They hit the nail on the head in the movie Idiocracy, electrolytes are hugely important. When you are training hard, dieting hard or both, balancing your electrolytes is challenging and necessary.
The body is a giant electrical circuit and if all the minerals needed are not present you will short circuit at some point. Low electrolytes can cause cramping, brain fog, and even affect your heart rate.
I’m currently on the keto diet and doing one meal a day intermittent fasting so I’m constantly making adjustments to make sure I’m hydrated and my electrolytes are at the right level. One benefit of OMAD (one meal a day) is that your body falls into a stable balance and will react very quickly when things are out of balance.
For me, a change in heart rate or a slight stiffness in my hand is an instant warning light for me to check my electrolytes. Usually a pinch of celtic sea salt will get things back in check. In addition to that, I make my own electrolyte drink. I’ll share the recipe below.
I have found that the best way to get my magnesium is through supplements. I tried mixing the magnesium in the electrolyte drink but it never seemed to really dissolve enough. I’m currently staggering these supplements throughout the day:
- Magnesium Orotate – BulkSupplements.com ¼ teaspoon in mouth with water
- Magtein ™ – Now Supplements 1 capsule am 2 at bedtime
- High Absorption Magnesium Glycinate Lysinate – Doctor’s Best 2 in am-2 in pm
I will also alternate between the Magtein ™ and the following:
- Magnesium Glycinate – Innate Vitality 500mg two capsules daily
If you are intermittent fasting be sure to sip your electrolytes throughout the day, too much taken at once will definitely have you spending some time in the bathroom. This is not like your over the counter sports drink.
In a 48 ounce Nalgene bottle I mix water and:
- 6 ounces lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons pink Himalayan salt
- 2 teaspoons NoSalt (potassium)
- 1-2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- Monk fruit sweeten to taste
- ¼ teaspoon of baking soda (if I’m having an upset stomach)
This combo will definitely help you keep your body balanced. I do light cardio six days a week, free weights three days a week and try to sneak in the occasional bike ride and walk as much as I can. I rarely drink more than one bottle a day except for training in extreme heat during the summer.
Enjoy!!