What Are Electrolytes and Why Your Body Needs Them

If you’ve been to the studio lately, you’ve probably seen the LMNT Recharge packets at the front desk. But what is it, exactly? LMNT is a tasty electrolyte drink mix that is formulated to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is perfectly suited to folks following a keto, low-carb, or paleo diet.

But why electrolytes? Great question…

Functions of Electrolytes

According to the Cleveland Clinic, “electrolytes are minerals found in your blood that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body.”  Electrolytes can be key for optimal hydration and are essential for:

  • Controlling your fluid balance.
  • Regulating your blood pressure.
  • Helping your muscles contract.
  • Maintaining the correct acidity of your blood (pH).

There are quite a few electrolytes, but the 3 big ones are sodium, magnesium, and potassium. When you go to the bathroom, get sick, or break a serious sweat through exercise, you’re depleting your body of electrolytes. While you can replenish electrolytes through diet and certain foods (leafy greens, fruits, veggies), if you’re excessively sweating throughout the week- especially in the Body Alive hot room, you might want to consider a supplemental electrolyte drink like LMNT. 

Why LMNT?

1. The Ingredients

We love LMNT because, unlike many other sports drinks, it’s made with clean ingredients, zero sugar, and is packed with sodium, potassium, and magnesium- three of the most important electrolytes. LMNT is also Keto, vegan, and paleo-friendly!

2. The Electrolyte Mix

When we sweat (especially in large amounts), we naturally lose tons of electrolytes. The most largely impacted mineral is sodium, but our sweat also contains potassium, magnesium, and calcium- so it’s really important to replenish these electrolytes after an intense sweat sesh. LMNT Recharge contains 1,000mg of sodium, 200mg of potassium, and 60mg of magnesium- while each of these minerals has its own benefit, they are truly powerful when combined in the right doses. Together these electrolytes:

  • Regulate fluid balance (blood flow)
  • Regulate blood pressure
  • Help conduct nerve impulses
  • Promotes the release of vasopressin (or antidiuretic hormone) which helps you sleep through the night
  • Aid in energy (ATP) production
  • Contribute to DNA synthesis
  • Regulate blood sugar levels
  • Help muscles contract (including your heart)
  • Increases the absorption of certain nutrients through the gut.

3. The Taste

LMNT doesn’t just make you feel recharged and hydrated, it also tastes great! It’s added sugar-free but sweetened with natural flavors (it comes in tons of flavors options and even unflavored!) and has a slightly salty taste to it. If you’re sensitive to salt, you can always add more water to reduce the salty flavor or mix and match the flavor packets to create different drink recipes!

Don’t just take our word for it- next time you’re in the studio, make sure to grab a packet or two to drink before, during, or after class! 

 

Resources:

https://health.clevelandclinic.org/electrolyte-drinks-beneficial-or-not/

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/electrolyte-water#what-it-is

https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/153188#_noHeaderPrefixedContent

https://drinklmnt.com/blogs/health/what-are-electrolytes-and-why-are-they-important