Electrolytes vs. Trace Minerals for Hydration

Today it’s the battle between the water remineralization options: electrolytes vs trace minerals!

You know tap water is full of junk you need to filter out, and you understand that filtering out the chemicals and metals also filters out the necessary minerals for your health.

But… you’re still confused on what exactly remineralization involves, because you’ve always heard that you need electrolytes, and then I came around and started talking about trace minerals. Aaahhh!

No worries! You’re in the right place. In this post I’ll break down exactly when you might want to use electrolytes for rehydration and when to add trace minerals to your water.

Read on as we will explore the difference between electrolytes and trace minerals, their functions in the body, and the best ways to incorporate them into your daily routine.

Electrolytes vs. Trace Minerals: Both are Minerals

Our bodies rely on a delicate balance of nutrients to function optimally, and minerals play a crucial role in maintaining this equilibrium. 

To understand the difference between trace minerals and electrolytes, let’s first back up and talk about minerals in general. Both electrolytes and trace minerals are minerals.

What are minerals?

Mineral are an essential nutrient that we must obtain from our food and water. They come from the earth and are made from what remain as ash when plant or animal tissues are burned. Out of 103 known minerals, at least 18 are necessary for good health.

Minerals are essential for numerous bodily processes, including energy production, nerve function, muscle contraction, digestive health, and maintaining proper hydration levels.

You may hear health practitioners refer to minerals as the “spark plug” in the body. Without proper amounts of minerals, nothing works as it should.

Generally speaking, we divide minerals into ones we need large amounts of (macro minerals), and those we need less of (micro minerals).

The macro minerals are: calcium, chloride, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sulfur, and sodium.

Electrolytes vs Minerals clarification

• Are all electrolytes minerals? Yes.
• Are all minerals electrolytes? No, of these, five are electrolytes! Keep reading!

What are electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in bodily fluids. The electrolyte minerals list includes: sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and chloride. 

These charged particles help regulate fluid balance, support nerve and muscle function, and assist in maintaining proper pH levels. 

Electrolytes are especially crucial during physical activity or in hot weather when we lose them through sweat. When thinking of electrolytes, we tend to think of “sports drinks”.

The recommended daily intake of minerals varies depending on age, sex, and overall health. Electrolytes like sodium and potassium are usually consumed in larger quantities, with the average adult needing around 2,300-2,400 mg of sodium and 2,500-4,700 mg of potassium per day. The daily value for sodium is 2300 mg, and for potassium 4700 mg.

What are trace minerals?

Trace minerals are the micro minerals. Although required in smaller amounts than macrominerals (some of which are electrolytes), they are equally vital for our health.

They include iron, zinc, copper, selenium, iodine, manganese, boron, chromium, cobalt, germanium, lithium, molybdenum, rubidium, silicon, and vanadium.

Each trace mineral serves different functions in the body. For instance, iron is essential for oxygen transport, while zinc plays a key role in immune function. Copper aids in collagen production, and selenium acts as a potent antioxidant.

Trace minerals, are required in smaller amounts, typically measured in micrograms (mcg) or milligrams (mg). Consulting a healthcare professional or a nutritional therapy practitioner can help determine your specific mineral needs.

Is it better to add electrolytes or trace minerals to your water?

Both electrolytes and trace mineral drops have their unique benefits. Adding electrolytes to your water can be especially beneficial during intense physical activity or when you need to replenish lost minerals due to excessive sweating. 

Electrolyte-rich drinks or natural sources like coconut water can help restore electrolyte balance quickly.

On the other hand, trace minerals are typically obtained through a well-rounded diet, and by following the instructions on how to remineralize filtered water.

Many people these days need to supplement trace minerals because of the depleted state of the soils we use to grow our food. If you suspect a deficiency or have specific health concerns, incorporating trace mineral supplements can be beneficial. 

Unless you drink exclusively spring water, most people will be filtering their water and then need to remineralize it. In addition to the options detailed in the post about remineralizing, here are a few options to consider purchasing.

This post may contain affiliate links.

Comparison of Trace Mineral Supplements: Micro Minerals

Remember that there are very inexpensive ways to reminerealize your water, such as adding a pinch of salt to it. For those that need to increase mineral support for a time, these supplements can be a good option.

Learn more: How to Remineralize Filtered Water

In general look for high-quality brands that provide a comprehensive blend of trace minerals, ensuring optimal absorption and bioavailability.

Concentrace Brand Trace Minerals

Concentrace is a trusted name in the world of trace mineral drops. Their liquid mineral drops are derived from a pristine, ancient lake in Utah, which is rich in over 72 naturally occurring ionic trace minerals.

These drops provide a convenient way to supplement your diet with a wide spectrum of essential minerals, supporting energy levels, digestion, and overall vitality. The benefit of this brand is that it is relatively affordable and widely available. That said, it does have quite a strong flavor (read: my kids won’t touch water with it).

Zuma Fulvic Acid and Trace Ocean Minerals

Zuma offers a unique combination of fulvic acid and trace ocean minerals. Fulvic acid acts as a natural chelator, helping to improve nutrient absorption and detoxification.

The addition of trace ocean minerals provides a rich source of essential elements that support optimal cellular function. This blend can be particularly beneficial for those seeking improved nutrient utilization and overall well-being.

Aussie Trace Minerals

Aussie Trace Minerals is a brand that sources its minerals from ancient, mineral-rich Australian soils. Their product offers a concentrated blend of bioavailable trace minerals, providing support for energy production, immune function, and bone health.

