Electrolytes: The Unsung Heroes of Hydration & How to Maintain Your Balance

Let’s talk electrolytes! We all know that hydration is essential for our health, but did you know that simply gulping down water isn't enough? That's right, gang! We need electrolytes to truly quench our thirst and keep our health in tip-top shape. In fact, we need them to survive!

Electrolytes are minerals that have an electric charge when dissolved in water, such as sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. Many of our bodily functions require an electric current to function, and electrolytes provide this charge by conducting electricity in our bodies. Think of them as the spark plugs that keep your engine running smoothly! That’s why I start every morning with ElectroTide in filtered water (I use either my Britta or Berkey filter). This won’t break your fast but it will give your brain the electric charge and energy it needs to get the day going. Yes, you should have your electrolytes before your FAT Fuelled morning tea or coffee with MCT Oil or Keto Powder.

Electrolytes play a vital role in maintaining our body's hydration, a healthy nervous system, good mental health, proper sleep, detox and muscle function. Our muscles and organs rely on electrolytes to maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside our cells. And water alone doesn't cut it because our bodies need these electrically charged minerals to balance fluid levels and prevent dehydration. Drinking water without electrolytes is like trying to run a marathon in stilettos – not very effective and possibly even harmful!

You can easily maintain your electrolyte balance with a healthy, varied diet high in electrolyte-rich foods like bananas, avocados, and spinach. Coconut water is also a great natural source of electrolytes. However, following an intense exercise session, the dreaded hot flushes, eating foods full of refined salts, a sauna or any other strenuous and sweaty activity (including a stressful day in the office, which also depletes electrolytes), I recommend using an electrolyte solution for rapid hydration.

Many people reach for sports drinks like Gatorade or Powerade instead of plain water, but I would advise against this. These drinks boast about being packed with electrolytes, but in reality, they’re just highly coloured cordials with a bit of extra salt & way too much sugar in them; thus, triggering inflammation, resulting in brain fog and weight gain, particularly around the mid-section due to insulin spikes. Since I love to exercise and get my sweat on, I’ve come up with my own electrolyte solution that not only rehydrates but also aids the body in flushing out toxins (aka water retention).