Electrolytes: Hydration, Balance and Supplement Choices

Electrolytes matter for everyday health, whether you are working, exercising or recovering from illness. But feeling tired is not proof that you need an electrolyte supplement. Understanding what these minerals do can help you make a more informed choice.

What do electrolytes do?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in body fluids. They help manage fluid balance, nerve signals and muscle function. You obtain them through food and drinks.

• Sodium and chloride: help regulate body fluids.
• Potassium: supports normal cell, muscle and heart function.
• Calcium and phosphate: contribute to bones and teeth.
• Magnesium: supports normal muscle, nerve and heart function.
• Bicarbonate: helps maintain acid-base balance.

Both too little and too much of an electrolyte can cause problems. Vomiting, diarrhoea, heavy sweating, certain medicines and kidney, heart or liver conditions can disturb the balance. Treatment depends on the cause and the electrolyte involved; simply adding more minerals is not always appropriate.

When do symptoms need assessment?

Fatigue, headaches, cramps or weakness have many possible causes. They do not identify which mineral is low, or even establish that an electrolyte imbalance is present. A clinician may assess your symptoms, medicines and medical history and arrange blood tests.

Seek urgent medical help for confusion, a seizure, difficulty breathing, collapse or difficulty waking someone. A fast or irregular heartbeat, persistent dizziness, very little urine or inability to keep fluids down also warrants prompt medical advice. Do not treat these symptoms by experimenting with salt or supplements.

Everyday hydration and illness

Drink regularly, particularly in hot weather or when active. If you feel sick, small frequent sips may be easier. Avoid forcing excessive amounts of water. Follow your clinician’s advice if you have a fluid restriction.

For fluid losses from vomiting or diarrhoea, a pharmacist or clinician can recommend an appropriate oral rehydration solution and explain how to mix it. A flavoured electrolyte supplement is not automatically equivalent to a medical oral rehydration solution. Children and older adults can become dehydrated more easily and may need assessment sooner.

Choosing an electrolyte product

Compare the amounts per prepared serving, directions, sugar content and ingredients. Your needs depend on your diet, activity, fluid losses and health. Pregnancy, breastfeeding, a busy workday or ordinary tiredness does not by itself establish a need for daily electrolyte supplementation. Ask a healthcare professional about suitability if you take medicines or have a medical condition.

About REVIVE

REVIVE is Nordens’ flavoured electrolyte range, made with Oryx Desert Salt. Check the current label for the mineral quantities, ingredients and mixing instructions. The presence of a mineral in an ingredient does not establish a nutritionally meaningful amount per serving or prove a finished-product benefit.

REVIVE should not be relied on to treat an electrolyte disorder or to guarantee relief from cramps, fatigue or headaches. For current flavours, availability and label information, contact Nordens at info@nordens.co.za or WhatsApp 072 621 7725.

Rewind formulation facts

Rewind’s formulation contains laboratory-confirmed nanoparticle sized clinoptilolite. Rewind is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent disease.

Rewind is a liquid spray made through a specialised manufacturing process, rather than conventional clinoptilolite powder simply mixed with water. This formulation distinction does not establish an electrolyte-replacement benefit. Rewind should not be used to correct an electrolyte imbalance or regulate blood pH, and the body does not produce minerals such as iron and calcium.

For practical routine ideas, read Why Small Wellness Habits Add Up.

Sources and further reading

• MedlinePlus: Fluid and electrolyte balance
• MedlinePlus: Electrolyte blood tests
• NHS: Dehydration and oral rehydration advice

General educational information; seek individual advice for symptoms or treatment decisions.