Why Is Everyone Obsessed With Electrolytes? (And Should You Be Too?)

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You’ve probably noticed it too, everyone’s suddenly talking about electrolytes. They’re popping up in gym bottles, trending on wellness blogs, and getting name-dropped by health influencers like they’re the new avocado toast.

And honestly? I get it now.

When my functional doctor first told me to start adding electrolytes to my daily routine, I wasn’t entirely convinced. I’d just started a keto diet at the time, and thought, Surely, this is just another wellness trend? But I decided to give it a go anyway, mainly because I trusted her guidance and I knew I was going through some pretty big dietary changes.

Fast forward a few years, and even though I’m no longer strictly following keto, I’ve kept electrolytes as part of my daily routine. It’s one of those things I didn’t know I needed, until I felt the difference.

But here’s the thing: there’s a lot of confusion out there. What even are electrolytes? Do we really need to supplement them? Can’t we just get them from salt or food? And what’s with all the sugar-filled powders pretending to be healthy?

This article is going to break it all down, no fluff, no hype. Just honest info, a bit of personal experience, and everything you’ve been curious about when it comes to electrolytes. By the end, you’ll know whether they’re worth your attention and how to find the right kind if they are.

What Are Electrolytes, Really?

Let’s start with the basics because I’ll be honest, before I started taking them, I wasn’t exactly sure what electrolytes were either. I just knew they had something to do with hydration and that people at the gym swore by them.

In simple terms, electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge. That might sound a bit science-y, but it’s actually quite cool. These tiny charged particles, like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride, help your body do some seriously important jobs.

They’re essential for:

Muscle function (so you don’t get cramps or twitches)

Nerve signals (aka how your brain talks to the rest of your body)

Balancing fluids in and out of your cells

Maintaining pH levels (keeping things not too acidic or too alkaline)

Basically, electrolytes are the quiet behind-the-scenes crew making sure everything runs smoothly, from your heartbeat to your digestion to your ability to lift your dog without pulling a muscle.

And yes, you can get electrolytes from food, leafy greens, bananas, avocados, nuts, seeds, and even good-quality salt all contain them. But here’s the catch: modern farming practices, ultra-filtered water, and processed diets often leave people low in key minerals without even realising it.

That’s why so many people, especially those on low-carb diets, those who sweat a lot, or those feeling tired all the time, are turning to supplements to give their electrolytes a little top-up.

Up next, we’ll dive into why electrolytes are suddenly trending everywhere (and why it’s not just hype).

Why Electrolytes Are Trending (Again)

It’s funny how something as basic as minerals in your water has suddenly become the wellness world’s latest obsession. But when you look a little closer, it actually makes a lot of sense.

First off, diets like keto, low-carb, and intermittent fasting have exploded in popularity over the past few years. And when you change the way your body processes food, especially when cutting carbs, your body starts flushing out more water (and with it, more electrolytes). That’s often why people feel dizzy, crampy, or just off when starting these kinds of diets. It’s not always the diet, it’s the lack of minerals.

Then there’s the rise of biohacking, a trend where people look for smarter, more natural ways to feel their best. Electrolytes have become a bit of a darling in that space because they’re a simple way to boost energy, improve focus, and reduce fatigue, without relying on caffeine or sugary drinks.

We’re also getting more clued up about what’s missing in our modern lifestyle. Tap water is often stripped of minerals. Processed food? Basically empty. And even our soil is becoming less nutritious. So, people are waking up to the fact that they might be running on low mineral reserves, especially if they’re already feeling sluggish, tired, or burned out.

In other words, electrolytes aren’t just for athletes anymore. They’re for anyone who wants to feel more balanced, energised, and hydrated in everyday life and that’s a trend I can definitely get behind.

My Personal Experience with Electrolytes

I’ll be honest, I didn’t start taking electrolytes because I wanted to jump on a health trend. It was actually my functional medicine doctor who first suggested it. She explained that supporting my body with daily electrolytes could really help with energy levels, hydration, and even recovery, especially with the other changes I was making to my diet at the time.

