Comparing Electrolyte Supplements on the Market: Which One’s the Best?

Nowadays, there’s a flurry of electrolyte supplements flooding store shelves. Wondering if they live up to the hype? Or if you even need one at all?

You’re in the right place. This article will answer all those burning questions so you can decide if an electrolyte supplement is right for you -- and which one. Let’s get started!

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. (1) They’re needed for proper nerve and muscle function, hydration, and they help regulate your internal pH. (2, 3) 

Some common electrolytes include:

• Sodium

• Potassium

• Magnesium

• Calcium

• Phosphorus

• Chloride

• Bicarbonate

Do I Need an Electrolytes Supplement?

While not everyone will need an electrolyte supplement, there are certain situations where extra support is beneficial. See if any of these describe you:

• Athletes & exercise enthusiasts: You lose electrolytes as you sweat. Those minerals need to be replaced for proper exercise recovery and to maintain optimal health. Anyone exercising more than 60 minutes at a time can benefit from taking an electrolyte supplement.

• Keto-diet followers: When you drastically reduce your carb intake, it throws your electrolyte balance off. Carbs are stored as glycogen, which is bound to water in the body. When glycogen stores get depleted, your body loses fluids rapidly, leading to electrolyte imbalance. (4) 

• You sweat a lot: Whether you live in a hot climate or just have a physically demanding job, you’re losing electrolytes if you sweat a lot. 

• You’ve got chronic digestive issues: If tummy troubles have you dealing with frequent bouts of diarrhea or vomiting, your electrolyte balance will suffer.

• Daily detoxers: If you’re a regular here, you know my passion for detox. However, many of my favorite detox practices like sauna, coffee enemas, and Epsom salt baths can deplete mineral levels over time. Taking an electrolyte supplement remedies that.

• Mold toxicity survivors: Toxic mold puts you at risk of electrolyte imbalance right off the bat. People with mold toxicity have decreased levels of antidiuretic hormone (ADH), which impairs your fluid regulation, and in turn, your electrolyte balance. (5) You can read more about this here.

Comparing Popular Electrolyte Supplements  

Before you run right out there and snap up an electrolyte supplement, it’s good to do some detective work. Many of these products are loaded with sugar and artificial ingredients that can do a number on your health. 

Luckily, I did the detective work for you. Here are the pros and cons of four different electrolyte supplements:

Gatorade

Gatorade is an inexpensive and readily available way to get some key electrolytes (namely sodium and potassium). However, it’s chock-full of sugar and other harmful ingredients. 

In fact, one 12-ounce bottle of Gatorade contains over 20 grams of sugar! (6) Diets high in added sugars are linked with chronic illnesses such as diabetes, heart disease, liver disease, and obesity. (7)  Plus, these sports drinks like Gatorade are brimming with artificial flavors and colors linked with hyperactivity in children and even cancer! (8, 9)

To appease sugar critics, Gatorade began offering no sugar versions like Gatorade Zero. Gatorade Zero swaps the sugar for the artificial sweetener Splenda, which is not so splendid for your gut. Research suggests Splenda alters your gut microbiome and increases inflammation. (10)

Liquid IV Hydration Packets

When I was searching for an electrolyte supplement, these kept popping up everywhere. You pour a packet into a glass of water for on-to-go hydration support. 

The upside? They contain sodium and potassium, along with some B vitamins as well, and aren’t full of the artificial garbage in sports drinks.

The downside? While marketed as “healthy,” each packet contains 11 grams of sugar! Plus, they don’t include magnesium, a key electrolyte that up to 48% of Americans are deficient in. (11). Clearly, they’re a MUCH better option than Gatorade, but I think we can do better.

Ultima Replenisher Electrolyte Mix

In my electrolyte search, Ultima was the cleanest product I could find. It’s sweetened with stevia and real fruit extracts and is entirely sugar-free, so it’s a good option for anyone watching their sugar intake. It also uses plant-based extracts for coloring, so there’s no risk of harmful artificial colors.

But based on the reviews, the taste is a major flaw. Many reviewers complained the flavor was too strong and overly sweet. And while I’m happy this formula contains magnesium, it comes in the form of magnesium citrate. Magnesium citrate is known to cause digestive upset and loose stools. Not exactly what you’re going for when you’re trying to rehydrate and address an electrolyte imbalance. 

I hoped to find an electrolyte product for our community with some healthy add-ins to support detox and immunity. And while I love that Ultima is a clean product, the formula itself is pretty basic. 

Clean Electrolytes

Here is a good electrolyte that I’ve found >>>>

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Bridgit Danner, LAc, FDNP, is trained in functional health coaching and has worked with thousands of women over her career since 2004. She is the founder of Women’s Wellness Collaborative llc and HormoneDetoxShop.com.

Check our her easy 5-Day DIY Detox Guide here!

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