All posts tagged: electrolytes

What are electrolytes – and when to avoid taking them

What are electrolytes – and when to avoid taking them

Published by Daniella Wilson

As I type this, I’m sipping from a Stanley full of ‘smooth blueberry’ flavoured electrolytes. Am I in training for a serious physical challenge? Far from it – in fact, after six weeks of illness, I’m doing less exercise than ever before – but the wellness powder is having a moment, and I’m not one to miss out on a trending supplement. Once solely the preserve of those in intense training regimes or working out in humid conditions that cause excessive sweating, resulting in a lot of salt loss, electrolytes are the latest wellness status symbol, with health and wellbeing editors displaying them in pride of place on their desks and adding them to their daily smoothies. ​Boots even reports that searches for electrolytes are up by 755% – but surely we’re not a nation all immersed in high-octane exercise all the time? (Although getting a spot to compete in Hyrox is akin to scoring Glastonbury tickets, so maybe more people need electrolytes than I realise…) © Getty ImagesExperts explain when we do – and …

‘Loaded water’ is hyped as a secret to hydration. But adding electrolytes is merely effort down the drain | Natasha May

‘Loaded water’ is hyped as a secret to hydration. But adding electrolytes is merely effort down the drain | Natasha May

Published by Sam Flores

Attitudes towards hydration have become another faultline in the generational divide: while the giant “emotional support” water bottle is ubiquitous among gen Z, those of the writer Ian McEwan’s vintage find the modern obsession with hydration “deranged”. McEwan and his ilk will be even more perplexed then that even those guzzling from their Stanley Cups throughout the day are being told they are still not sufficiently hydrating themselves. Influencers are telling their followers they “don’t understand what hydration is” if they’re not adding electrolytes such as sodium and chloride (salt) as well as magnesium and potassium to their water to help their cells “hold on to and use” it. Often spruiking the sachets wellness companies are selling, they claim these fancy salt formulations are essential to avoiding migraines and muscle cramps, anxiety and mood swings. Some TikTokers are adding sachets alongside other ingredients such as coloured ice cubes, edible glitter and fruit into the aforementioned massive cup in a trend known as “loaded water”. But what do the experts say – is plain old water …