Electrolytes

Let’s start with the benefits for electrolytes! After a quick Google search, electrolytes are minerals that conduct electricity when mixed with water. They regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. Electrolytes should contain sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Sodium is actually very important to our health. And even more important when pregnant aka making a baby, and breastfeeding. And the common suggestion to limit sodium, may not be the best recommendation. Straight from LMNT’s website (the company I get my electrolytes from), “they reference a study that was published in Preventive Medicine found that not only was sodium restriction ineffective in hypertensive patients, those who consumed lower than 2.5g per day of sodium had consistently HIGHER blood pressure than those who consumed larger amounts. It’s important to note that this study was done in a population that one could reasonably assume a reduction in sodium intake might actually be helpful – but it was not”. Another great reference about sodium and pregnancy is Lily Nichol’s book Real Food for Pregnancy. We don’t want too much or too little intake as well as too much sodium from processed foods. There are bad types of sodium. We want to stick to good salts like sea salt and Himalayan salts while keeping an optimal sodium intake.

I have seen a couple posts here and there about hydration and electrolyte drinks.  And I’m here to tell you the big name brands aren’t exactly the best option.  I have shown a name brand that will remain nameless.  This drink is advertised as a hydration with electrolytes.  Here’s the deal…anything with added sugar should be avoided as a general rule of thumb, especially if we are talking for hydration purposes.  Sugar in high amounts is just not good for you.  So let’s try to avoid it as much as we can, right?  Even though they have listed all the great vitamins you are getting…  Then we see it’s 28g of carbs which isn’t a ton but let’s say you drink multiple bottles a day.  It adds up, just like the sugar.  Then we look at the total calories!  It’s 120 calories!  To me a snack sits around 200-300 calories.  That drink could almost take the place of a snack.  I would argue for actual food over a sugary drink.

Now swipe to the right, to see an electrolyte packet you pour into water.  This is from the brand LMNT.  First of all there is NO sugar!  That’s a win right there.  Then the total carb count is 2 grams!  It’s like almost drinking water but with a tasty yet salty flavor which includes the right balance of sodium, potassium, and magnesium.  You get all the benefits of electrolytes with a great taste!  And you aren’t creating as much waste if you use a reusable water bottle.  It’s a win-win in my book.  Want to try the brand LMNT.  I have a referral link here if you want to try it!