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

You are a big sack of salt water. When you pee, poop, and sweat, you are leaking both salt and water. You need to replace both salt (electrolytes) and water to replace what you lost.