9 Best Electrolyte Supplements, Powders & Drinks (2025 Review)

Electrolytes are essential minerals that your brain and body need to function. Humans require over 70 minerals for optimal health.

You get them in two ways:

• Diet
• Supplements

A deficiency in even just one can dramatically impair critical biological processes and functions. Because of their prevalence throughout the body, deficiency can cause virtually any side effect.

Yet mineral experts like Dr. James DiNicolantonio estimate that 1/3 of Americans are deficient in at least 10 minerals.

At the same time, most electrolyte products don’t work as claimed. They use the wrong ingredients at ineffective dosages, and in poorly absorbed forms. Worse, many include harmful additives.

These include binders, fillers, excipients, and other synthetic additives which negate the health and performance benefits of electrolytes.

For years, I completely avoided commercial electrolyte supplements.

Then, I discovered certain brands doing things properly.

In the treacherous summer heat of Austin, Texas, I use some of these products multiple times per day. Helping me look, feel, and perform at my full potential.

So in this review, I’ll help you choose the best electrolyte supplement for your lifestyle & goals. We’ll discuss the science, benefits, and the key factors to consider before you buy.

Let’s get started.

Best Electrolyte Supplements

Navigating the world of the “best electrolyte supplements” gets confusing fast.

One of the first things I look at is the formula.

Electrolyte supplements come in two primary forms:

• Salt-based
• Mineral-based

While salt is technically a mineral, the best electrolyte products don’t have vastly more salt than the other minerals.

Salt-based electrolytes were designed for soldiers in life-or-death emergency situations. Not to support optimal health.

Now you might think that the best electrolyte supplements have no sugar.

According to the World Health Organization, oral electrolyte replacements must have some sugar (glucose) to maximize the absorption of minerals, vitamins, and water [R, R].

This is because of the sodium-glucose cotransport mechanism, in which glucose improves the absorption of sodium (which promotes water absorption).

You don’t need much, which is why naturally-occurring sugars in things like coconut water work so well.

Now, let’s explore the top, highest-quality products you can get for every goal.

Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes

BEST OVERALL

Essential Electrolytes Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: Yes

Whole-Foods Based: Yes

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $1.67

Serving Size: One scoop

Suitability: Paleo, whole-foods, keto-friendly

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 4.82/5

Essential Electrolytes Pros & Cons

Pros

• 60+ trace minerals
• No refined sugars or artificial additives
• High bioavailability
• Multiple delicious flavors
• 60-day money-back guarantee

Cons

• Higher price per serving
• Contains some natural sugar

Since 2013, Paleovalley has become known for creating nature-derived, high-quality health products & delicious snacks.

The founders, Chas and Autumn Smith, created the company to overcome their own health challenges.

Paleovalley meticulously sources the cleanest, highest-quality ingredients. This is one of few integrous supplement companies that I feel comfortable buying from, without even reading the labels.

With many hydration supplements, you lose most of the ingredients through digestion, then absorption, and finally assimilation

Only a tiny fraction is absorbed into bodily tissues where they exert the desired effects.

Plus, synthetic electrolyte ingredients are much more likely to cause side effects. Compare that to the high bioavailability and utilization of electrolytes within foods.

Nature knows how to maximize hydration.

Paleovalley’s Essential Electrolytes aren’t your run-of-the-mill hydration supplement.

It’s a full-spectrum source of electrolytes, minerals, and trace minerals—all derived from unprocessed ancient sea salt, organic coconut water, seaweed extract, and seawater.

You get the cleanest sources of sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, plus over 60 trace minerals!

Trace minerals play an often under-appreciated role throughout the body. They help cellular function, energy generation, antioxidant defense for longevity, mood and cognition, immunity, and most importantly, making the other electrolytes work better.

This is the very product I use almost every single day. You have several flavor options (they all taste delicious and refreshing). I prefer watermelon.

Even though it contains some natural sugar, when I measure my fasting blood sugar with a CGM, 1-2 servings of Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes doesn’t cause any spike.

