Looking to boost your running game with the right dose of electrolytes? Well, you’ve landed in the perfect spot.
We all know that water is your sidekick for peak performance and overall health. After all, our bodies are like 80% water, and every organ and cell is thirsty for that precious H2O.
But guess what? Staying hydrated isn’t just about chugging water like there’s no tomorrow. You need those trusty sidekicks known as electrolytes, including sodium and potassium, to keep your body firing on all cylinders.
So, what are these electrolytes, why do they matter, and how can you make sure you’re getting enough of these essential minerals? Stick around, and I’ll give you the lowdown on electrolytes, their roles, and how to keep your body well-oiled and running smoothly. Ready? Let’s roll!
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are like the body’s electrically charged MVPs. When they dissolve in water, they get all zesty and conduct electricity, carrying either a positive or negative charge. Think of them as the power players behind your nervous system, heartbeats, muscle contractions, and more.
They’re not just hanging around in your body doing nothing; electrolytes are busy at work in your blood, tissues, urine, and other bodily fluids, making sure everything runs smoothly.
For us runners, the essential electrolyte squad includes sodium (Na+), potassium (K+), chloride (Cl-), and calcium (Ca2+). These guys are like the Avengers of the running world, ensuring you perform at your peak and stay well-hydrated
How Many Electrolytes Do Runners Need?
If you’re more of a casual exerciser, just enjoying a light jog in the park every now and then, chances are your regular diet might be giving you all the electrolytes you need. Your body’s like, “I got this!”
But hey, if you’re the kind of runner who’s out there crushing it, pounding those miles, especially in the scorching heat or high humidity, your electrolyte needs might be cranking up a notch or two.
Still skeptical? Let’s break it down. Here’s how much of those magic electrolytes you can lose in just one little liter of sweat:
- Sodium: A whopping 900 mg!
- Potassium: Around 200 mg.
- Calcium: About 15 mg.
- Magnesium: Roughly 13 mg.
That’s a pretty penny’s worth of electrolytes, right? Imagine what you’re losing after a solid run!
What you Need
Alright, let’s dive into the nitty-gritty of what runners like you need when it comes to electrolytes!
The stars of the show, the MVPs in your sweat squad, are chloride and sodium, with some potassium, magnesium, and calcium making appearances too.
Sodium chloride—you probably know it better as good ol’ salt—is the real hero here. It’s like the conductor of your body’s orchestra, making sure everything’s in tune. Salt helps maintain the delicate balance of fluids and keeps your nerves playing their A-game for that perfect muscle contraction. When you’re putting in the miles, you can bid farewell to around 1,000 milligrams of sodium per hour through your sweat.
That’s where those handy electrolyte tablets come into play. They’re like little sodium-packed power-ups, usually dishing out 200 to 800 milligrams of sodium to help you replenish what you’ve lost during your sweaty adventures.
Additional reference – Stop peeing while running
How To Get Enough Electrolytes
hen it comes to replenishing those precious electrolytes, you might wonder, “What’s the secret sauce?” Well, the good news is, it’s not rocket science. In fact, it’s something you’re probably already familiar with real food!
Now, I know what you might be thinking, “But what about those popular sports drinks like Gatorade and Powerade?” Well, let’s chat about that. While sports drinks have their place, they might not be the best choice for your everyday recreational runner. Why, you ask? Well, they often come loaded with sugars, artificial colors, and chemicals that might not sit well with your body.
So, what’s the alternative?
Real, wholesome food! Nature’s electrolyte-rich goodies can do wonders for your hydration needs. Think beans, spinach, potatoes, lentils, avocado, coconuts, raisins, bananas, and dates. These natural powerhouses are packed with the good stuff your body craves.
Now, if you’re planning an epic, endurance-style run, and you want to reach for a sports drink, be mindful of the sugar content. Opt for something lower in sugar to keep things balanced. There are electrolyte supplements out there that don’t contain sugar. Products like Harlo can help you get the electrolytes you need, along with creatine and collagen. These supplements often come in powdered form so you can add them to water when you need them, as you need them.
And hey, you can even whip up your sports drink at home if you’re feeling crafty. There are plenty of simple tutorials out there to guide you through.
Your body will thank you!
The Best Sources Of Electrolytes For Runners
Here are the most critical electrolytes for runners and how to get enough of them.
Enjoy!
Sodium
Sodium, often referred to as common table salt, is the electrolyte that takes the lead when it comes to losses during sweating. It plays a vital role in regulating body fluids, preventing rapid dehydration, aiding muscle and nerve function, and maintaining acid-base balance and blood pressure.
The good news is, for most folks, including recreational runners, their diets provide an adequate, if not excess, amount of sodium. However, if you’re engaged in endurance training, those runs lasting longer than 90 minutes per session, it’s crucial to replenish this electrolyte afterwards.
The recommended daily intake of sodium is no more than 2300 mg. So, let’s take a look at some common sources to help you keep tabs on your sodium intake:
- Salt: Just one tablespoon contains a whopping 2300 mg of sodium.
- Pickles: If you enjoy a cup of pickles, you’re looking at around 1800 mg of sodium.
Potassium
Potassium, ranking as the third most abundant mineral in the body, is primarily stored within your cells, making up around 98% of its total presence. This vital electrolyte plays a crucial role in ensuring proper muscle contraction, maintaining heart function, and facilitating nerve transmission. Furthermore, it supports glycogen storage and aids in nutrient transport.
The good news is that we don’t burn off substantial amounts of potassium, even during intense training sessions. Therefore, running low on potassium is relatively rare since our bodies naturally store an ample supply of it. Plus, it’s easily obtainable through a regular diet.
