What is the best electrolyte supplement for huberman?

January 10, 2026 •

4 min read

Neuroscientist Andrew Huberman has consistently highlighted the crucial role of electrolytes, particularly sodium, potassium, and magnesium, for optimizing neuronal function and enhancing physical performance during his podcast episodes. Getting the right balance of these key minerals can dramatically impact everything from cognitive clarity to workout recovery.

Quick Summary

Andrew Huberman frequently recommends LMNT electrolyte mix for its sugar-free formula and high-sodium content, citing its benefits for enhanced hydration, mental clarity, and athletic performance. The mix provides 1000mg sodium, 200mg potassium, and 60mg magnesium per serving to support optimal nerve and muscle function, especially during exercise or fasting.

Key Points

Huberman prefers LMNT: Andrew Huberman explicitly endorses LMNT electrolyte mix for its sugar-free, high-sodium formulation.
Optimal Electrolyte Ratio: The standard LMNT formula includes 1000mg sodium, 200mg potassium, and 60mg magnesium per serving.
High Sodium for Performance: The higher sodium content in LMNT is intentional, designed to support peak physical and mental performance, especially for those who sweat heavily or follow low-carb diets.
Timing is Key: Huberman often consumes electrolytes first thing in the morning, pre-workout, or during fasts to maintain mental clarity and cellular function.
Consider Your Needs: While LMNT is Huberman's choice, the ideal electrolyte supplement depends on individual factors like diet, activity level, and health status.
Avoid Sugar: A core principle of Huberman's approach is to avoid sugary sports drinks, favoring clean, sugar-free alternatives like LMNT.

Why Electrolytes Are Crucial for Huberman's Protocol

Andrew Huberman emphasizes that electrolytes are essential for the electrical signals that power the brain and body's cells. These charged minerals, primarily sodium, potassium, and magnesium, are critical for nerve function, muscle contractions, and fluid balance. For individuals following protocols like time-restricted eating, low-carb diets, or performing intense exercise, proper electrolyte replenishment becomes even more important. Carbohydrate intake helps the body retain water, so when carbs are reduced, electrolyte needs increase to maintain proper hydration. A deficiency can lead to fatigue, cognitive fog, and muscle cramps.

Huberman's approach to supplementation is rooted in science and tailoring intake to individual needs, lifestyle, and sweat rate. He advocates for listening to your body's signals and adjusting accordingly, rather than blindly following rigid guidelines.

LMNT: The Electrolyte Supplement Huberman Endorses

When asked about his preferred electrolyte supplement, Huberman has consistently named LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix as a key part of his regimen. He explicitly uses and recommends LMNT for its specific formulation and benefits. The formula is designed to be free of sugar and artificial ingredients, which aligns with his health-first philosophy.

The Science-Backed LMNT Formula

LMNT's formula is distinguished by its high-sodium content and science-backed ratio of key electrolytes.

Sodium (1000 mg): Huberman and LMNT emphasize that optimal health and performance for many active individuals occur at sodium levels higher than typical government recommendations. This is particularly important for replenishing losses from sweat during exercise, sauna sessions, or exposure to heat.
Potassium (200 mg): Potassium is vital for nerve signaling and muscle function, working in concert with sodium to regulate fluid balance and cellular processes.
Magnesium (60 mg): Magnesium is involved in hundreds of bodily processes, including muscle and nerve function. While LMNT contains magnesium, Huberman also notes that specific forms like magnesium threonate or bisglycinate can be taken separately for benefits like improved sleep.

When and How Huberman Uses Electrolytes

Huberman typically incorporates electrolytes into his daily routine at specific times to optimize performance and combat potential deficiencies. A typical protocol includes:

Upon waking: Taking electrolytes first thing in the morning can rehydrate the body after sleep and support cognitive function, especially during intermittent fasting.
Before or during exercise: Replenishing electrolytes lost through sweat is crucial for maintaining endurance, muscle function, and focus during physical activity.
During fasting: Electrolytes like LMNT help maintain mental clarity and neuronal function during periods of fasting when carbohydrate intake is low or nonexistent.
After intense activities: Post-workout or after a sauna session, rehydrating with electrolytes is essential for recovery.

LMNT vs. Other Popular Electrolyte Supplements

To make an informed decision, it's helpful to compare LMNT with other prominent electrolyte brands. This table highlights key differences based on publicly available information.