While it’s on the pricier side, this product replaces the need for a separate trace mineral supplement—making it a 2-in-1 solution.

Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes is the best overall choice for an organic, natural, whole food-based product that tastes delicious and absorbs better than the alternatives. A standout choice amidst a sea of synthetic hydration powders.

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Click the button above to save 15% on Paleovalley products

Thorne Catalyte

BEST FOR ATHLETES

Catalyte Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: Yes

Whole-Foods Based: No

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $1.07

Serving Size: One scoop

Suitability: Athletes, paleo-friendly

Certifications: NSF Certified for Sport

Rating: 4.75/5

Catalyte Pros & Cons

Pros

• Tested for 200 banned substances
• Inexpensive compared to others in the list
• Well-balanced blend
• Low-calorie formula for pre/intra/post-workout use

Cons

• Only one flavor option available
• Doesn’t mix as easily

As a pioneer in scientific wellness, Thorne’s been creating innovative health products since 1984.

Their commitment to rigorous quality testing and constant formula improvements make Thorne a go-to choice for professional athletes and those who demand the cleanest supplements.

One of those popular products among athletes is Thorne’s Catalyte electrolytes.

This unique electrolyte supplement is an ideal pre-workout, containing just enough carbs, vitamins, minerals, and electrolytes to help you push your limits and accelerate your muscle recovery speed.

The electrolyte mix also includes taurine, a conditionally essential amino acid that supports recovery and cellular hydration.

Catalyte is prized for its NSF Certified for Sport® status. Every batch of Catalyte is stringently tested for 200 banned substances, making it safe for competitive athletes at every level.

Throne’s Catalyte is a low-calorie formula and a great companion to your exercise routine, pre-, intra- or post-workout. The Lemon-Lime flavor is crisp, refreshing and and semi-natural tasting. That’s one of the issues—it only comes in 1 flavor.

To really stand out, I’d like to see Thorne add essential amino acids into this formula. Otherwise, it’s best for athletes and heavy sweaters.

Thorne’s Catalyte electrolyte powder is ideal for athletes and those seeking the quality assurance of NSF-Certification (guaranteed free of 200 contaminants). Expect to pay a slight premium, despite the ingredients lacking the same bioavailable as Paleovalley.

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Click the button to automatically unlock 15% off Thorne products (some exclusions apply)

Transparent Labs Hydrate

CLEANEST INGREDIENTS

Hydrate Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: Yes

Whole-Foods Based: Yes

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $0.75

Serving Size: One scoop

Suitability: Keto, carnivore

Certifications: Informed Choice-certified

Rating: 4.55/5

Hydrate Pros & Cons

Pros

• Third-party tested for banned substances
• Only 1g of carbs per serving
• Clearly labeled inactive ingredients
• Available in both stick packs & tubs

Cons

• Contains Silicon Dioxide as a filler
• Stick packs are only available in two flavors

Transparent Labs is another nutrition company that has grown on me for their rigorous third-party lab testing.

As with their other products, their Hydrate electrolyte supplement is Informed Choice certified to ensure athletes don’t test positive for any banned substances.

Equally important, I was pleasantly surprised to see their formulation breakdown. Containing just 1 gram of carbs, this product is great for those following keto or carnivore.

It contains the highest-quality patented forms of electrolytes—so that you get the most benefit.

This formula has ample coconut water derived potassium and they’ve also decided to fortify it with extra taurine and a potent absorption-enhancing and performance boosting adaptogen called Senactiv.

All in all, it delivers a full 885mg of electrolyte minerals from each serving.

Unlike most products, they even specify the dosage of each ‘Other Ingredient’.

I also like that you can get this in either individual stick packs or as a tub. Though the tub comes in 8 flavors, you can only choose between two for the stick packs.

Either way, you save 10% and unlock free shipping when subscribing.

True to its name, Transparent Labs not only uses high-quality patented electrolyte ingredients, but they are low-carb, Informed Choice-certified, and provide granular insight into the dosage of both active and inactive ingredients.

