Electrolyte Supplements for Hydration and Endurance Support

When we think of electrolytes, we tend to think of Powerade or any other colourful sports drink. But electrolytes are more than just a flavoured alternative to water.

So, what are electrolytes? Electrolytes are essential minerals that play a considerable role in how your body functions and performs. Often used in an electrolytes drink by athletes, these essential minerals include sodium, magnesium, calcium, and potassium (Beswick, K. 2019).
 

Electrolytes play a vital role when it comes to hydration and fluid balance and are necessary when it comes to helping your body maintain balance. As strange as it may sound, electrolytes have a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water, which can help your body manage chemical reactions in addition to fluid balance within your cells. Don’t worry; you’re not going to get an electric shock the next time you have electrolyte drinks (Cleveland Clinic. 2021).
 

An average adult's body contains about 60% water, meaning that almost every fluid and cell in your body contains electrolytes. Your kidneys help filter excess electrolytes out of your body, while exercise and heat and exercise can cause you to lose electrolytes through sweat. When your body is low in electrolytes, electrolyte drinks are the most popular solution to replenishing those lost electrolytes (Cleveland Clinic. 2021).

These substances can come in drink form, like your common Powerade and Gatorade’s, and, for those younger kids, in the shape of PRIME Hydration, but they are also present in electrolyte drink powder form, with electrolyte drinks for cycling, running, weightlifting and more, all being common.
 

If you’re looking for the best electrolyte drink and the best electrolyte powder Australia can offer, stick around; we’ve got what you need.

Well, that depends. Are you consuming your electrolytes from a sugary supermarket ‘sports’ drink? Because they may not be so good, but yes, ultimately, electrolytes are good for you. Electrolyte drinks can help you replenish lost electrolytes, which is pivotal after a busy day on the job site or a long game of football. If you’re shopping around, a sugar free electrolyte drink can deliver what you need without the added sweeteners, sugars, and preservatives that may negatively affect your health. Consuming electrolytes from healthier sources is your best option. Don’t worry; we have the best electrolyte powder Australia has ever seen (WebMD. 2023).
 

Electrolytes are good for you and play an essential role in the functionality of your body. They help regulate your pH levels, promoting hydration and muscle support. Consuming enough electrolytes is essential for that reason (WebMD. 2023).

Again, the source of those electrolytes is what is important. There are plenty of foods that can deliver electrolytes; these include:
 

• Spinach
• Pickle juice
• Lentils
• Dried apricots
• Sunflower seeds
   

When it isn’t possible to consume these sources, electrolyte drinks are your next best option. A sugar free electrolyte drink will help you take full advantage of the benefits of electrolytes without the added sugars, while electrolyte drink powder allows you to mix your electrolytes on the go while having more control over the dose.

Well, there would be no money in electrolyte drinks if you didn’t need them. But in all seriousness, yes. Your daily electrolyte needs may vary based on a number of factors like age, sex, exercise frequency and intensity, climate, and the amount and type of fluid that you consume. Whether you’re a tradie on a job site, an athlete lifting weights at the gym, a footballer training outside in the sun, or you live up in Tropical North Queensland where the summer weather feels like a sauna, you’re going to break a sweat, you’re going to lose electrolytes, and you’re going to be affected. Muscle weakness, irregular heart rate, fatigue, and more are all signs of an imbalance in electrolytes (Torrens, K. 2020).

Staying hydrated is key in maintaining electrolyte levels, but when you’re exerting yourself to a high degree, that may not be enough. Incorporating electrolyte drinks after exercise or when you think electrolyte levels are low can help you rejuvenate and maintain your electrolyte levels.

As we say, a number of factors come into play when determining your required electrolyte balance each day. When you’re in a situation that increases your internal body temperature, your body will lose electrolytes at a greater rate. It is essential to replace these electrolytes with electrolyte drinks to prevent dehydration and fatigue. While the daily requirements vary, the Institute of Medicine has set specific standards for each of the four most prominent minerals (Patel, V. 2018).

Both males and females are recommended to keep their sodium intake below 2,000mg per day.

Both males and females are recommended to consume 4,700mg of potassium per day. This mineral is prominent in many foods and can help to maintain water and electrolyte balance.

Magnesium is a common mineral deficiency in adults, but it is recommended for males to consume between 330-350mg per day and females to consume 255-265mg per day.

Both males and females should aim to consume approximately 800mg per day, with calcium being present in many foods.

Maintaining a proper balance of electrolytes in the body is important for overall health and functionality. When the balance of these electrolytes in the body is disturbed, an electrolyte imbalance can occur, which can lead to a number of performance-based problems. The signs of an electrolyte imbalance include muscle weakness, fatigue, irregular heartbeats, confusion, convulsions, nausea, headaches, numbness, and more (Cleveland Clinic. 2022). 

Therefore, it is critical to monitor any signs of an electrolyte imbalance and replenish yourself with an electrolyte drink or electrolyte-containing foods. Maintaining proper hydration and a balanced diet is the key to preventing an electrolyte imbalance. Ensuring that we consume enough sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride can help us maintain a healthy electrolyte balance, keeping our bodies functioning at their optimal level.

If you’re looking for a tradie electrolytes drink to fuel you through a scorching summer’s day on the job site, we can offer you something better than your standard Red Bull/ Powerade combo. At ASN, our shelves are lined with the best electrolyte powder Australia has to offer. From that much-needed tradie electrolyte drink to that health-conscious sugar free electrolyte drink, we are proud to offer the best electrolyte drink for cycling, running, training, and recovering from the summer heat. Let’s take a look at some of the best electrolyte drinks.

