What Is The Best Electrolyte Drink (When Sweating On Keto)?
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by Agne V.
- Last update on August 17, 2022
Sweat.
You are all wet.
The sweat flow over your body like carp through the river. When you sweat, you lose electrolytes, and if you lose too much of them, your energy goes down. That’s why you need an electrolyte replacement drink to replenish what is lost.
But how to choose a natural electrolyte sports drink when the majority of its replacements contain a ton of sugar and artificial ingredients? Here Keto Big Picture will back you up with low-carb electrolyte choices.
Are you ready to stay hydrated, so you can perform at your best?
If you are in a hurry, then jump straight to conclusions with the #1 choice of the best electrolyte drink to replenish lost minerals, when you sweat a lot.
Do You Need An Electrolyte Drink?
Being and living the Ketogenic Lifestyle, eliminates a lot of carbohydrates, so with them, you lose many sources of body minerals. Therefore, it’s quite common to take supplements of electrolytes. Replenishing the body with electrolyte drinks is important when working out longer than 75 minutes, says registered dietitian Kate Patton, MEd, RD, CCSD, LD.
What Kind Of Electrolyte Drink Do You Need?
When you are doing demanding exercise, your electrolytes workout together with you. How? They keep the water balanced inside & outside of cells, in order for your muscles to contract and organs to function properly. There is also a flaw of such intense exercising – you lose electrolytes through sweat. The more you lose, the less effective electrolytes are inside & outside your cells.
And then electrolytes imbalance “fun” starts. Making you feel dizzy, muscles start to twitch, you may experience an irregular heartbeat which can be scary. It’s the moment when you tap into a dehydration state, which brings you all those unkind symptoms. But you can avoid it by having your best sports drink for hydration on hand. Furthermore, if you always want to stay hydrated, then it’s convenient for you to know how to count your sweat rate.
Sodium is the primary mineral lost in sweat during exercise. - Kelly Pritchett.
Then comes potassium, which goes hand in hand with sodium. The potassium maintains the optimal concentration and balance of sodium. Having those 2 minerals in mind, let’s look for the best drinks with electrolytes. Plus, assuring, it has a natural sweetener in it. And other crucial minerals, such as calcium and magnesium.
What Is The Best Electrolyte Drink To Keep You In Ketosis, Even If You Are Sweating Buckets?
I’ve searched high and low through all the sugar-free electrolyte drinks with 0 or low sugar I could find. And I come up with my top 5 natural (or almost natural) electrolyte replacement drinks. Each of the 5 has its main pros and cons listed to help you decide on the best one for you.
1. Nuun Sport Tablets
Mission Statement: Nuun + Water = Hydration Bliss
People were generally happy with a portable packet of Nuun electrolyte tablets. Because they could take it everywhere and plop it into any bottle. And have instant electrolytes. Sounds like a light portable first aid, giving immediate hydration and energy boost!
Not everyone liked the improved Nuun formula because of its gross taste. Customers beg to return to the old recipe. Overall, though, most people loved this product and many shared their gratitude for relieving leg cramps or fast recovery after exercising.
1 tablet contains (in 1 tube 10 tablets): Sodium: 300 mg. Potassium: 150 mg. Magnesium: 25 mg. Calcium: 13 mg. Chloride: 40 mg. Sugar: 1 g. Calories: 15. Sweetener: Dextrose (non-GMO), Stevia Leaf Extract.
Pros
- Serves long-distance runners with a very sensitive stomach.
- Serves for fast recovery after a workout.
- Portable.
- Eliminates a hangover-type headache a few hours after the workout.
- Lessens the symptoms of pots (postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome).
- Wide choice of flavors.
- Non-GMO Project Verified, Certified Vegan & Kosher, gluten & soy-free.
Cons
- The taste is horrible (remember, that taste is a very subjective thing).
- Contains dextrose (non-GMO).
- Tablets take about 5 minutes to completely dissolve.
flavors
- The strawberry lemonade flavor is the best seller.
- The tropical flavor is not so tasty, as was with the old formula, report Nuun users.
2. Updated: Amino Vital Recovery Powder (Previous: Amino Vital Action Powder)
Mission Statement: Natural Energy + Hydration = Action
Update on March 2020: Unfortunately, the Lemon flavor and Grape flavor for unknown reasons have been discontinued. You can buy it only as a sample. So, if you decide to use other Amino Vital products, check the number of carbohydrates in one package. I’ll keep you updated about previous choices: Amino Vital Action (Lemon and Grape Flavors).