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Cymbiotika Pure Hydration

GOOD PERFORMANCE-ENHANCING EFFECTS

Pure Hydration Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: No

Whole-Foods Based: No

Contains Trace Minerals: Unspecified

Cost Per Serving: $2.17

Serving Size: One stick pack

Suitability: Athletes, paleo, vegan

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 4.51/5

Pure Hydration Pros & Cons

Pros

• Non-GMO, organic, & vegan ingredients
• Great for those who dislike those sweeteners
• Easy to dissolve
• Convenient single-serve pouches

Cons

• Contains 3g of sugar per serving
• No clear third-party testing or quality verification policies
• No money-back guarantee

Like Paleovalley, Cymbiotika specializes in whole-foods products. Since 2018, this California-based company has produced supplements with liposomal delivery systems for maximum bioavailability and efficacy.

It’s main product lines include vitamins, minerals, nutraceuticals, and plant-based supplements.

Cymbiotika’s Pure Hydration electrolyte supplement is a scientifically formulated blend designed to optimize hydration, replenish depleted electrolytes, and nourish the body with amino acids to accelerate post-exercise recovery.

Plus, it contains a special longevity and athletic performance-enhancing ingredient complex with aminos, alpha ketoglutarate, and citrulline malate.

Although each on-the-go sachet contains 3g of sugar, Pure Hydration has a natural taste that’s slightly less sweet than most electrolyte drinks.

It has a clean taste and dissolves easily. Each order contains 21 pouches, 7 of each flavor. If you dislike stevia or monk fruit extract, this could be right for you.

Cymbiotika produces its formulas in small batches to ensure freshness. If you can’t find it on their website, it’s likely out of stock but should be available soon.

With its unique sports performance-enhancing ingredients, inclusion of sugar, and convenient pouch format, Cymbiotika’s Pure Hydration is a solid contender among the best electrolytes for athletes and bodybuilders.

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Protekt Hydration Liquid Electrolytes

GOOD LIQUID MIX

Protekt Hydration Overview

Form(s): Liquid supplement

Salt-Based: No

Whole-Foods Based: No

Contains Trace Minerals: No

Cost Per Serving: $4.99

Serving Size: One scoop

Suitability: Athletes, keto, carnivore, Vegan

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 3.90/5

Protekt Hydration Pros & Cons

Pros

• No artificial sweeteners
• Zero-carb formula
• Multiple serving options
• Great for those who don’t like powders

Cons

• No research citations for “20X faster absorption” claim
• No support for “10:2:1 electrolyte ratio” claim
• Most expensive cost per serving

Protekt is a newer Texas-based sports performance brand, that takes special pride on their Hydration Liquid Electrolytes.

The biggest differentiator? Their packets contain pre-mixed liquid rather than powder. They claim, compared to powders, liquid has a “20X faster & 3X more efficient nutrient absorption.”

Despite stating that “research suggests and experts agree,” I couldn’t find any citations to support this claim.

The electrolyte forms within each packet are fairly standard: sodium chloride, magnesium citrate, potassium citrate. Protekt sweetens Hydrate with natural flavors and stevia.

They also boast their “proprietary 10:2:1 electrolyte ratio” helps you hydrate more effectively. Again, I couldn’t find research to verify this.

You have several purchasing options, including 4 flavors and 4 serving options (30 – 180 count). When you subscribe, you knock off a solid 15% too.

Protekt Hydration Liquid Electrolytes is pretty expensive for what you get, but if you want zero-carbs and prefer liquid sachets over powders, this is a decent option.

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Redmond Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder

BEST FOR HIGHLY ACTIVE USERS

Re-Lyte Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: Yes

Whole-Foods Based: Yes

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $0.75

Serving Size: One scoop

Suitability: Keto, carnivore, paleo

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 4.10/5

Re-Lyte Pros & Cons

Pros

• Affordable
• Available in both tub and stick pack
• Multiple flavors

Cons

• Strong salty taste
• Doesn’t dissolve well
• Minimal coconut water powder (not enough to make an impact)

Redmond isn’t known for supplements, but Re-Lyte is the exception. Since they make one of the highest-quality salts, they decided to venture into the hydration product market—with great success.

