Why do sports drink that hydrate you have so much sodium in them?

Question

Doesn’t salt / sodium dehydrate you?

In: 2

Answer 1

Sodium is an electrolyte. Sodium, potassium, calcium etc are ions that the body needs to undergo muscle contractions. Sodium specifically is the ion that starts the contraction. Calcium commits. And potassium relaxes. Which is why potassium is important if you have frequent cramps.