I had just started a keto lifestyle, and if you’ve ever dipped your toe into keto waters, you’ll know how easy it is to feel drained in those early weeks. Your body’s flushing out more fluid, and with it, your minerals take a hit. So I gave electrolytes a go.

I started with Dr. Berg’s electrolyte powder, orange flavour. It was easy to use and had a good blend of minerals, but I’ll be honest… I wasn’t a huge fan of the taste. It always felt overly sweet, and after a few months of daily use, I found myself looking for a cleaner, more natural alternative.

That’s when I discovered Baja Gold salt. Total game-changer. It’s a liquid, unrefined sea salt packed with naturally occurring trace minerals, and I just add a few drops to my water once or twice a day. It’s not sweet, it doesn’t mess with the flavour of my drink too much, and I love that I’m getting a full spectrum of minerals, not just sodium.

Even though I’m no longer doing keto strictly (I now eat around 50–100g of carbs a day, which still counts as low-carb), I’ve kept up with my daily electrolytes. It’s one of those small habits that makes a big difference, for my energy, focus, and just feeling more balanced.

The Benefits of Electrolytes: From Muscles to Mitochondria

Once you understand what electrolytes actually do in the body, it’s no surprise they’ve gained so much attention. These tiny minerals are involved in nearly every major function that keeps us alive and well and when your levels are in balance, you really start to feel the difference.

Here’s what electrolytes can support:

1. Muscle Function and Cramp Prevention

Ever had a muscle cramp out of nowhere, especially at night or during a workout? That can often point to low levels of magnesium or potassium. Electrolytes help your muscles contract and relax properly, so you’re not left hobbling around or waking up with leg spasms.

2. Nerve Communication

Electrolytes act like the body's little messengers. They allow your brain to send signals to the rest of your body, whether that’s telling your heart to beat or your hand to move. When your electrolyte levels are off, those signals can get scrambled, which can leave you feeling tired, slow, or foggy.

3. Hydration on a Cellular Level

Drinking plain water is great but without electrolytes, your cells can’t actually hold onto that water efficiently. Electrolytes help move fluid in and out of cells, meaning you’re truly hydrating from the inside out, not just flushing your system.

4. Energy Production

Your mitochondria, those little powerhouses inside your cells, rely on minerals like magnesium to create energy. Without them, it’s like trying to power a lightbulb with a dying battery. Many people find their energy levels improve when they start properly supporting their electrolytes.

5. Heart and Organ Health

Your heart is a muscle too, and it depends heavily on a steady flow of electrolytes to keep beating at the right rhythm. An imbalance (especially in potassium or calcium) can affect heart rate, blood pressure, and even kidney function.

6. Bone Strength and Support

While we often associate calcium with bones, magnesium and phosphorus play a big role too. A proper electrolyte balance supports bone density and repair, something we often forget when thinking about long-term health.

7. Skin, Digestion, and Mood

Electrolytes also support gut motility, nutrient absorption, and even mood stability. When your minerals are out of balance, it’s not just physical, brain fog, irritability, or anxiety can creep in too.

So whether you're hitting the gym, juggling a busy life, or simply trying to feel more grounded and less fatigued, electrolytes are one of those foundational tools that work quietly in the background but deliver big results.

Are There Any Downsides to Electrolytes?

With all the buzz around electrolytes, it’s easy to think they’re a magic solution for everything, from low energy to muscle cramps to mental clarity. And while they can definitely help, they’re not totally risk-free, especially if you overdo it or choose the wrong kind.

Let’s break it down.

1. You Can Have Too Much of a Good Thing

Yes, electrolytes are essential, but balance is key. Taking in too much sodium, potassium, or calcium, especially from supplements, can throw your system out of whack. In serious cases, it can even affect your heart rhythm or kidney function.

That’s why it’s important to listen to your body and not over-supplement just because a product promises “more energy” or “better performance.”

