What are "electrolytes"?

What are "electrolytes"?

Jerry Pryde, MD, MPH, CIME (Clinical Chief, Department of Rehabilitation, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center) gives expert video advice on: Should I drink water or sports drinks while exercising?; Is it possible to hydrate too much?; What do my muscles use for energy when exercising? and more...

Electrolytes are minerals that are found in your body. You have several electrolytes that are very common, and you lose them when you are exercising. Sodium, potassium and calcium, magnesium; these are the four big electrolytes that you want to pay attention to. When you are looking for a sport drink, it's really sodium and potassium that you are primarily concerned with, and you want to make sure you are replacing those electrolytes while you're exercising.