Don't let dehydration and electrolyte imbalance hinder your performance during intense workouts or sports activities. With Glaxon Astrolyte, you can ensure optimal hydration and replenishment of essential minerals lost through sweat. This electrolyte-replenishing formula stands out as one of the best options for restoring electrolytes. Packed with a carefully blended mix of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride, Glaxon Astrolyte is fortified with fructooligosaccharides and Astragin to enhance absorption in both the small and large intestines.
 

• Promotes hydration and electrolyte replenishment
• Contains hydrating electrolytes
• Added minerals to support recovery
• AstraGin to improve absorption

Rule One 1 Lytes+ is the ultimate electrolyte drink powder for replenishing essential electrolytes and optimising performance. If you often feel tired and depleted during morning sessions or experience a crash near the finish line, chances are you're dehydrated. R1 Lytes+ is specifically formulated to combat dehydration by replenishing fluids and vital nutrients lost through sweat. With its premium blend of five different electrolyte minerals, including potassium, sodium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium, this electrolyte dink also features citrulline, coconut water, watermelon, taurine, and vitamins A & C to promote hydration further.
 

• Contains 5 different electrolytes
• Supports hydration and electrolyte replenishment
• Added coconut water and watermelon
• Contains added antioxidant vitamins for hydration
• No extra sugar

Glaxon Electro Creatine stands as one of the best electrolyte drinks Australia has available, offering a unique blend of creatine monohydrate and the powerful Astrolyte^TM Electrolyte Blend. By combining creatine's ability to improve ATP production and maintain muscle hydration, this electrolyte drink excels at replenishing electrolytes and supporting performance. The inclusion of electrolyte salts, like magnesium, sodium, potassium, and chloride, helps to promote the efficient transportation of creatine while aiding optimal hydration. Glaxon Electro Creatine promotes improved performance, hydration, and muscular endurance while promoting the effective replenishment of electrolytes to support your body's needs.

• Contains unique Atrolyte^TM Electrolyte Blend
• Promotes hydration & electrolyte replenishment
• Supports ATP Production
• May improve strength & endurance

Xtend Original BCAAs offers a powerful and effective solution to replenish electrolytes and promote muscle recovery. With its specially formulated blend of 7g BCAAs, leucine, and citrulline malate, this electrolyte drink is designed to support hydration and muscle growth by repairing and nourishing your muscles. Backed by a clinically proven 2:1:1 ratio, Xtend BCAAs help to increase blood flow, promote muscle protein synthesis, and hydrate your body with essential electrolytes. With zero carbohydrates, calories, or sugar, this sugar free electrolyte drink is undoubtedly one of the best options for optimising your recovery, whether you’re looking for a tradie electrolytes drink or an electrolytes drink to fuel you through training.
 

• Contains BCAAs in the 2:1:1 ratio
• Contains hydrating electrolytes
• Supports hydration and electrolyte replenishment
• Promotes optimal recovery

Switch Nutrition Amino is among the best sugar free electrolyte drinks available, designed to replenish electrolytes and support athletic performance. With its highly absorbed, vegan-friendly formula, this electrolyte drink contains essential amino acids (EAAs), branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), essential cofactors, balanced electrolytes, vitamins, and Schisandra Chinensis. Ideal for elite athletes seeking muscle repair and recovery, as well as fitness enthusiasts aiming to enhance their workout results, Amino Switch is one of the best electrolyte drinks to prevent muscle cramps while supporting nutrient recovery.
 

• Contains hydrating electrolytes
• Features all nine EAAs
• May support muscle recovery
• Manufactured in a GMP and HACCP-certified facility
• No added sugar

Maintaining a healthy electrolyte balance is crucial for optimal bodily function. Electrolytes play a vital role in muscle and nerve function, regulating fluid balance and blood pressure and aiding in energy production. However, daily activities such as exercise and sweating can lead to electrolyte loss, which can impact your overall performance.
 

That's why replenishing lost electrolytes is essential for maintaining overall health and well-being. One of the best ways to do this is through electrolyte drinks and powders. At ASN, we are proud to offer the best electrolyte powders Australia has to offer, along with a variety of the best electrolyte drinks that can help you replenish lost electrolytes quickly and effectively. So, if you want to ensure a healthy, active lifestyle, maintaining proper electrolyte balance is a must, and electrolyte drinks and powders are a great way to help you achieve that.
 

You can check out our range of Electrolytes here. If you need any more help finding the best electrolyte powders Australia has on offer or need more information on the benefits of electrolyte drinks, our friendly team can help you out. Simply reach out online or visit us in-store for more assistance.

Beswick, K. 2019, ‘What are Electrolytes?’ Cedars Sinai, accessed October 2023, https://www.cedars-sinai.org/blog/electrolytes.html

Cleveland Clinic. 2021, ‘Electrolytes’, Cleveland Clinic, accessed October 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes

WebMD. 2023, ‘Healthy Foods HIgh in Electrolytes’, WebMD Editorial Contributors, accessed October 2023, https://www.webmd.com/diet/foods-high-in-electrolytes

Torrens, K. 2020, ‘What are electrolytes and do I replenish them?’ BBC Good Food, accessed October 2023, https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/what-are-electrolytes-and-do-i-replenish-them

Patel, V. 2018, ‘Electrolytes 101 - Everything You Need to Know to Stay Hydrated’, Nuun Hydration, accessed October 2023, https://nuunlife.com/blogs/news/electrolytes-and-hydration

Cleveland Clinic. 2022, ‘Electrolyte Imbalance’, Cleveland Clinic, accessed 13 October 2023, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/symptoms/24019-electrolyte-imbalance