Electrolytes 101

By: Brian Galivan, Director of Sports Science at USA Hockey

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that function as electrical transporters when dissolved in water. These transporters create electrical currents, allowing fluid to pass through our cell membranes. Electrolytes are needed in the proper balance to ensure optimal cell function. Quite simply, we need electrolytes for our physiology to function.

Replenishing Electrolytes

Electrolytes are primarily lost through sweating and can become depleted during exercise. During and following any level of training or competition, it is important to replenish both fluid and electrolytes. While it is important to consume fluid, doing so without electrolytes can throw off fluid balance. Key signs of dehydration and depletion can consist of a headache, fatigue, nausea/dizziness and increased heart rate. Body water losses beyond 1% can lead to cardiovascular strain and impaired aerobic and muscular endurance. It can take body water losses of 1-2% before we notice thirst, making it important to stay ahead of dehydration.

Not All Electrolyte Drinks Are Created Equal

BioSteel contains five essential electrolytes: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Chloride, and Magnesium. Electrolytes help replenish minerals lost in sweat, and are the key to proper hydration so your body can perform at its best. Additionally, most sports drinks use sugar and high fructose corn syrup for taste, while BioSteel provides a low calorie, great tasting, sugar-free and electrolyte-rich solution that can be easily consumed, allowing athletes to push their ceiling of high performance.

In short, BioSteel's sugar-free Sports Drinks and Hydration Mix offer a clean, healthy, hydration option that addresses both the fluid and electrolyte requirements required to keep an athlete functioning at a high level.