2. Some Electrolyte Products Are… Not So Clean

Walk into any health shop or scroll through online listings, and you’ll find tons of electrolyte powders, drinks, and tablets but many of them are loaded with sugar, artificial sweeteners, and unnecessary additives.

I found this myself when I was using a well-known brand that tasted super sweet. It got to the point where it just didn’t feel right putting that much stevia and flavouring in my body every single day.

That’s part of the reason I switched to something more natural, just clean, trace minerals without the fluff.

3. They’re Not a Replacement for a Balanced Diet

It’s tempting to think that if you just add some electrolyte drops to your water, you can skip the greens or whole foods but that’s not how it works. Electrolytes are a supplement, not a substitute. Real food should still be your main source of minerals and hydration.

4. Certain Health Conditions Require Caution

People with kidney disease, high blood pressure, or those on medications like diuretics or ACE inhibitors need to be especially careful with electrolyte supplements. In these cases, it’s always best to check with a doctor before adding anything new, especially if the supplement includes potassium.

So while electrolytes can be a fantastic tool for hydration and energy, they’re not one-size-fits-all. As with most things in wellness, it’s about finding the right fit for you, and keeping it natural, balanced, and in tune with your body.

Electrolytes vs. Salt, What’s the Difference?

One of the first things people ask me when we chat about electrolytes is, “Can’t I just add a pinch of salt to my water and call it a day?” And it’s a fair question because yes, salt does contain some electrolytes… but it’s not the full picture.

Let’s break it down.

Salt Is an Electrolyte… But It’s Not All of Them

Salt (specifically sodium chloride) is an important electrolyte, but it’s just one piece of the puzzle. Your body also needs potassium, magnesium, calcium, and other trace minerals to keep things balanced. If you’re only relying on table salt, you’re missing out on the rest.

Table Salt vs. Mineral-Rich Salt

Most regular table salt is highly processed and often stripped of other naturally occurring minerals. It might even have added anti-caking agents or iodine, but it doesn’t contain the broader mineral profile your body needs.

That’s why I switched to something like Baja Gold salt, it’s an unrefined sea salt that contains dozens of trace minerals, not just sodium. Just a few drops in my water gives me a much more complete electrolyte boost, without the sweetness or artificial ingredients.

Other great natural options include:

Celtic Sea Salt

Redmond Real Salt

Himalayan Pink Salt (though it's often lower in magnesium compared to sea salt)

Why Salt Alone Isn’t Enough, Especially on Low-Carb Diets

When you're eating fewer carbs, your body holds on to less water and as that water leaves, so do important minerals like magnesium and potassium. Salt can help, but it won’t replenish everything that’s being lost.

This is where full-spectrum electrolyte blends (or mineral-rich salts) really shine. They give your body what it’s actually calling out for, a range of minerals, not just sodium.

In short: all salt is not created equal, and while salt is a key part of the electrolyte equation, the real benefits come when you support your body with a balanced mix of essential minerals, ideally from a clean, natural source.

Signs You Might Need Electrolytes

Here’s the thing, most of us don’t walk around thinking “I must be low in electrolytes today.” But the truth is, mild imbalances can show up in sneaky ways, especially if you’re following a low-carb lifestyle, sweating a lot, or just feeling a bit off and can’t quite put your finger on why.

Here are some common signs your body might be craving more electrolytes:

1. You Feel Tired for No Clear Reason

That dragging, low-energy feeling? It’s not always a lack of sleep or caffeine, it could be your cells struggling to create energy due to low magnesium or sodium levels.

2. Muscle Cramps or Twitching

Whether it’s a random leg cramp at night or your eyelid twitching all day, electrolyte imbalances, especially magnesium or potassium, can be the cause.

3. Headaches and Brain Fog

Your brain needs a stable environment to function properly. When your electrolytes are off, your body struggles to regulate fluid levels and pressure, which can lead to tension headaches and foggy thinking.

4. Dizziness or Lightheadedness

If you stand up and feel a bit woozy, or you’re getting dizzy spells during the day, low sodium could be part of the problem, especially if you’re eating clean, drinking lots of water, or cutting carbs.

