, or citrus juice to season your food. Avoid pre-packaged meals, which tend to be very high in sodium. Choose "reduced sodium" canned soups and vegetables. It's important to maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes so that your body can function normally.

Unless you are sick or exercising for multiple hours, eating a varied diet and staying hydrated will keep your levels normal. Close icon Two crossed lines that form an 'X'. It indicates a way to close an interaction, or dismiss a notification.

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It symobilizes a website link url. Copy Link. This article was medically reviewed by Samantha Cassetty , MS, RD, a nutrition and wellness expert with a private practice based in New York City. Our stories are reviewed by medical professionals to ensure you get the most accurate and useful information about your health and wellness.

For more information, visit our medical review board. Redeem now. Electrolytes are minerals that are essential for balancing fluids in the body. Electrolytes also conduct nerve impulses and contract muscles, like your heart.

It's important to replenish electrolytes after a workout or if you are sick and vomiting. Read preview. Thanks for signing up!