If you like incorporating electrolyte drinks in your routine, then you are likely stuck deciding between electrolyte tablets vs powder.
Both are great options and have all the same benefits, and for the most part it comes down to convenience.
What are electrolytes and why do we need them?
Electrolytes are chemicals, found in minerals, which help our body to balance blood acidity and blood pressure, regular muscle and nerve function and keep us hydrated.
Electrolytes help to keep you hydrated. Dehydration can cause you to feel fatigued and nauseous and can impact your stamina during exercise or daily tasks.
Electrolyte imbalances, caused by dehydration, can cause really serious problems such as coma, seizures or cardiac arrest.
Electrolyte imbalances are not that common in the average person, but it is important to stay hydrated always to reduce the risk of dehydration.
Electrolyte beverages can help you to replenish your electrolytes after heavy sweating or illness.
Electrolyte Tablets vs Powder
Electrolyte tablets and powders can both be added to water to create an electrolyte beverage, full of minerals to help replenish electrolytes in the body.
Electrolyte tablets usually come in a tube, containing 5-10 tablets. Usually, you will use one tablet per portion and add it to water. You shouldn’t have to stir or shake, and the tablet should just dissolve and leave with you with an electrolyte drink.
These are really convenient because you can just keep them in your purse or gym bag, or even in your car. You can just toss one into your water bottle after a workout or if you just need a hydration boost during the day.
Electrolyte powders are similar. You can usually purchase them in single serving packets, or you can buy a tub of electrolyte powder which comes with a portion scoop.
You then add a portion to water and probably will have to shake it or stir it to get it all blended in.
Both forms of electrolyte work just about the same, and there is not really a difference in how well they work. It all comes down to what you prefer to carry around. Both are light and easy to throw into your purse, gym bag or your car.
How often should you use electrolyte supplements?
Your use of electrolyte supplements really depends on your activity level. The average person, if they drink enough water, will not have any issues with dehydration or electrolyte balances.
If you are into heavy exercise, you may want to use electrolyte supplements as part of your health and wellness regime. Heavy sweating can result in dehydration, and you can help yourself to replenish your electrolytes by having an electrolyte beverage after working out.
That is why having an electrolyte tablet or powder in your gym bag could be a great idea!
Uses for electrolyte supplements
If you live in a really hot climate and exercise outside – doing activities like hiking, running or biking, you may be at a greater risk for dehydration because you are sweating a lot as a cause of the heat and your exercise.
Even if you are not big on exercising, electrolyte supplements are a great idea for people who work outside in hot weather, such as people who are doing construction jobs or landscaping in the summer. If you are doing one of these jobs in the hot weather, you are likely sweating all day and would benefit from some hydration!
Another great use of electrolyte supplements is to replenish your fluids after an illness, or even after a night of drinking. Illness and alcohol alike can dehydrate you and leave you feeling weak with a headache. After your next big night out, try sipping on an electrolyte drink to help rehydrate you.
