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They’re usually brightly colored and sweet AF, and claim to help you crush it at the gym. Unfortunately, these old-school sips are often packed with artificial colors and an absurd amount of added sugar. Electrolyte drinks can do your body good, though. They’re also a game-changer for endurance training and racing, like marathons and triathlons, adds dietitian Julie Upton, RD, cofounder of Appetite for Health.
Another time electrolytes come in handy: If you’re dehydrated, thanks to a night of too many margs or a stomach bug. Electrolytes work by controlling the balance of fluids inside your body. If the levels become unbalanced, then that’s when you can start to feel ill. You can experience anything from a minor hangover to more serious complications like extreme dehydration. Jean says that most individuals don’t need extra electrolytes outside of a regular, healthy diet, but there are times that your levels can become low, like during excessive drinking or sweating—or as a result of vomiting or diarrhea, which are conditions that can cause the body to become dehydrated. To reap max electrolyte benefits, opt for a drink that contains sodium and possibly potassium or magnesium, says Matheny.
Though you can now find plenty of great low- or no-sugar options, a little sugar won’t do any harm if you’re consuming an electrolyte drink while logging a longer workout. Ready to ditch the neon blue sports drink? Check out these healthier electrolyte-packed beverages. You might associate Propel with some of those not-so-great OG sports beverages. Unlike some electrolyte drinks, Propel has no artificial colors. It’s basically just water that’s infused with electrolytes and a little flavoring—it contains no artificial colors and is both sugar- and calorie-free.