This electrolyte powder (particularly Amino Vital Action: lemon and grape flavors) won over a lot of reviews based on the quality alone. Users liked the taste, especially the lemon one. People, using this Keto electrolyte powder, experienced better performance and increased stamina. The powerful vegan amino acids (BCAAs, Arginine, Glutamine) and electrolytes did all the magic.
Who could think that amino acids could play such a strong role in instant energizing and hydrating?
There is only one aspect that a few users get upset about – the product is too pricey. But the majority of users enjoyed the benefits and taste and didn’t bother about the higher price. In fact, this product keeps a high position on Amazon as one of the best amino acid powder brands.
1 stick pack of 6,4 g contains (in 1 canister 14 stick packs): Sodium: 220 mg. Potassium: 70 mg. Vitamin C: 180 mg. Amino Acid (L-glutamine, L-arginine, L-leucine, L-isoleucine, L-valine) 2,4 g. Sugar: 0 g. Carbs: 1 g. Calories: 15 g. Sweetener: Stevia Leaf Extract.
Pros
- Great & natural taste.
- Your body absorbs amino acids 3X faster than protein. Thus, you have increased stamina and can make demanding workouts.
- Vegan BCAA, certified Vegan, GMO & gluten & caffeine-free, plant-based, 0 sugar, no fillers.
- Safe for all ages.
Cons
- Pricey.
- Narrow choice: only 2 flavors.
- Takes a while to stir.
flavors
- The lemon flavor doesn't leave an artificial sugary after-taste.
- The grape flavor doesn't leave an artificial sugary after-taste.
3. Key Nutrients Powder
Mission Statement: Our goals are HEALTH and HAPPINESS.
Users love Key Nutrients Powder, which sells at an affordable price. Also, it offers a full spectrum of necessary electrolytes and nutrients, leading to disappeared headaches and stopping leg cramping. Furthermore, Keto-ers are huge fans of this product! And the good reason for that can be the powder, containing 0 carbs & sugar, which makes a perfect Keto electrolyte drink!
The downsides were that some users questioned why electrolyte powder doesn’t dissolve completely. And a couple of people felt disgusted by vitamin after-taste. Overall, though, people were happy with the product and its customer service.
1 scoop of 4 g contains (in 1 container 90 servings): Sodium: 110 mg. Potassium: 250 mg. Vitamin C: 150 mg. Magnesium: 100 mg. Calcium: 115 mg. Chloride: 160 mg. + 13 additional vitamins. Sugar: 0 g. Carbs: 0 g. Calories: 0 g. Sweetener: Stevia Extract.
Pros
- Affordable price.
- Nutrient loading is high.
- Has 0 sugar & calories.
- Delicious.
- A common choice of Keto-ers.
- Great customer service.
- Popular with recipes, for example making popsicles.
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Certified Vegan, GMO & gluten & caffeine-free, plant-based.
Cons
- There is after-taste (remember, that the taste is a very subjective thing).
- The powder doesn't dissolve completely.
- Only one flavor.
flavors
- The unique flavor tastes like fresh lemonade.
4. Ultima Replenish Powder
Mission Statement: Electrolytes, pure + simple = Clean Hydration
This is a very popular product with many users, who experienced leg cramps. People reported that this electrolyte powder worked well to get rid of their painful health occurrences. Since they’ve been drinking one tiny scoop mixed with water a day, the cramps have disappeared. It’s like a new panacea for leg cramps! And it makes sense because one serving of Ultima Replenisher contains 100 mg of magnesium.
The most common negative comment mentioned by a few users was the powder dissolving problem. The powder stays clumpy and is pretty difficult to mix. Overall, though, people thought Ultima Replenisher electrolyte powder was a pretty good product with a long list of clean ingredients.
1 stick pack contains (in 1 container 90 servings): Sodium: 55 mg. Potassium: 250 mg. Vitamin C: 100 mg. Magnesium: 100 mg. Calcium: 65 mg. Chloride: 78 mg. + 3 additional vitamins. Sugar: 0 g. Carbs: 0 g. Calories: 0 g. Sweetener: Organic Stevia Leaf.
Pros
- People report fewer cramps after using it.
- Has 0 sugar & calories.
- Contains 6 different electrolytes + other trace minerals.
- Non-GMO Project verified, Vegan, gluten & caffeine & soy & dairy-free, Keto & Paleo-friendly.
