How Electrolytes Fight Fatigue And Boost Your Energy Levels

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How Electrolytes Fight Fatigue And Boost Your Energy Levels

Discover how electrolytes influence fatigue and unlock a deeper, more restful sleep

Photo of Cameron-Leigh Henning
By Cameron-Leigh Henning
Davor Štefanović - Editor for Mayu Water
Edited by Davor Štefanović

Published June 22, 2024.

An athletic woman sitting on the stairs holding a bottle of electrolyte-enriched water for a post-workout energy boost

Ever feel inexplicably drained? That afternoon slump hitting harder than usual? The culprit could be an imbalance in essential minerals. These nutrients keep your body running optimally by balancing fluids, helping proper nerve and muscle function.

But how exactly do these electrolytes help with fatigue and improve our energy?

» Tired of being tired? Try using electrolyte drops



Electrolytes and Their Role in the Body

Electrolytes carry an electrical charge, which helps regulate fluid balance, supports nerve function, maintains a healthy pH level, and helps muscles contract.

» Discover the benefits of electrolyte water

Here are some other ways they can contribute to your well-being:

  • Energy Boost: Sodium helps regulate fluids in the body and influences the signals traveling throughout it, instructing muscles to contract. Low levels—hyponatremia—can weaken the process, leading to fatigue even during basic activities.
  • Stress Reduction: Magnesium may calm your anxiety. It regulates the nervous system and promotes relaxation. Chronic stress can also deplete its stores in the body.
  • Stronger Bones and Muscles: Calcium strengthens bones, which is especially important for postmenopausal women who are at risk of osteoporosis. On the other hand, sufficient potassium can prevent muscle cramps.

Can You Have Too Many Electrolytes?

Excess sodium can lead to dehydration and hypernatremia, a condition characterized by muscle twitching, confusion, and seizures in the worst-case scenario. It can also raise your risk for kidney stones and heart disease. You should be mindful of your intake, especially from processed and fast foods that are often laden with it.

Sports drinks can be a good source of electrolytes but often contain high levels of sugar and sodium. Electrolyte drops can be a more suitable alternative since you can better control the amount you're drinking.

» Check out these parenting hacks that will keep your toddlers hydrated

How Electrolyte Imbalance Causes Fatigue

Electrolyte imbalances can significantly impact your energy levels, leading to fatigue. Here's a deeper look at how they contribute to this:

Cellular Function

Minerals like sodium and potassium act as electrolytes, helping move essential nutrients into cells and waste products out. Maintaining proper levels of these minerals is crucial for this transport system to function effectively.

Disruptions in these mineral levels can hinder this transport system, leading to impaired cellular function. This can have various consequences, potentially impacting cellular energy production indirectly.

Hydration

Electrolytes help regulate water balance within your body and cells. When these levels are imbalanced, it can lead to dehydration, even if you're drinking enough fluids. But, dehydration isn't the only culprit. Disrupted levels can also directly affect muscle function and nerve transmission, further contributing to fatigue.

Nutrient Absorption

Electrolytes play a role in healthy digestion, and severe imbalances can potentially hinder nutrient absorption to some extent.

Additionally, mineral imbalances can affect cellular function, which might indirectly impact how your body uses absorbed nutrients for energy. This could contribute to fatigue even if you're getting enough calories.

Hydrate Smart!

Even mild dehydration can lead to fatigue. Remember, it's not just about the quantity of water you drink, but the quality. If plain water isn't doing it for you, consider other hydration options.

» Learn more about the healthiest types of water to drink

Electrolytes for a Peaceful Night's Rest

While low electrolytes can cause fatigue, a balanced intake can benefit sleep in a few key ways. Here's how:

  1. Muscle and Nervous System Relaxation: Your muscles need to unwind and de-tense. Adequate levels of magnesium and calcium can help prevent cramps or restless leg syndrome, which can disrupt sleep. It may also have calming effects. Maintaining a healthy balance promotes relaxation, which makes falling asleep easier.
  2. Hydration: Sodium is a key electrolyte that helps regulate the amount of water inside and outside of your cells. It influences the movement of water between compartments in your body.
  3. Hydration and Electrolytes: When sodium levels are appropriate, water moves freely throughout your body. Dehydration is a common cause of sleep disturbances, as it can lead to fidgeting.
  4. Sleep Support: Calcium promotes REM sleep, helping your body to rest and recharge deeply. It can help without relying on stimulants, especially for people with insomnia.

» Fatigue is only one symptom of dehydration. Discover other ways it can affect you

Don’t Wait for Fatigue to Manage Electrolytes

While tiredness is a common symptom, an electrolyte deficiency can manifest in headaches, muscle cramps, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and irritability. If you sweat a lot, participate in strenuous exercise, or follow a restrictive diet, you're at a higher risk.

By being aware of these additional symptoms, you can take proactive steps to prevent deficiencies and maintain optimal health. For a convenient and well-rounded approach to managing these nutrients, consider adding MAYU Minerals | Electrolyte Drops to your water.

Free from unnecessary sugar and artificial ingredients, they're a balanced source of essential minerals, including magnesium and potassium. When incorporated into your daily water intake, they not only combat fatigue and promote better sleep but also enhance hydration and overall health.

» Fight fatigue and enhance your sleep with MAYU Minerals | Electrolyte Drops