Bad Headache? You Might Need Electrolytes

Get Enough Electrolytes This Summer

What do Gatorade, bananas, Pedialyte and watermelon all have in common?

They’re loaded with electrolytes.

You’ve probably heard of electrolytes. They’re added to sports drinks to help you rehydrate after physical activity.

But what exactly are they?

Electrolytes are minerals with an electric charge. Some of the main ones are sodium, potassium and magnesium, and they help our bodies carry out some of their most important functions.

Pro athletes aren’t the only ones who need electrolytes. We all do. Let’s take a look at how your electrolyte stores get depleted and what you can do to replenish them.

How You Lose Them

Sweating is the most obvious one. If you’re going for a long run, taking a hike through the woods, or it’s just plain hot out, there’s a good chance you’re losing electrolytes. A lot of them.

But sweating isn’t the only way. You lose electrolytes whenever you lose large amounts of body fluid at once.

If you had a stomach bug with a nasty bout of vomiting, you probably lost electrolytes.

How do you know if you’re losing too many?

Your body will tell you.

Headaches, nausea, fatigue, irritability, muscle cramps and confusion are all the hallmarks you have an electrolyte deficiency and need to replenish.

How You Gain Them

For most of us, we’re probably getting all the electrolytes we need from our normal diets.

If not, it might be time for a few changes. Well-balanced diets that include lots of fruits, vegetables and dairy products are loaded with enough electrolytes to meet your daily needs.

But if you’ve been sick or recently engaged in intense physical activity, your normal diet – even a well-balanced one – probably isn’t cutting it.

In that case, consider mixing in a few extra electrolyte-rich foods. These could include:

• Yogurt
• Bananas
• Oranges
• Spinach
• Coconut water

If your electrolyte needs are sky high – like if you’re training for a marathon or spend most days in the hot sun – you might need an electrolyte supplement.

Gatorade or Pedialyte should do the trick, but there are also plenty of powdered products out there. Simply add them to your water and you’re good to go.

What About the Kids?

Your kids needs electrolytes just as much as you do. Like everyone, eating a well-balanced diet is the best way to make sure they’re getting their electrolytes.

But kids are active, so their electrolyte needs might be a little different.

If they’re playing sports, a sports drink at the end of practice will help. Just remember: These can be a tightrope – most sports drinks are loaded with added sugar, so be selective about when and how often you give them to your kids.

If nothing else, make sure your kids are getting plenty of fluids throughout the day, especially in the summer months.

This is super important for keeping their hydration and electrolyte levels balanced while enjoying the sunshine.