What are electrolytes and how they affect hydration?
A. Electrolytes are certain minerals (sodium, calcium, magnesium, chloride and potassium) that can conduct electricity in water. They are vital to all cellular function because they nourish the “electrical grid” of the body on which all water and all nutrients flow. Electrolytes can improve hydration, but ONLY IF you are low on electrolytes. Once your body has enough electrolytes, it needs pure water to hydrate the cells. Adding anything solid (such as electrolytes, sweeteners, etc.) that dissolve into the water lowers that water’s osmotic pressure, which decreases its ability to get into the cells. Back to Questions.