5. Low Blood Pressure or Irregular Heartbeat

Your heart and blood vessels depend on a delicate balance of minerals. If your blood pressure feels lower than usual or your heartbeat feels a little “off,” it might be time to check in on your electrolyte levels.

6. Dry Mouth or Constant Thirst

Drinking glass after glass of water but still feeling dry? It could be that your body can’t absorb the water properly without electrolytes.

7. Frequent Urination (Especially on Low-Carb or Keto Diets)

Low insulin = more fluid loss = more mineral loss. If you’re constantly needing the loo, it could be your body flushing out important minerals with every trip.

If any of this sounds familiar, it doesn’t necessarily mean something is wrong but it might be your body’s quiet way of saying, “Hey, I could really use a mineral top-up.”

How to Choose the Right Electrolyte for You

Once you’ve realised your body might benefit from electrolytes, the next challenge is figuring out which one to go for. Because wow, there are so many options out there. Powders, drops, tablets, ready-to-drink bottles... and the labels? Confusing at best.

So here’s what I’ve learned from both research and personal trial-and-error: not all electrolytes are created equal.

What to Look For in a Good Electrolyte Supplement

✅ Full-spectrum minerals

You want more than just sodium. Look for magnesium, potassium, calcium, and even trace minerals like chloride and phosphorus. These work together to support hydration and muscle, nerve, and energy function.

✅ No sugar or artificial sweeteners

Some popular electrolyte drinks are packed with sugar or synthetic sweeteners that can do more harm than good. If it tastes like fruit punch from your childhood, it’s probably not the most natural way to support your minerals. Look for clean ingredients, no aspartame, sucralose, or unnecessary flavour enhancers.

✅ Minimal, transparent ingredients

Less is more. A good-quality electrolyte supplement will have a short list of recognisable ingredients. You should know what every ingredient is and why it’s there.

✅ Natural sources

Some brands use mineral-rich sea salt (like Baja Gold, Celtic Sea Salt, or Redmond Real Salt) which contain trace minerals in their natural balance. Others might use concentrated ionic mineral drops, both are great as long as they’re third-party tested and don’t include unnecessary fillers.

✅ Lab-tested with clear mineral amounts

You want to see how much of each mineral you’re getting, not vague claims like “electrolyte blend.” If a company doesn’t share their testing info or ingredient breakdown, that’s a red flag.

What to Avoid in Electrolytes

❌ Hidden sugars or maltodextrin

These can spike your blood sugar, cause bloating, and defeat the purpose, especially if you’re on a low-carb or health-focused diet.

❌ Overhyped branding

Just because a product is endorsed by a fitness influencer or comes in trendy packaging doesn’t mean it’s the best option for your body. Always read beyond the front label.

❌ Mega doses of just one mineral

Electrolytes work together. Taking super-high doses of just sodium or potassium can create imbalances if the rest aren’t there to support the system.

Liquid, Powder, or Tablets – Does It Matter?

It really depends on your preference and lifestyle. I personally like liquid mineral drops because I can just add them to my water without any sweetness but if powders or tablets work better for your routine, that’s totally fine. Just go for the cleanest, most complete formula you can find.

At the end of the day, the right electrolyte is one that fits your diet, activity level, and values, whether you’re into all-natural living, performance-focused training, or simply wanting to feel more balanced each day.

Best Practices for Taking Electrolytes

Once you’ve found an electrolyte that ticks all the right boxes, the next question is: when and how should you actually take it? And just like with anything health-related, the answer isn’t one-size-fits-all but there are a few tried-and-true practices that can make a big difference.

1. Start Your Day with Electrolytes

One of the easiest and most effective times to take electrolytes is first thing in the morning. After 7–8 hours without food or water, your body is naturally a bit dehydrated. I personally add a few drops of Baja Gold salt to my morning water, it sets the tone for the whole day and supports energy and focus right from the get-go.

