Can You Drink Too Many Electrolytes?

Your body needselectrolytes. These amazing substances help your body function in numerous ways. They work to maintain fluid balances. They turn nutrients into energy. They support muscle control and heart rhythm. Itҳ an impressive resume of health-related awesomeness נwhich explains why electrolyte-enhanced drinks are so popular, especially among the fitness crowd. So, if electrolytes are that fabulous, more would be better for you Šright? Not exactly, says registered dietitian Julia Zumpano, RD, LD. Hereҳ why too much of a good thing can be problematic. Worries about electrolyte imbalances Thereҳ a long scientific explanation for what electrolytes do נbut at the most basic level, the job focuses on one primary thing: Maintaining balance in your body. We typically think of anelectrolyte imbalance as meaning youҲe low on them. In fairness, thatҳ how electrolyte-enhanced products such as sports drinks are marketed. The whole idea behind them is to replenish depleted reserves. Thatҳ why electrolyte products are high in sodium, potassium, chloride, magnesium, phosphate and other key electrolyte-boosting elements. Itҳ all about resupplying your body. But electrolyte imbalances can be on the high side, too, and that brings its own set of problems. Ӂn imbalance of electrolytes can occur when the concentration is too high for your body נspecifically, your kidneys and hormones נto regulate,Ԡexplains Zumpano. Ӂny of the elements in excess can lead to negative health outcomes and harmful effects.Լ/p What happens if you have too many electrolytes? Having too much of a particular electrolyte element in your system can lead to symptoms like: Confusion and irritability. Irregularheart rate (arrhythmia). Breathing difficulties. Fatigue. Headaches. Muscle cramps or weakness. Diarrhea orconstipation. Nausea and vomiting. Is it safe to drink sports drinks all day? Itҳ not a good idea to turn electrolyte drinks into your go-to beverage throughout the day. Ӊtҳ certainly possible to go overboard with them,Ԡwarns Zumpano. Guzzling a sports drink isnҴ the same as sipping water for basic hydration, after all. View electrolyte-enhanced drinks as a specialty product to be used when necessary ??? replenish your bodyҳ lost resources. Moments when you might want to consider reaching for an electrolyte drink include: After a workout or physical activity. On an extremely hot day when youҶe been sweating a lot. During an illness that causes dehydration. Ӓeplenishing your electrolytes in those cases will make you immediately feel a little better,Ԡsays Zumpano. ӌisten to your body and take in what you need נbut donҴ overdo it.Լ/p Sports drinks can be high in sugar and calories, too נanother reason for moderation. How many sports drinks can you have daily? Show some restraint in downing electrolyte drinks even when itҳ an ideal time to tip one back. (A warning, too: Electrolyte drinks increase your thirst; therefore, making them easier to drink when compared to water.) ӏne or two electrolyte drinks should be enough for most people to reach a safe and healthy balance after you deplete resources,Ԡadvises Zumpano. Ӊf youҲe still thirsty after that, try to drink water.Լ/p If you struggledrinking plain water because itҳ Šwell, plain, try adding some lemon, lime, mint or cucumber to naturally enhance the flavor. Other sources of electrolytes One more thing to consider when deciding whether you need to randomly crack open a sports drink: You also get electrolyte elements through what you eat. Ӆlectrolytes are found in a whole slew of foods נand especially in fruits and vegetables,Ԡclarifies Zumpano. Ӊf youҲe eating a diet rich in whole foods, youҲe going to meet your basic electrolyte needs unless you do something extra [like exercise] and need to replenish.Լ/p Final thoughts Sports drinks can be an effective way to replenish lost electrolytes after a tough workout or sweating during a blistering hot day. But these electrolyte-heavy concoctions arenҴ meant to be an all-day drink. Ӊtҳ important to keep your electrolyte levels balanced נand that includes not pushing those levels too high,Ԡsays Zumpano. ӓo, donҴ take in what you donҴ need.Լ/p