Feature	LMNT Recharge	Ultima Replenisher	Liquid I.V. Sugar-Free	Nuun Hydration Sport
Sodium	1000 mg	55 mg	510 mg	300 mg
Potassium	200 mg	250 mg	380 mg	150 mg
Magnesium	60 mg	100 mg	0 mg	25 mg
Sugar	0 g	0 g	0 g	4 g (dextrose)
Sweetener	Stevia	Stevia	Allulose, Stevia	Stevia, Dextrose
Other Features	High sodium ratio	Complete blend with vitamins	Contains B vitamins, Vitamin C	Effervescent tablet, added carbs

This comparison demonstrates that LMNT's core difference lies in its aggressive high-sodium content, intended for performance and hydration, particularly for athletes or those on low-carb diets. Other brands offer different electrolyte balances and formats, some with added vitamins or sweeteners. It's important to choose a product that fits your personal dietary needs and health goals.

Making the Best Choice for Your Needs

While Andrew Huberman’s preference for LMNT is clear and based on a specific scientific rationale, the best electrolyte supplement for Huberman's protocol may vary slightly depending on individual circumstances. His endorsement of LMNT is not an exclusive mandate but rather a recommendation based on its specific, high-sodium, zero-sugar formulation, which aligns with his own protocols.

For those who follow a low-carb diet, engage in prolonged, intense exercise, or sweat heavily, LMNT's high sodium ratio is highly beneficial for preventing cramping and maintaining performance. However, individuals with specific health concerns, such as hypertension, should consult a healthcare professional before significantly increasing sodium intake. For general daily hydration or lighter activity, a supplement with a less concentrated sodium dose might be sufficient.

The key takeaway from Huberman's guidance is to prioritize quality, science-backed ingredients over sugary sports drinks. Consider your unique hydration needs, dietary preferences, and activity levels when selecting an electrolyte product. For those seeking to follow his exact regimen for optimal cognitive and physical performance, LMNT is the recommended choice.

Conclusion: Selecting Your Huberman-Approved Electrolytes

In conclusion, the best electrolyte supplement for those following Andrew Huberman's principles is undoubtedly LMNT, based on his consistent and vocal endorsement. Its science-backed, high-sodium, zero-sugar formula is specifically designed to support the intense hydration needs of active individuals, those on low-carb or ketogenic diets, and those looking to maximize mental and physical performance. While alternatives exist, LMNT aligns most closely with his personal and scientifically informed approach to optimizing health and performance through supplementation.

For more detailed information on LMNT, including the science behind its formulation and Huberman's endorsement, visit the LMNT partner page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Andrew Huberman takes LMNT (Recharge) electrolyte mix. He has consistently recommended it for its specific ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and its zero-sugar formula.

LMNT is a sugar-free electrolyte drink mix that provides a high dose of sodium (1000mg), potassium (200mg), and magnesium (60mg) per serving. Huberman is a fan because this ratio supports optimal nerve and muscle function, aids hydration, and aligns with low-carb or fasting protocols.

No, according to Andrew Huberman, consuming a sugar-free electrolyte mix like LMNT during a fasting window will not break your fast. It is a useful strategy for maintaining hydration and mental clarity without caloric intake.

Huberman recommends taking electrolytes in the morning upon waking, before or during exercise, and during periods of intermittent fasting. He also suggests it for rehydration after activities that cause heavy sweating, like a sauna.

Huberman references LMNT's ratio of 1000mg sodium, 200mg potassium, and 60mg magnesium as a science-backed approach. He often mentions the importance of this specific balance for cellular communication and performance.

The high sodium in LMNT is specifically formulated for active individuals, those on low-carb diets, or heavy sweaters who require more sodium replenishment. However, individuals with conditions like hypertension should consult a doctor before increasing sodium intake.

While LMNT is his consistent top recommendation, Huberman emphasizes the importance of reading labels and prioritizing clean, sugar-free formulas. He focuses on the key minerals (sodium, potassium, magnesium) rather than specific brand exclusives, although he has also discussed other supplements from brands like Momentous.

Yes, Huberman suggests that simply adding a pinch of salt to water can be a basic way to replenish sodium, especially if consuming a diuretic like caffeine. For a more complete profile, one would need to carefully add sodium, potassium (e.g., from potassium chloride), and magnesium sources.