For reference, the recommended daily intake of potassium is set at 4700 mg. So, let’s check out some common dietary sources to help you reach your potassium goals:
- Apricots: A single cup contains a generous 1500 mg of potassium.
- Sweet potato: One baked sweet potato provides around 700 mg of potassium.
- Beet greens: One cup of cooked beet greens boasts a remarkable 1200 mg of potassium.
- White beans: A cup of canned white beans packs approximately 1100 mg of potassium.
- Bananas: A medium-sized banana delivers a convenient 400 mg of potassium.
- Tomatoes: A medium tomato offers 300 mg of potassium.
- Tomato soup: A cup of tomato soup provides roughly 400 mg of potassium.
Magnesium
Magnesium plays a pivotal role in nearly every function within the human body.
This essential electrolyte contributes to muscle and nerve function, helps regulate blood sugar levels, enhances immune functions, and assists in the function of various enzymes. Furthermore, it plays a crucial part in maintaining heart function and supporting healthy blood pressure.
While magnesium deficiencies are relatively rare, when they do occur, they can lead to a wide range of symptoms, including muscle weakness, drowsiness, numbness, and even hallucinations.
For daily reference, the recommended intake of magnesium is set at 420 mg for men and 320 mg for women. Here are some common dietary sources to help you meet your magnesium needs:
- Almonds: A one-ounce serving of dry roasted almonds contains 80 mg of magnesium.
- Spinach: One cup of spinach boasts 160 mg of magnesium.
- Cashews: A one-ounce serving of dry roasted cashews provides 74 mg of magnesium.
- Swiss chard: A cup of Swiss chard offers 150 mg of magnesium.
- Peanuts: A one-ounce serving of oil-roasted peanuts contains 63 mg of magnesium.
- Soymilk: One cup of soymilk delivers 60 mg of magnesium.
- Black beans: A cup of cooked black beans contains 120 mg of magnesium.
- Peanut butter: One tablespoon of peanut butter packs 25 mg of magnesium
Calcium
Calcium is like the rockstar among electrolytes, taking the crown as the most abundant in our bodies.
But it’s not just for building strong bones and teeth. Calcium plays many other vital roles, including:
- Regulating muscle movements
- Managing nerve impulses
- Preventing blood clots
- Assisting with muscle contraction
- Supporting the nervous system function
How much calcium you need varies based on factors like age and training intensity. But generally, the recommended daily intake ranges from 1000 to 1300 mg
Common Sources:
- Skim milk: 1 cup contains 300 mg of calcium
- Butter milk: 1 cup contains 300 mg of calcium
- Cottage cheese: 1 cup contains 600 mg of calcium
- Sour cream: 1 cup contain 130 mg of calcium
- Yogurt: 1 cup contains 450 mg of calcium
- Almonds: 1 contains 385 mg of calcium.
- Spinach: 1 cup, cooked, contains 245 mg of calcium.
Elites With High Mileage
For those of you clocking in less than an hour of running, especially at an easy pace, your electrolyte losses are generally minimal, and water alone might suffice. However, if you find yourself meeting one or more of the following conditions:
(1) running for more than an hour,
(2) training in scorching hot weather, or
(3) being a profuse sweater,
then it’s high time you considered introducing electrolyte supplements into your routine.
Let’s delve deeper into this.
Electrolyte Tablets
Electrolyte Tablets, anyone? There’s no shortage of options in the market. However, I’d like to recommend the SaltStick Electrolyte Capsules, preferably the non-caffeinated version, taken every 30-45 minutes during your training sessions. This becomes particularly crucial if you reside in a humid region or frequently engage in long-distance runs.
These electrolyte tablets are power-packed with essential minerals like calcium, chloride, magnesium, potassium, sodium, and even vitamin D3, ensuring your body stays replenished and ready to tackle those demanding runs.
Sports Drinks
If you’re in search of a quick and flavorful option, a sports drink might be just what the doctor ordered. While you can opt for commercial electrolyte drinks such as Powerade and Gatorade, it’s important to be cautious as these beverages often come loaded with sugar and can trigger unwanted cravings. In my view, they’re not the best choice.
But here’s an alternative – you can whip up your very own electrolyte drinks right at home. That’s right, you have the freedom to create your personalized sports drinks using your preferred ingredients. It’s a straightforward and healthier option that allows you to take control of what you’re consuming.
Here are a few of my favorite recipe
When To Take Electrolyte Supplements While Running
Based on my experience, the optimal time to consume electrolyte supplements is before a run, especially if you’re going to run for a long time and/or in hot conditions. This proactive approach helps you establish a balanced electrolyte foundation right from the start.
As you proceed with your workout, you have a couple of options. You can either sip on an electrolyte-rich beverage or take additional tablets along the way to maintain that equilibrium throughout your run.
However, it’s crucial to emphasize that if you encounter severe symptoms of dehydration, heat exhaustion, or heatstroke, you should immediately seek medical attention. Hyponatremia, which is a dangerous condition, requires urgent medical intervention and sometimes even the administration of an IV line. Be vigilant for signs like severe headaches, confusion, swelling of the hands and feet, and vomiting.
When consulting a healthcare professional during your check-up, consider asking questions such as:
- How much water should I be drinking daily?
- What’s the recommended water intake while running?
- What are the best strategies to stay well-hydrated?
- Do I have any preexisting conditions that might make me susceptible to electrolyte imbalances?
By seeking answers to these inquiries, you can ensure that you’re taking the right steps to maintain your health and hydration during your runs.
Best Electrolytes For Runners – The Conclusion
If you’re looking for practical advice on getting enough minerals and electrolytes while running, this post should set you on the right path. The rest is just details.
Please feel free to leave your comments and questions in the section below.
Thank you for stopping by.