The star ingredients in this one is their unrefined, ancient sea salt called “Real Salt”. As you may guess, this product is quite salty and takes getting used to.

Unfortunately, they use the lower quality calcium carbonate form—which usually comes from ground up shells.

Another issue I have is that it doesn’t dissolve well in either hot or cold water, unlike the other products. I have to add it to my blender to get it to completely dissolve without any clumps.

But the price is hard to beat plus you get another 15% less when you subscribe.

This is another product you can get either as a powder tub or stick packs.

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BodyBio E-Lyte Balanced Electrolyte Concentrate

BEST lIQUID FORMULA

E-Lyte Overview

Form(s): Liquid concentrate

Salt-Based: No

Whole-Foods Based: No

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $0.48

Serving Size: One capful

Suitability: Low-sodium, keto, carnivore, Paleo, Vegan

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 4.38/5

E-Lyte Pros & Cons

Pros

• High in potassium
• No artificial flavors, sweeteners, or fillers
• Great value

Cons

• Not ideal for those who sweat heavily
• Lacks flavoring

Since its inception in 1998, BodyBio has established itself as an innovative, family-run nutrition company.

They’ve focused on evidence-based cellular health, and took that methodology into the electrolyte market.

BodyBio’s E-Lyte Balanced Electrolyte Concentrate is an excellent value electrolyte product that provides a large potassium dose and less sodium than many of the alternatives.

If you’re not a highly active athlete or eating low carb, you probably don’t need all the sodium in other products Share on X

E-Lyte provides more of what you’re likely deficient in without the flavorings, artificial sweeteners, or other junk added into many products.

Where most electrolyte products focus on the macro minerals (sodium, potassium, and magnesium), BodyBio also balances E-Lyte with their “chemical partners” (chloride, phosphate, bicarbonate, and sulfate).

At less than $0.50 per serving, it’s great value. Enable auto-ship and you save an additional 15%—making it one of the most affordable options on this list.

Plus, for next to zero additional cost, you can always add a little bit of clean salt if you’re active and want more sodium chloride.

E-Lyte is a concentrated, high-electrolyte, and clean-yet-affordable option for those who don’t want all the sodium in most alternative products.

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LMNT Zero-Sugar Electrolytes

BEST FOR KETO

LMNT Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: Yes

Whole-Foods Based: No

Contains Trace Minerals: No

Cost Per Serving: $1.50

Serving Size: One stick pack

Suitability: Keto, carnivore, paleo

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 3.76/5

LMNT Pros & Cons

Pros

• Sugar free
• Multiple flavor options
• Placed in easy-to-carry stick packs

Cons

• Previously involved in a scandal
• Simple formula

Co-Founded by Robb Wolf, one of the popularizers of the Paleo lifestyle, his electrolyte supplement company LMNT has now become a household name.

In fact, it largely popularized the entire category of electrolyte supplements.

Why? LMNT’s promoted by just about every health, wellness, and biohacking influencer. As you might expect, at about $2 per 12-count stick pack, it’s among the most expensive.

For years, they marketed heavily to the low carb, keto, and carnivore communities as the perfect sugar-free electrolyte.

Low carb intake causes low insulin, which increases sodium excretion. So in a way, it was an ideal product for those communities.

LMNT was part of a scandal, since their stevia-based flavoring did contain some maltodextrin (sugar) that they didn’t disclose on their label [R].

They’re a decent option, offering 10 different flavor options and bundles. More recently, they’ve become among the first to offer sparkling electrolyte water products cans too.

They incentivize auto-ship orders, offering 15% off.

Although popular, the LMNT formula is mostly salt—certainly not the best value or formulation. Personally, I’d rather make my own hydration drink for a tiny fraction of the cost.

