What are Electrolytes Cedars-Sinai Skip to content Close Select your preferred language English عربى 简体中文 繁體中文 فارسي עִברִית 日本語 한국어 Русский Español Tagalog Menu Close Call 1-800-CEDARS-1 toggle search form Close Share Email Print CS-Blog Cedars-Sinai Blog What are Electrolytes Oct 16, 2019 Kyle Beswick Share Tweet Post Electrolytes are essential minerals—like sodium, calcium, and potassium—that are vital to many key functions in the body. They're often talked about in association with dehydration and mentioned in ads for sports drinks that promise to replace electrolytes lost through sweat. But why does your body need them and what's the best way to get them? We asked Cedars-Sinai clinical dietitians Erika Der Sarkissian and Christina Fasulo. "Sugar, salt, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs." Q Why are electrolytes important Erika Der Sarkissian: They do a lot in the body. They regulate muscle contractions and keep you hydrated. Electrolytes also help balance your pH levels (the measure of acidity and alkalinity). Christina Fasulo: And they control nervous-system function. Q What are some signs of low electrolyte levels CF: Fatigue, headache, nausea, blood pressure changes, muscle cramps, low energy, and simply not feeling well. Read: Heatstroke and Heat Exhaustion: What You Need to Know Q How do we lose electrolytes EDS: We mostly lose electrolytes through sweat and urine. CF: Also vomiting and diarrhea. Q How do we get electrolytes in our bodies CF: For the average American, you can get all the electrolytes you need through a nutritious diet—especially when eating healthy, whole foods. Read: Does IV Vitamin Therapy Work? Q Aren t sports drinks known for providing electrolytes EDS: Yes, but sports drinks can also have a lot of sugar and food coloring added, and they may not be necessary for a person who is not engaging in intense exercise (longer than 1 hour). CF: Sugar, salts, and water help your body absorb fluids, but a lot of sports drinks have too much sugar and not enough electrolytes to really help your body replenish the electrolytes it needs. After a workout, if you sweat heavily and you see a white chalk on your clothing, then you're likely losing a lot of salt. In those instances, or if you're exercising in a humid, hot area, or working out for an extended length of time, then you might benefit from an electrolyte-replacement drink. If you're doing an easy-to-moderate exercise for an hour, then you're fine drinking water. People think that muscle cramps come from magnesium and potassium deficiencies, when most of the time it's from losing salt through sweat. Instead of just eating bananas when you're cramping, try getting sodium in your body. Q Are there electrolytes when you get an IV EDS: Electrolytes can be added to IVs, which can help patients with alcohol abuse or other conditions that cause electrolyte deficiency. Read: The Science of Hangovers Q How else does drinking alcohol affect our electrolyte levels EDS: Alcohol is dehydrating in multiple ways. It's a diuretic, which means it makes you pee more than usual. It does this by suppressing a hormone (called antidiuretic hormone or ADH) that usually helps your body hold onto water and electrolytes instead of losing them through urine. Also, you're probably not drinking water while you're out drinking alcohol, and you may lose even more water and electrolytes if you experience vomiting or diarrhea. Dehydration may also play a role in a lot of common hangover symptoms, like headache, fatigue, and weakness. Drinking lots of water with electrolyte tablets or coconut water with salt added should help when you've overdone it at the bar. Tags Prevention Expert Advice Food and Nutrition Share Tweet Post Popular Categories Health + Wellness Science + Innovation Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community Blog & Magazines catalyst Blog & Magazines Home CS-Blog Blog Embracing our Community Embracing Our Community CS Magazine Cedars-Sinai Magazine discoveries magazine Discoveries Magazine Popular Topics Cancer Women's Health Heart Expert Advice Patient Stories Brain Make an Appointment Find a Doctor Schedule a Callback Call us 24 hours a day 1-800-CEDARS-1 Support Cedars-Sinai Make a Gift Volunteer Share Email Print Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility