How to Pick the Right Natural Electrolyte Drink Mix

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The electrolyte drinks you find marketed either have too much sugar, no (or very little) actual electrolytes, or they’re expensive. We decided to breakdown what made electrolytes effective and create a formula that’s cost effective, loaded with what matters, completely sugar free, and of course, tasty! Read this post and learn more and make sure to check out our sugar free electrolyte blend at cardnl.

In this post I’ll give you the breakdown of what you need, why you need it, and some comparisons.

What are electrolytes?

They’re essential minerals found in your blood, sweat, and urine. You need them to keep your body functioning properly. The most important-to-get via powder supplementation typically include: Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium. Electrolytes also found in your body include: Calcium, Chloride, Phosphate, and Bicarbonate.

Electrolytes are negatively and positively charged ions conducting electrical activity in your body to help perform important functions.

For a full overview: What are Electrolytes? + 19 Low Electrolytes Symptoms (to look for)

Why do I need electrolytes?

You can get electrolytes naturally in your diet but sometimes it’s difficult to get the right amount. Electrolytes play an important role in keeping you hydrated, conducting nervous impulses, regulating your body’s pH levels, and more.

If you’re an athlete

Your high activity levels deplete the necessary salts to allow for proper hydration, muscle contraction, and blood pressure. In order to perform at your highest level, you need the proper balance of salts (ie: electrolytes).

If you’re on a low carb diet

Your body on a low carb or keto diet (especially at the beginning) will deplete water and salts (electrolytes) quickly. In order to avoid fatigue, headache, and lethargy – the supplementation of the right amount of electrolytes is essential.

What to look for in an electrolyte drink

• What electrolytes are included (what are the ingredients)
• Amount of electrolytes in each serving
• What sweeteners are used
• What other additives are used (colors, flavors)
• What’s the cost per serving

What to avoid when picking an electrolyte drink

• Sugar & Dextrose – there’s no reason to consume added sugars. Over time, the consumption of products with added sugar may lead to detrimental health outcomes. Added and excess sugar will never be your friend.
• Products that don’t list quantity of electrolytes per serving – If you’re spending the money, you should know what you’re getting. Is it an actual electrolyte drink or just a sweet colorful beverage?
• If it’s not salty, it’s not right – If the drink isn’t salty, it might not be an effective electrolyte option. The right blend of natural sweet and salty is the goal. You NEED the salt to get it right.

Selecting the Right Electrolyte Powder

We spent years developing something that we craved, that our kids would beg for, and that wasn’t expensive (yet had the best of the best ingredients). We knew that combining an active lifestyle and a low-carb way of eating would require electrolyte supplementation. Luckily for us, we have a gluten free, low carb commercial kitchen and we are now producing our very own blend (available for sale at cardnl).

Salty Lemon Twist Essential Electrolytes by cardnl

Created with a few specifics in mind:

• Sugar Free – but couldn’t have a weird tasting sweetener
• No flavors, colors, extra anything…
• Obvious and sufficient amounts of essential electrolytes in each serving
• Highest quality – low price tag
• Had to be okay to drink will fasting (intermittent fasting in particular)

What’s in the electrolyte drink mix per serving?

• 830mg Sodium
• 250mg Potassium
• 240mg Magnesium
• 0 Calories
• No sugar
• No Artificial Sweeteners 
• No Artificial Flavors

High Quality Electrolyte Powder Ingredients

You want to consume products that have very few “extra” ingredients, have the right amount of nutrients, and taste amazing. Here’s what’s in the Salty Lemon Twist Essential Electrolytes from cardnl:

Redmond Real Salt

Includes 60+ trace minerals, is OMRI listed (certified production of organic production), is mined in the USA (Utah), and not heat processed.

Magnesium Malate

High quality magnesium malate absorbs slowly for a sustained release + it’s the right option when you want energy and a noticeable change in how you actually feel. Another popular option in some drink mixes is citrate – which is NOT in this blend – reason is: it’s a laxative.

READ THIS POST: 9 Reasons You Should Supplement Magnesium – An eye opening burst of scientific data in relation to just how important magnesium really is.

Potassium Chloride

High quality Potassium Chloride is essential for the function of the heart, muscles, kidneys, nerves, and digestive system.

