What do electrolytes and sodium have to do with hydration? Is water alone not enough?

Question

Ever since I started running, all I know is that I need to drink a sh*t ton of electrolytes. But I would like to understand why on a physiological level.

In: 576

Answer 1

Aside from blood volume, sodium ion pumps are used in muscle contraction. Too low sodium can cause muscle spasms like a car engine running out of gas.