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During the keto diet and especially if you work out as well, your body will lose minerals, aka electrolytes. These are essential to stay hydrated and to keep up energy, so you may well need an Electrolyte powder or capsule as a supplement. At KetoFitShop, you’ll find just what you need. Read more below
People following a ketogenic diet will often hear or read about electrolytes. What are electrolytes exactly and what’s the importance of it, especially when you’re living a keto lifestyle? By reading this article, you’ll soon have the answers.
Electrolytes are essential minerals that you need for many vital functions, as they spark your cells throughout your body. Chemically speaking electrolytes – or essential minerals – carry positive and negative ions that have an electric charge when they are dissolved in liquid (your blood or sweat, for instance).
The ‘sparks’ that are formed when these minerals are dissolved, are used in many metabolic processes. One of those important roles is that electrolytes keep you hydrated [1], but they also support a healthy muscle function [2] and nerve system [3].
Important electrolytes that your body needs are:
So why is it that electrolytes are especially important when following a ketogenic diet? Aren’t they important for everyone? Well… yes, everyone needs a good balance of electrolytes to keep hydrated and a body that functions normally. But it’s especially important for Ketonians, here’s why:
When eating keto, you greatly reduce the amount of carbs in your diet. As a result, your insulin levels drop. This is a good thing! But it also has some other effects:
Losing more water is not so much the problem; losing essential minerals, however, is something you do want to avoid. Therefore, it’s extra important to watch your electrolyte balance when you’re following a ketogenic diet.
SUMMARY
Electrolytes are essential minerals that your body needs for many key functions. As you lose extra electrolytes when following a ketogenic lifestyle, you need to watch this balance carefully.
When important minerals, like sodium, magnesium, and potassium, aren’t in balance in your body, you may notice some unpleasant signs, like:
These are all signs it could be helpful to do something about your electrolyte balance. Some people who have just started eating keto also experience these symptoms. The common name for these symptoms at the beginning of your keto adventure is the ‘keto flu’. The symptoms are not felt as strong by everyone who starts with a ketogenic diet. However, studies have shown [4] that electrolyte loss and dehydration can amplify or even be the main cause of the keto flu.
So keep up your electrolytes, especially at the start of your keto lifestyle! You don’t know how to do this? Don’t worry, let us help you out.
There are a few basics that are important to know about replenishing your electrolytes. We’ve put up a list of important thoughts to keep in mind:
SUMMARY
An imbalance of electrolytes is related to dehydration, excessive sweating, and (switching to) a keto diet. It is important to eat food and drink beverages that are rich in electrolytes.
Apart from consuming foods and drinks that are rich in electrolytes, you can also choose to implement electrolyte supplements into your diet to keep up this balance. It can be beneficial for all kinds of people, for instance people who:
Supplements with electrolytes help your body to keep up its level of minerals. Electrolyte supplements come in different forms. There are for instance tablets, sport drinks, gels, powders, and capsules.
When you’re looking for a supplement, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. This is what you need to know:
Conclusion
Electrolytes are important, as your body needs these ‘sparks of energy’ to keep going and to stay healthy. When you’re eating keto, you need to pay special attention to your electrolyte balance, as you lose more fluids and thus also more electrolytes.
Consuming healthy, natural, and pure foods is a good way to replenish your body with electrolytes. If you’re not sure this is enough, or if you, for instance, exercise heavily, supplements can be very useful.