Electrolytes are
minerals like salt (sodium), potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and bicarbonate that circulate in your blood.
10 They can help to regulate many functions within the body, including nerve and muscle function.
10
As you exercise and sweat, your body loses electrolytes and water. Drinking an electrolyte drink before, during and/or after a workout can support these minerals in your body.11,12
Electrolyte drinks also contain carbohydrates, so sipping on these can be a great way to fuel your body before a workout. They can also be good to sip on during long or vigorous training sessions when you need an energy boost.13 However, a potential drawback is that they're often high in sugar, so check the labels to make sure it’s right for you.14
While there are lots of bottled electrolyte drinks available, you can also find them in tablet, sachet and even chewable form. So, they’re easily adaptable to your dietary and workout needs.