The Buzz Around Electrolytes –
Do You Need Supplementation?
When I was a kid, we used to go the family cabin on the Mesa. In a remote corner of the property was a natural spring with some of the best water I have ever drunk. It was sweet, clear, and full of tasty electrolytes. It didn’t need any flavors or additions because it was already just right.
What function do these electrolytes serve in the body?
Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electrical charge and help regulate some of the body’s most fundamental functions, including nerve signaling, muscle contractions, regulating heart rhythm and maintaining fluid balance. They also help control how water moves between cells and tissues.
Why might we need to supplement them?
Commercial water plants remove up to 99% of minerals and reverse osmosis filters remove all of them. This results in a flat taste and requires minerals be added back. We can thank Gatorade and Pedialyte in the 60s for introducing store-bought electrolyte formulas, and now social media and supplement shelves are packed with them.
In any discussion about electrolyte supplementation, I start with the estimate that 80% of Americans are mineral deficient. They are commonly lost or by sweating, stress hormone production, caffeine, alcohol, and medication use. Further, we have been aware of soil depletion in the US for decades, most significantly with magnesium, potassium, calcium, iron and zinc, which means even our healthy diets of fruits and vegetables can be deficient in mineral content.
I’m not opposed to electrolyte replacement; it’s just not the starting point in my naturopathic practice. Instead, I may begin with a hair analysis to screen for mineral and heavy metal status. Along with a history & physical, it gives me a starting point for treatments. In a complete plan of restoration, I also address obstacles to recovery such as common over-the-counter medicines that strongly block their assimilation. This is essential because you cannot improve body mineral levels if you cannot absorb them.
It matters how you supplement. Minerals come in many forms such as ionic, fulvic, or humic, and the formulations greatly affect absorption. Because calcium doses can inhibit iron absorption or zinc can deplete copper—and people are often deficient in iron and copper—a multi-mineral formula may actually create a greater imbalance.
There is nothing inherently wrong with electrolyte formulas. And if you find a tasty one without junk sweeteners, preservatives or colors, that’s great. But if you need a hand in discovering your specific mineral needs with a custom plan to restore them, give me a call. I’ll help you get back to those outdoor activities you love.
