Why electrolyte water

Sodium also makes you thirsty so having sodium in an electrolyte drink can help increase the amount you drink, thereby helping you take in more water to rehydrate. Protein is not traditionally added to electrolyte drinks but is sometimes added to sports drinks to aid in rebuilding muscles.

However, milk protein may help the body retain water post-exercise, according to a small study in the British Journal of Nutrition. Find out how much protein you should eat every day. Although tap water has some added minerals like potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sodium, it doesn't have sugar and may not have enough sodium to replenish stores.

Mineral water comes from underground reservoirs and springs and is bottled at the source. It naturally contains more electrolytes than tap water but no sugar. It's not your best option for electrolytes. Learn more about mineral water and if it's healthier than regular water here. Studies have shown that coconut water rehydrates better than plain water and the same as traditional sport drinks, only with less sugar.

Learn more about the health benefits of coconut water here. Maple water is a newer water on the market that claims to have naturally occurring electrolytes and be naturally hydrating. Maple water may be more hydrating than plain water before, during, and after exercise and might boost exercise performance, but more studies are needed. Learn more about maple water and what the benefits are here.

Create your own balanced electrolyte drink to customize the beverage to your taste. You can use natural ingredients like tap or mineral water, lemon or lime juice, ginger, salt, and agave syrup. Nooma was created by two athletes who were fed up with all the sugar and artificial ingredients in traditional sports drinks. Nuun makes electrolyte tablets that can be added to water and provide numerous minerals including sodium, potassium, chloride, and calcium. They have tablets targeted for sports, immunity, endurance, and more.

The sport tablets, for example, also contain caffeine. Nuun tablets are sweetened with stevia leaf extract. Pedialyte has a variety of products that are effective for kids and adults alike.

Pedialyte is targeted more for dehydration and sickness such as food poisoning, stomach flu, and morning sickness, but it's also an option for rehydrating post-exercise. It also has zinc.

This also applies to people who work in the field — including military service members, law enforcement officers, laborers, and first responders. Oftentimes, they must do their jobs in extreme conditions that increase the likelihood of fluid imbalance.

Research shows that sports drinks are an inefficient way to treat electrolyte imbalance caused by dehydration.

These drinks often contain too much sugar and not enough minerals like potassium and sodium. Instead, researchers suggest using an oral rehydration solution — like DripDrop ORS — which contain a precise formulation of electrolytes.

Illnesses and infections are a key contributor to electrolyte imbalances. Children are particularly susceptible to fluid imbalances caused by diarrheal diseases. For decades, the WHO and other organizations including Unicef and the CDC have recommended the use of oral rehydration solutions to treat dehydration caused by diarrheal disease. Try taking small sips of oral rehydration solutions every few minutes to avoid upsetting your stomach.

Heat and humidity are two factors that can increase the likelihood of electrolyte loss. During heat waves and when the heat index is above 90 degrees Fahrenheit, the risk of dehydration increases substantially. One study published in the Journal of Occupational Health found that drinking an ORS may help prevent dehydration on job sites in high temperatures, reducing the incidence of worksite accidents.

Additional research shows oral rehydration solutions help address mild dehydration in relation to heatstroke and heat exhaustion. Oral rehydration solutions are among the most effective electrolyte waters.

Instead of reaching for a less effective sports drink, grab a glass of DripDrop ORS to help ease dehydration.

Oral rehydration solutions are easy to use. Just take a DripDrop ORS packet and pour the powder into a glass of water or your favorite water bottle. Choose from flavors ranging from watermelon and lemon to berry and orange. There are also hot DripDrop options, including spiced apple cider and honey lemon ginger. Check out our starter kit to get everything you need for dehydration relief, including DripDrop ORS, a shatter-proof water bottle, a travel case, and discounts on future purchases.

Cold Flavors. Hot Flavors. All Flavors. Trial Packs. Filling a water bottle about halfway with citrus juice --which contains potassium--and distilled water, plus pinches of salt and honey, can make an electrolyte-infused drink, too. Of course, doing it yourself won't be exactly like the stuff on the shelves--brands like SmartWater , for example, are also "vapor-distilled," and most brands are also flavorless--but as someone who's shelled out more than she probably needs to on bottles to drink post-workout, I love having these cheaper options at the ready.

Do you drink electrolyte-enhanced water--or just go for the regular stuff? Are you a sportsdrink fan? More about electrolytes :.