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The Best Electrolyte Powders for Daily Hydration

Updated By the HealthWorld editorial teamHow we pick

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Top picks at a glance

  1. 1
    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    Best sugar-free

    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    Sodium 1,000 mg · Potassium 200 mg

  2. 2
    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    Best with added vitamins

    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    Format Stick packs · Electrolytes Yes

For everyday use, many people don't need an electrolyte drink at all; water and food cover the basics. Electrolyte powders earn their place on hot days, during long workouts, with heavy sweating or on low-carb diets. LMNT is our sugar-free pick, and Liquid I.V. is the option with added B vitamins and vitamin C.

Our picks

  1. LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    #1Best sugar-free

    LMNT Electrolyte Drink Mix

    1,000 mg of sodium and 200 mg of potassium per stick, plus magnesium, with 0 g of sugar. Popular with athletes, heavy sweaters and low-carb eaters.

    Sodium 1,000 mgPotassium 200 mgAmazon Full facts →
  2. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    #2Best with added vitamins

    Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier

    An electrolyte blend with sodium and potassium plus vitamins B3, B5, B6, B12 and C. Single-serve sticks in lots of fruity flavors are handy for travel.

    Format Stick packsElectrolytes YesAmazon Full facts →
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What to look for

Sodium per serving
Sodium is the main electrolyte lost in sweat. High-sodium mixes suit heavy sweaters and long sessions; on a regular desk day, plain water or a lighter mix is usually enough, since most adults already get plenty of sodium from food.
Sugar vs sugar-free
A little sugar can help during long endurance sessions, but for everyday sipping a sugar-free mix keeps calories and added sugar down.
Sweeteners
Sugar-free mixes use sweeteners such as stevia or sucralose. If you avoid them, look for an unflavored version and check the full ingredient list.
Health conditions
If you have high blood pressure, heart or kidney issues, or follow a low-sodium diet, check with your doctor before using high-sodium electrolyte drinks.

Frequently asked questions

Can you drink electrolytes every day?

Most healthy adults can, as long as total sodium stays reasonable and the drink fits your activity level. If you're not sweating much, you may not need one daily. People with high blood pressure or kidney issues should ask their doctor first.

Do electrolytes break a fast?

Plain electrolytes with no sugar or calories, such as sodium, potassium and magnesium, are generally considered fasting-friendly. Mixes that contain sugar have calories and will break a fast. Check the label for sugar and other added ingredients.

Can you drink electrolytes before bed?

You can, but a large drink right before bed may wake you up to use the bathroom. If you train in the evening or sweat a lot, a smaller serving with dinner is a good compromise.

Do electrolytes give you energy?

Electrolytes don't provide energy the way caffeine or sugar do, but replacing what you lose in sweat can help you feel better if you're mildly dehydrated. Mixes with sugar add some calories. If fatigue persists, talk to your doctor.

Sources