Cons
- The taste is horrible (remember, that taste is a very subjective thing).
- The powder doesn't dissolve very well.
flavors
- The raspberry flavor is the best seller.
- The orange flavor has a strong after-taste and might be too sweet.
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5. Powerade Zero Ion4 Sports Drink
Mission Statement: Give your game some flavor!
This drink is appreciated because of its affordable price and acceptable taste. And many users just subscribe for monthly deliveries straight to their doorstep in order to stock up on the pantry for unexpected situations, such as sudden dehydration or even when feeling sick. Sounds quite convenient to receive heavy delivery of first aid for dehydration straight to your home!
There are Powerade Zero consumers, who were disappointed by the sickeningly sweet taste. Unfortunately, the sweetener sucralose makes the drink perceive sweeter than actually it is. So, if you don’t like too-sweet taste, you might not like Powerade Zero, even if it contains 0 sugar & calories. Furthermore, it doesn’t include enough trace minerals to replenish your lost electrolytes during/after intensive exercise. But in case of emergency, a Powerade Zero drink is better than nothing.
1 bottle of 12 fl oz (360 ml) contains: Sodium: 150-250 mg. Potassium: 0-1% . Sugar: 0 g. Carbs: 0 g. Calories: 0 g. Sweetener: Sucralose.
Pros
- Quite cheap.
- Convenient to buy in big bulks and receive it through fast Amazon delivery.
- A great solution to have in your pantry for unexpected health occurrences.
- Sweetened with sucralose, which doesn't affect sugar blood.
- Easy access: you can find it in your grocery shop.
Cons
- The taste is too sweet (sucralose may be perceived sweeter than regular sugar).
flavors
- The grape flavor is the best seller even so sweet (sweetened with sucralose).
While deciding what is the best electrolyte drink for you, make your own. Below you will find the delicious and empowering Keto electrolyte drink recipe, shared by Dr. Mercola, which calls for coconut water, filtered water, lime, and sea salt. And this beverage is my best homemade electrolyte drink ever! Cheers!
While deciding what is the best electrolyte drink for you, make your own. Below you will find the delicious and empowering Keto electrolyte drink recipe, shared by Dr. Eric Berg, which calls for avocado, berries, lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and sea salt. And this beverage is my best homemade electrolyte drink ever! Cheers!
Can I Drink The Same Electrolytes On Other Occasions?
I would say YES.
Because an elegant glass of wine while enjoying a pleasant conversation with my mom, brought me to the 2nd glass of very soft and rich flavor wine. Its strong effect led us to the dancing floor (we both are big dancers)… Luckily, that day I consumed a dose of electrolytes which I usually take on very active days. And the very next day I felt wonderful, while my mother didn’t. So, now I can say, that electrolyte sports drink is the best electrolyte drink for hangovers.
Can electrolyte replacement drink save you when you are sick?
Definitely, YES.
During cold and flu, your body draws water and electrolytes out as sweat. And if you are vomiting or experiencing diarrhea, water loss is even huger. So, replenishing lost electrolytes is a must if you want to feel great again. Each of the above-mentioned electrolyte sports drinks (I would avoid only Powerade Zero) is a great choice for the best electrolyte drink when sick.
The Best Electrolyte Drink To Replenish Your Energy
This review shows that not all electrolyte drinks are equal. Some of them have higher amounts of nutrients but then have cons which are not convenient, for example, too high price, after-taste, or the problem of powder dissolving. Although all of the products I reviewed were very well-liked by the majority of users, the one which was the clear winner when it came to deciding the best electrolyte drink for the highest amounts of sodium and potassium was portable fuzzy Nuun tablets.
This was the product that most consistently impressed users with the necessary amounts of replenishing electrolytes. Many people commented on how much fast recovery they felt after consuming Nuun.
The other very impressive point about this electrolyte drink is its cost-effectiveness, especially buying in bigger quantities. I appreciate the balance between cost and quality.
What is your preference? Maybe you need to back up your body with nutrients not only electrolytes but also vitamins. If yes, then don’t worry about the tastes, or after-tastes, because it’s better one moment to ignore receptors but later on enjoy all the benefits an electrolyte drink provides.
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Agne Valu-e
After Agne started the low-carb diet in 2019, she felt lighter, energetic and experienced sharp mental clarity. Therefore, sustaining the Keto diet became a powerful health tool she uses today to hack her biology. Agne’s mission is to inspire you to turn a temporary Keto diet into an entertaining Keto Lifestyle.