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

Your sweat isn’t just water. It’s electrolytes, like salt, and water, you need to replenish both to keep the water in your body isotonic to stop it from messing with cellular function.

It’s the same reason hospitals use saline for hydration instead of just water.

However, you probably have enough salt in your diet that plain water is fine for hydration.