Electrolytes Vs Water: What Is It All About?

Have you ever noticed that there is a sudden trend where everyone is starting to drink hydration drinks instead of water? Celebrities, influencers, people in the gym drinking something that isn't water, athletes advertising electrolyte powders and influencers talking about staying "hydrated." And there was even a viral moment on India's Got Latent where Alia Bhatt rejected water and ordered her own electrolyte drinks.

What makes electrolytes so special?

There are brands like Gatorade, Prime Hydration and many others making billions from hydration drinks. But what is really happening? Is it just a marketing gimmick or is there real science behind it? Let us know.

Water Is Great… But It Isn't the Whole Story

It is the mantra of all our lives, "drink more water". This mantra is right because water maintains your body temperature, distributes nutrients, aids in proper digestion and ensures optimal functioning of your organs. When we sweat we not only lose body fluids we also lose many components like sodium, potassium, magnesium and calcium. Out of that if we only replace water we will not be able to ensure proper hydration of the body.

India Was Already Hydrating with Electrolytes Years Ago

Even before electrolyte beverages were in fashion, there was another way of hydration drinks in India, i.e. Shikanji. Imagine a sweltering day in summer. You are outside in the sun and sweating like never before and all you want is a chilled glass of shikanji. As soon as you taste it, it feels refreshing. Not because of the taste, of course.

Shikanji is prepared using water, lemon, salt and in some cases, sugar. It not only refills your fluids but also replaces many minerals that are lost when we sweat. Though lemons contain some amount of potassium, a major part of the electrolyte content is because of the salt that contains sodium, a major component lost when we sweat. Our elders might not have known it as "electrolyte drink" but they knew the importance of replacing what the body loses in the heat. Modern hydration drinks, in fact, rely on the same scientific principles.

Now, Let Me Tell You About Electrolytes?

As we know our nervous system works on electric charge therefore electrolytes are those minerals which help us send electric signals inside the body. These components ensure proper functioning of the muscles, nerves and absorption of water in the body. In other words, water fills the tank whereas electrolytes ensure that your body uses the water where it is needed. We lose both the fluids and minerals while sweating and in case of any sort of physical activities, hot weather and illnesses. Replenishing both the fluids and electrolytes would ensure proper hydration of your body. These factors make electrolytes a very essential part of our hydration.

Why Has Everyone Started Talking About Electrolytes?

Only now hydration has become one of the biggest wellness trends of recent times. Athletes have been using electrolyte drinks for decades because they lose a considerable amount of fluids and minerals while exercising. Now, the trend has crossed over the boundaries of sports. It is being used by office goers, gym-goers, runners, travellers and people spending their time outdoors. That is why Gatorade, Prime Hydration and many other new age hydration drinks have gained so much popularity. They are no longer only beverages, they are now better hydration techniques.

When Is Water Sufficient?

For most of us, water is enough. If you are working in the office or relaxing at home or doing any other normal activities, then having enough fluids is enough for hydration of the body. Your body would maintain the balance between the fluids and minerals on its own.

When Do You Need Electrolytes?

• Exercising for long durations
• Sweating excessively
• Staying in the hot weather for hours
• Playing outdoor sports
• Recovery from vomiting or diarrhoea
• Loss of fluids due to illness

These situations call for replacing electrolytes along with water which can help you to recover faster.

Water vs. Electrolytes: Which One Is Better?

Truth is there is no contest between them. Water and electrolytes work in coordination with each other. Water hydrates your body whereas electrolytes ensure proper absorption and distribution of water. Water is the first priority for everyday life. But when you've lost a lot of fluids and minerals, these salts can give your body the extra support it needs.