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HigherDose High-Dration Powder

BEST FOR DETOX

High-Dration Overview

Form(s): Powder

Salt-Based: No

Whole-Foods Based: Yes

Contains Trace Minerals: Yes

Cost Per Serving: $1.30

Serving Size: One pouch

Suitability: Paleo, vegan

Certifications: Unspecified

Rating: 4.00/5

High-Dration Pros & Cons

Pros

• Great bioavailability
• No artificial ingredients
• Includes ingredients that improve recovery
• Uses higher-quality ingredient forms

Cons

• May cause digestive issues for some
• No clear third-party testing available

HigherDose has positioned themselves as an all-in-one wellness brand. Specifically suited towards beauty optimization. From infrared saunas, to red light therapy systems, to PEMF mats, to skincare and supplements.

As staunch believers in the power of “sweating it out”, HigherDose created several products to augment the experience, including its “High-Dration” powder.

HigherDose High-Dration Powder is packed with magnesium, marine algae minerals, watermelon, coconut powders, and B vitamins.

I like that they’ve derived their magnesium and minerals from marine algae, which are known for their high bioavailability and purity.

The addition of watermelon and coconut powders provides natural hydration, while B vitamins can improve recovery.

They didn’t cut corners, using the higher quality (and more expensive) form of vitamin B6 called P5P.

Plus, apple pectin works as a gentle but effective binder to help the body eliminate toxins. Perfect to accompany gym or sauna sessions.

My biggest gripes are the 3 different gums they added as “other ingredients”. I also couldn’t find any evidence of third-party lab testing. Finally, this product often goes out of stock.

HigherDose High-Dration Powder is a decent option to support natural cellular detoxification, especially when used alongside exercise or the sauna.

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Use HigherDOSE discount code URBAN to save 15%

Popular Electrolyte Supplements I Don’t Recommended

As the electrolyte market expands, more companies are introducing new products.

I’ve researched, analyzed, tested, and reviewed dozens of different options. Here are the popular electrolyte supplements I personally would not use and why:

1. KEY NUTRIENTS Electrolytes Powder: contains inactive vitamins (ie vitamin B5) which can cause serious issues for some people. The label is not compliant with FDA guidelines. They also add niacin and citric acid which many people don’t like
2. Klean Athlete Klean Hydration: very expensive, incredibly small electrolyte dosages, and you’re mostly paying for the 12 grams of added sugars in each serving
3. Elm & Rye Electrolyte: they hide their product labels online, disclose very little about their company, and the formula doesn’t even contain the basic electrolytes
4. Manna Liposomal Hydration: these are high in sugar, lack trace minerals, are pricey, and make unsubstantiated marketing claims (there’s zero research on liposomal electrolytes)
5. Nuun Hydration Sport: contains the lowest quality forms of electrolyte ingredients, hides that they add dextrose (sugar), and still costs $0.75 per serving
6. Ultima Replenisher Hydration Electrolyte Powder: frequently reformulates without notice to cut costs, uses low quality forms of electrolytes, adds unhealthy fillers, claims to be 90 servings when it only contains around 40 scoops
7. DripDrop Hydration Electrolyte Powder Packets: claims to be “1/2 the sugar of leading brands” but has 7 grams of added sugar (7/10 of the contents are sugar), adds unhealthy fructose and fillers, also adds artificial sweeteners, lacks some electrolytes (calcium)
8. Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier: each serving contains 11 grams of added sugar (the two main ingredients!), uses low quality forms of vitamins, completely lacks some electrolytes (magnesium and calcium), and contains fillers

Out of all the electrolyte formulas I’ve analyzed, Liquid I.V. Hydration Multiplier is among the worst. Although it’s one of the best-selling products, it’s not even technically an electrolyte since it’s missing several key ingredients.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are substances that produce ions when dissolved in water, allowing them to conduct electricity.

They are crucial for many physiological functions in the human body, including maintaining fluid balance, enabling muscle contractions, and transmitting nerve signals.

Without electrolytes, the natural electrical system within humans would cease to function, and we’d die immediately.

Which electrolytes do you need?