2. Take Them Around Workouts

If you’re exercising, especially if you’re sweating, your body is losing minerals. Replenishing before or after a workout can help with performance, reduce muscle cramps, and aid recovery.

3. Support Fasting or Low-Carb Diets

Electrolytes are a must if you’re intermittent fasting or eating low-carb. These approaches cause your body to release more water and minerals. A good electrolyte blend can help prevent the infamous “keto flu” or that mid-afternoon energy crash.

4. Adjust with the Seasons or Travel

Hot weather, sauna use, or even flying can cause you to lose more fluids. On these days, I’ll often increase my electrolyte intake slightly, adding them to water once or twice a day depending on how I feel.

5. Pair with Filtered or Spring Water

If you drink filtered or distilled water regularly, it’s great for removing toxins but it also removes minerals. That’s why topping up with electrolytes is so important. I always say: don’t just hydrate, mineralise.

6. Don’t Chug It—Sip It

Your body absorbs electrolytes better when you drink them slowly over time, rather than downing a full glass in one go. I like to keep my water bottle with me and sip throughout the day.

Quick Tip:

Start slow. If you’re new to electrolyte supplements, begin with a small amount and see how your body responds. Too much too quickly can lead to loose bowels, especially with magnesium.

In short, adding electrolytes to your routine doesn’t need to be complicated, it’s about tuning into your body, supporting it with what it’s missing, and keeping things simple, clean, and consistent.

Who Should Be Cautious or Avoid Electrolytes?

For most people, electrolytes are a safe and helpful addition to daily life, especially if you’re active, eating low-carb, or just looking to support energy and hydration. But like anything, there are situations where it’s important to pause and check in with a health professional before jumping in.

Here’s who should be a little more cautious:

1. People with Kidney Conditions

Your kidneys are responsible for filtering and balancing electrolytes in the blood. If they’re not functioning properly, adding extra sodium, potassium, or magnesium could create problems. If you have any form of kidney disease or are on dialysis, you should always speak to your doctor before taking electrolyte supplements.

2. Individuals with High Blood Pressure

If your doctor has advised you to follow a low-sodium diet, not all electrolytes will be suitable, especially those that are sodium-heavy. That said, some natural mineral blends (like those based on unrefined salt) contain a better balance of sodium and other trace minerals, so it's worth asking about the specific type.

3. People Taking Certain Medications

Medications like diuretics, blood pressure tablets, or ACE inhibitors can impact electrolyte levels and combining them with supplements could throw things out of balance. It doesn’t mean you can’t take electrolytes at all, but it does mean getting the green light from a healthcare provider first.

4. Anyone With a Known Electrolyte Imbalance

If you’ve had blood tests that show high potassium (hyperkalemia) or high sodium (hypernatremia), avoid self-supplementing until you’ve had proper guidance. Electrolyte levels are delicate and need to be corrected with care.

So while electrolytes are incredibly helpful for many people, they’re not automatically right for everyone. If you’re unsure, it’s always best to check, especially if you have an existing medical condition or take medication regularly.

Final Thoughts: Rebalancing From Within

It’s easy to overlook something as simple as minerals. We spend so much time thinking about calories, macros, superfoods, and the latest trends but often forget that our bodies run on the basics. And electrolytes? They’re some of the most essential pieces of the puzzle.

For me, adding electrolytes wasn’t just about hydration, it was about giving my body the support it was quietly asking for. From more stable energy to fewer muscle aches and that calm, grounded feeling I couldn’t quite put my finger on… the difference was real.

What I’ve learned is this: not all electrolytes are the same, and the more natural, the better. Whether you’re starting with a simple pinch of mineral-rich salt in your water or looking into a full-spectrum blend, it’s about finding what works for you, your diet, your lifestyle, your needs.

If there’s one takeaway, it’s this: don’t wait until you’re depleted. Whether it’s fatigue, brain fog, or restless sleep, your body often whispers before it shouts. Electrolytes might just be the quiet support system you’ve been missing.