Fact or Fiction: Electrolytes

I recently came across the New York Times article on electrolytes and wanted to offer some clarification — both to highlight important truths and to correct a few misleading or incomplete claims. As a healthcare professional passionate about metabolic and mitochondrial health, I believe it’s critical to separate fact from fiction when it comes to something as foundational as electrolytes. Link to New York Times Article: New York Times Article 

 

Fact: Most Electrolyte Supplements Are NOT Regulated

This is absolutely true — and a major concern.

Roughly 99% of supplement companies are unregulated.
This means many can — and do — put questionable or inaccurate ingredients in their products, regardless of what the label says. This is why 3rd party testing and/or using physician-only or medical-grade brands is critical.

 

Fact (with Missing Context): “You Can Get Electrolytes from Food”

Yes, you can. Electrolytes are microminerals that occur naturally in whole foods. But here’s the problem:

• Studies estimate up to 80% less nutrition in produce compared to the 1950s.
• Most people today consume ultra-processed food as a staple, not real food.
• Medications (like statins, diuretics, and PPIs) also deplete minerals independently.

So while it’s technically true that diet can meet electrolyte needs, for most modern lifestyles, it’s rarely sufficient without support.

 

Misleading Statement: “Your body maintains sodium concentration even when you sweat”

Let’s clarify this with an analogy:

If you make a protein shake and drink half, does the concentration of protein change? No — but the total protein and volume are both reduced.

Similarly, your body may maintain sodium concentration, but it still loses total sodium content through sweat and urine. Concentration isn't the same as total mineral volume.

 

Fiction: “Electrolytes don’t impact performance”

This is flat-out incorrect and reflects a misunderstanding of physiology.

Electrolytes aren’t performance enhancers in the way stimulants are — they are biological enablers. Think of them as:

Rate-limiting co-factors: You don’t get superhuman with more, but you lose function with less.

They’re essential for:

• Muscle contraction
• Neurological signaling
• Mitochondrial energy production

Without sufficient levels, your body cannot perform these functions optimally — or at all.

 Quick Breakdown: What Electrolytes Actually Do

Fun Fact:

The water inside our cells (intracellular fluid) is structured and bound — it's not the same as the water we drink. The water we hold is biologically unique.

 

Hydration isn’t just about water — it’s about balance. Stay ahead of the heat and stay sharp this summer.