Category: Fitness and hydration

The World Health Organization recommends adults consume at least 3,510 mg of potassium and less than 2,000 mg of sodium daily, a ratio rarely achieved with modern diets. Understanding how much sodium and potassium should be in electrolytes is crucial for maintaining fluid balance, nerve function, and preventing cardiovascular issues.

According to manufacturers and nutritional information, many products marketed as 'zero' or 'zero-calorie' do, in fact, contain electrolytes. This fact is often counter-intuitive, as the 'zero' label suggests a complete absence of key ingredients, but in reality, it typically refers to zero sugar and zero calories, not zero nutrients. Understanding this distinction is crucial for making informed choices about your hydration needs, especially for those on low-carb diets or engaging in exercise.

Over 70% of the sodium consumed by Americans comes from processed foods, not the salt shaker. This often blurs the line between sodium and salt, leading many to wonder, is sodium in electrolytes the same as salt? The answer is a clear no, though they are closely related.

While the average American already consumes more than the recommended daily intake of sodium, the frequency with which you should add salt to water depends entirely on the context, from hydration needs to cooking applications. This practice isn't for everyone and requires a nuanced understanding of your body's specific needs and your culinary goals.