The Science Behind Electrolyte Drinks: Myths vs. Reality

Just drink water IF you feel thirsty and you will be sorted – something everyone’s heard when asked over for electrolytes. But is it true or partially wrong?

What’s the real story about electrolytes? Are they necessary or just another unanimously voted hype? Let’s find out some famous Myths and Facts around Electrolytes –

1. Myth: Water is enough even on hot summer days, just keep drinking more and more chilled water

Fact: Fluid balance compartment in our system plays a very critical role in ensuring our optimal health and wellness. Any imbalance in fluids and the body is dehydrated, sometimes severely dehydrated to the extent of sickness. During hot steamy summer days, our body sweats to cool down and we might sweat more than usual, even if we are just home, breathing, watching TV and doing nothing. 

Our body can lose fluids even through respiration and excretion. But what we lose is more than just water, we also lose electrolytes. Electrolytes are key nutrients to regulate and balance functioning of several organs and critical systems in the body. It is important to maintain electrolyte balance during summer heat wave and consume electrolyte drinks on daily basis. Chilled water will only quench your thirst with a temporary feel good factor and will not actually contribute to fluid balance.

Remember - Electrolyte balance is to be maintained throughout the year, irrespective of weather and consumption of electrolytes drinks should be an everyday habit in the family.

2. Myth: When you sweat, your body only loses water and hence drinking water is enough

Fact: Your sweat contains more than just water. It contains essential nutrients like electrolytes and when you sweat, you don’t lose just water, you lose electrolytes. Electrolytes like Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, Chloride and Calcium are crucial for hydration and performance. It is important to replenish them back before dehydration sets in; several studies reveal that dehydration of even 2% can negatively impact health and performance.

Every time you sweat, you lose electrolytes. Reload them In.

3. Myth: Electrolyte drinks are only for those who play sports, not everyone needs them

Fact: Electrolytes are distributed through the fluid in your body and play a crucial role in retaining the right amount of water for overall hydration and for regulating muscle functions. Many of our body processes are dependent on these electrolytes to function normally and are essential for everyone to stay healthy irrespective of them playing a sport or no.

4. Myth: Drinks like Glucose water provides energy and hydration both

Fact: Hydration and Energy are not exactly same. Electrolytes promote hydration and maintain body’s water balance while carbohydrates provide energy. High sugar drinks or glucose water provides instant spikes of energy and does not contain electrolytes for hydration. In fact, high sugar or glucose drinks can eventually cause energy crash and dry mouth. This can make you feel thirstier and wanting to drink more of it again and again. Long term use of high sugar drinks might be detrimental for health. It is best to look for a drink which provides a balance of electrolytes, vitamins and carbohydrates to fulfill both hydration and energy requirements.

5. Myth: All sports drinks are same, they all have same formulations with electrolytes and everything is just the same except for their price

Fact: Every sports drink is formulated differently and it is important to understand the difference between them. Many packaged sports drinks are only formulated with sugar and fortified with minute amounts of vitamins or electrolytes to provide instant energy while few are differently and scientifically formulated with a blend of electrolytes, vitamins, carbohydrates and antioxidant using advanced nutrient delivery technology to offer better absorption for faster and effective rehydration and energy. Choose wisely. 

6. Myth: All electrolyte drinks are safe to consume 

Fact: All electrolyte drinks are made differently. Sometimes, it is possible that the electrolyte drink is contaminated during supply chain and manufacturing process or the raw materials and manufacturing facility is found to accidentally contain banned substances. Consuming banned substances along with electrolytes will not do more harm than good and can negatively impact your health and performance. Make sure you choose a quality assured electrolyte drink. Trusted and Recommended by India’s best nutritionists and fitness experts, Fast&Up Reload is India’s First Effervescent Electrolyte Drink to be Informed Choice Certified. It means that it is guaranteed to have been regularly tested for a wide range of banned substances on the latest published World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) Prohibited List and is certified safe for consumers and athletes.