Your body requires 7 essential electrolytes to survive, including:

1. Sodium (Na⁺) – Helps regulate fluid balance and supports nerve & muscle function
2. Chloride (Cl⁻) – Works with sodium to maintain fluid balance and helps with digestion
3. Potassium (K⁺) – Important for proper muscle contractions and heart rhythm
4. Magnesium (Mg²⁺) – Plays a role in energy production, muscle relaxation, and enzyme activation
5. Calcium (Ca²⁺) – Vital for bone health, muscle function, and nerve transmission
6. Bicarbonate (HCO₃⁻) – Helps maintain the body’s pH balance
7. Phosphate (PO₄³⁻) – Crucial for energy production (ATP), bone health, and cell membrane integrity

A deficiency in any of these leads to serious health issues.

What are the signs of electrolyte imbalance?

When your electrolyte levels are too high or too low, your normal bodily functions get disrupted.

General symptoms & signs of electrolyte imbalance or deficiency include:

1. Muscle weakness, fatigue, cramps, spasms, or twitching
2. Confusion, brain fog, irritability, or mood swings
3. Heartbeat changes (tachycardia, arrhythmia, or bradycardia)
4. Low blood pressure (hypotension)
5. Dizziness or lightheadedness
6. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
7. Swelling or puffiness (edema) due to fluid retention

In extreme cases, paralysis or seizures can occur. Clearly, most of the above symptoms are wide ranging and can masquerade as other issues.

Outside of electrolytes, there are still numerous ways to optimize your hydration. Get the best tips, products, and more in the Outliyr Water & Hydration resources.

How to Buy The Best Electrolyte Supplements (Buyer’s Guide)

Wondering how to buy the best electrolyte supplements and cut through all the marketing noise?

Some of the factors I considered when evaluating products and brands include:

• Dose of electrolyte ingredients: some brands put a tiny dose of the active ingredient in their products, hoping the consumer doesn’t notice
• Form of absorption: whole-food derived electrolytes generally outperform synthetic mineral chelates
• Formula enhancers: ingredients like fulvic/humic acids, AstraGin, and others deliver electrolytes into cells better
• Lab testing: By testing purity, safety, and potency you avoid contamination and electrolyte scandals
• Fillers, excipients, and additives: what’s listed in the “other ingredients” section of products can sometimes cause more harm than the product provides benefit
• Mineral-based vs salt-based: electrolytes with salt as the primary ingredient can cause GI distress, gut microbiome disruption, and increase urination (actually depleting you of electrolytes)
• Sugar sweet spot: not too much, but a little naturally occurring sugar enhances hydration

Electrolyte Supplements Q&A

Picking The Best Natural Electrolyte Supplements for Every Goal

Water is key to life, but it can also kill you.

Without the presence of a subclass of minerals called electrolytes, your body’s electrical system wouldn’t work.

Electrolytes are the missing ingredient not only for hydration, but also for cellular communication.

The rapidly declining mineral content in even the highest-quality foods is one reason why supplementation is now mandatory for all humans.

Within minutes of taking supplements for electrolyte imbalance, people feel better. These are no longer just for athletes and bodybuilders

The electrolyte market is booming, and savvy marketers fill labels with buzzwords like “no sugar,” “organic,” “natural,” “Whole30-approved,” “keto,” “carnivore,” and “fasting-friendly.”

Unfortunately, most of them yield little more than sugar (or natural) sweetened water. Every month, several new brands send me their electrolytes to test. Most of the time I don’t.

Some brands, however, go above and beyond to ensure these electrolytes are absorbed and assimilated into your cells for maximum benefit. Some of your best options incude:

• Organic, natural, highly-absorbed: Paleovalley Essential Electrolytes
• Clean, transparent, lab-tested formula: Transparent Labs Hydrate
• For athletes & bodybuilders: Thorne Catalyte

Despite having access to free products, I usually spend my own money on Paleovalley. Their formula tastes great, is easy on the digestive system, and effectively relieves electrolyte imbalance symptoms like cramping.

If you found this helpful, please send it to a friend or share it on social media. That’s how I know what kind of articles to research for you.

This category of supplements is growing incredibly fast.

What about you? Do you take electrolyte supplements? Drop a comment below and let me know your experience!