Gaia Liquid Magnesium with Trace Minerals

Gaia Herbs presents a liquid magnesium supplement infused with trace minerals. Magnesium is a vital mineral involved in over 300 enzymatic reactions in the body, while the added trace minerals further enhance its benefits.

This formulation supports muscle relaxation, stress management, and healthy sleep patterns. Gaia’s liquid magnesium with trace minerals is a convenient and effective way to ensure optimal magnesium levels.

The flavor on this one is not quite as strong, but my kids still notice it.

Shilajit

Shilajit is a unique substance derived from the Himalayan mountains. Rich in trace minerals, fulvic acid, and other bioactive compounds, it has been traditionally used to support energy, vitality, and overall well-being.

Shilajit is available in various forms, including capsules, powders, and resin, making it a versatile choice for those looking to incorporate trace minerals into their daily routine.

Comparison of Electrolyte Powders

As mentioned above, you’re going to want to implement extra electrolytes to help in situations of physical activity and lots of sweating.

When seeking electrolyte supplementation, it’s crucial to select a brand that offers a well-balanced blend of minerals without unnecessary additives or excessive sugar content.

Look for options that include at least a combination of sodium, potassium to support optimal hydration and muscle function.

Remember that another option is to create your own electrolyte drink or adrenal cocktail.

Recipes here: Adrenal Cocktail Recipes

Reading labels, checking for third-party testing, and choosing products with natural flavorings can help you find the best electrolyte supplement for your needs.

LMNT

LMNT is a standout electrolyte brand that has gained significant popularity among health-conscious individuals.

LMNT focuses on providing the ideal balance of electrolytes without any unnecessary additives or sugars. With a sodium to potassium ratio of 1:1, LMNT supports hydration, muscle function, and overall energy levels.

As a rule, I strongly suggest avoiding “natural flavors”. However, from my experience, this is the only brand that uses natural flavor that sat really well with me.

Redmond Relyte

If you prefer a more natural approach to electrolyte replenishment, Redmond Relyte might be the perfect choice for you. Made from ancient sea salt deposits, Relyte contains a balanced blend of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and chloride.

This brand prides itself on providing a naturally sourced electrolyte solution that supports hydration and mineral balance. The sweetener they use is coconut based, so keep that in mind for sensitive folks.

Jigsaw Health Pickleball

Designed specifically for athletes and active individuals, Jigsaw Health Pickleball offers a comprehensive electrolyte formula that helps replenish and restore lost minerals during intense physical activity.

With a focus on sodium and potassium, this brand ensures a balanced electrolyte profile that aids in muscle function, hydration, and endurance. This is the brand that most closely resembles that bright orange brand of electrolytes you all know.

It tastes quite sweet but without the sugar, food coloring or artificial flavors. That said, this brand uses monkfruit, so again some individuals may be sensitive to it.

Biobody E-lyte

Whether you’re looking to support exercise recovery, combat fatigue, or enhance mental clarity, Biobody E-lyte provides electrolyte blends designed to address these specific concerns.

With carefully selected minerals and a focus on quality, this brand aims to optimize hydration and overall well-being. I like that this brand is unflavored.

Ingredients to Avoid in Other Electrolyte Brands

While it’s essential to choose electrolyte brands that prioritize quality and effectiveness, it’s also crucial to be aware of potentially harmful ingredients found in some products.

When exploring other electrolyte brands, be cautious of those containing artificial sweeteners, excessive sugars, and artificial colors or flavors. These additives can undermine your health goals and may have negative effects on your overall well-being.

Story Time: How I Became a Water and Minerals Devotee

While following the GAPS diet, I never once had to think about minerals as their own piece to the wellness puzzle. Large amounts of broth, combined with local and seasonal produce and grass finished meats provided loads of them.

Apart from iodine painting, there was no single mineral that was on my radar, and that is one thing I love about the GAPS approach, when focusing on nutrient density, you don’t need to worry about individual nutrients so much, just following your intuition with regards to eating.

Until…. we decided to travel full time. And we quickly moved on to the coming off stage of GAPS, and then I got “food poisoning”, and ended up needing to get an IV for re-hydration. That must have been a fluke, I thought….until the next time I got “food poisoning” and again got severely dehydrated.

By the third time around, I realized I needed to focus on deep cellular hydration. No more “naked” water. I focused on remineralizing the reverse osmosis water that we purchased, and then adding trace minerals to my routine. When it was extremely hot, I added electrolytes to water bottles and when possible acquired spring water.

I’m happy to say, that this focus has been a blessing, and you all get to reap the benefit of my knowledge with articles about hydration, water pH, re-mineralization, and structured water, but without having to get dehydrated to figure it out. 😉

In Sum: Trace Minerals vs Electrolytes

Minerals, whether in the form of electrolytes or trace minerals, are essential for our overall health and well-being.

Which minerals are electrolytes? Sodium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, and calcium.

While electrolytes help maintain fluid balance and support nerve function, trace minerals play a key role in various bodily processes.

Incorporating a balanced diet rich in whole foods is the best way to obtain these minerals. However, in certain circumstances, supplements can be beneficial.

Remember to consult with a healthcare professional to determine your specific mineral needs and choose high-quality products that align with your health goals.

Are you tired of feeling exhausted, dealing with digestive issues, or struggling with your child’s health challenges? It’s time to discover the power of personalized nutrition. Book a discovery call to find out how we can support your mineral balance!

References

Ahmed, F., & Mohammed, A. (2019). Magnesium: The Forgotten Electrolyte-A Review on Hypomagnesemia. Medical sciences (Basel, Switzerland), 7(4), 56. https://doi.org/10.3390/medsci7040056