Reb M Stevia

Adds sweet without raising blood sugar. I know a lot of people who hate the taste of stevia. However, there are different variations that have different tastes. Reb M Stevia is natural, doesn’t taste bitter, and is MUCH more expensive than the other stevia variations found in most products. We opted for Reb M in this blend for a few reasons:

• Tastes incredible with ZERO aftertaste
• No impact to blood glucose (will not take you out of ketosis or raise your blood sugar)
• Is the highest quality and most expensive stevia option available
• No bitter aftertaste or cooling effect (that other sweeteners may have)

Citric Acid

A high quality citric acid is found naturally, contains no carbs, and provides a natural tart or sour taste. Citric acid is one of the most commonly added ingredients in the world. It’s been known to enhance flavor and preserve ingredients. It’s commonly added to dietary supplements and is known to be safe. Like anything, check the sourcing of the citric acid if you can.

Fun fact: Citric Acid enhances the bioavailability of minerals (allows your body to absorb them more easily)

…

That’s it, only 5 ingredients – all high quality and all serve a specific purpose. No fillers, no junk.

Now… let’s compare a few popular options. How does the cardnl Salty Lemon Twist stack up?

Interested in a pre-workout variation?

Check this out:

Electrolyte Drink Comparisons

We’ve compiled a list of 5 powder electrolyte drink options and compared them to the cardnl Salty Lemon Twist Essential Electrolytes.

• Sugar free? – It’s mind numbing how many “healthy” electrolyte blends use sugar and dextrose! Dudes.
• Amount per serving of: Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium – Also strange how many electrolyte blends don’t list amounts of the electrolytes in a serving.
• Cost per serving

Thanks for reading. 🙂

Transcript:

Biggest game changing supplement you can buy? Electrolytes. Let’s talk about why.  

What even are electrolytes? Think of it this way, they're important and they're found in your blood, sweat, and urine. They're needed to keep your body running right. You really should be supplementing with Magnesium, Potassium, and Sodium. Electrolytes also found in your body include: Calcium, Chloride, Phosphate, and Bicarbonate.

Electrolytes play an important role in keeping you hydrated, conducting nervous impulses, regulating your body’s pH levels, and a whole bunch more.

If you’re an athlete, you really need them for proper hydration, muscle contraction, and blood pressure. 

If you’re on a low carb diet, your body will deplete water and electrolytes quickly. Keto is a natural diuretic (meaning: you're gonna lose water weight, especially at the start). Avoid fatigue, headache, and lethargy with the supplementation of the right amount of electrolytes. The "KETO FLU" at the start - it's an electrolyte imbalance. Easy fix. 

What should you avoid when picking an electrolyte supplement? Sugar & Dextrose, that's gonna be a no from me dog. It should taste salty, that's what is... and that makes sense.

What product do I suggest? Well, that’s easy… Salty Lemon Twist Essential Electrolytes from cardnl

Ingredients:

Redmond Real Salt - Duh.

Magnesium Malate - High quality magnesium malate absorbs slowly for a sustained release + it’s the right option when you want energy and a noticeable change in how you actually feel. Another popular option in some drink mixes is citrate – which is NOT in this blend because it’s a laxative. No.

Potassium Chloride - High quality Potassium Chloride is essential for the function of the heart, muscles, kidneys, nerves, and digestive system. Good.

Reb M Stevia - Adds sweet without raising blood sugar. Reb M is the best.

And finally, Citric Acid - High quality citric acid is found naturally in citrus fruits, contains no carbs, and provides a natural tart or sour taste. Citric acid is one of the most commonly added ingredients in the whole world. It’s been known to enhance flavor and preserve ingredients. It’s commonly added to dietary supplements and is known to be safe. Here's a fun fact: Citric Acid enhances the bioavailability of minerals (it actually allows your body to absorb minerals more easily). Great.

That’s it, 5 useful ingredients – No fillers, no junk.

Okay, so what's in a serving? 830mg Sodium, 250mg Potassium, 240mg Magnesium, 0 Calories, No sugar, No Artificial Sweeteners, No Artificial Flavors 

That’s it. The biggest game changing supplement available in my opinion are electrolytes, especially if you’re restricting carbs or you’re active… or both. You need it. With the proper balance you’ll improve your sleep, energy levels, and overall well being. Do yourself a favor, add electrolytes to your daily routine. It'll make a difference.

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