As a team of active individuals — marathoners, half marathoners and hot yoga-lovers alike — we understand that recovery is an important step to take post-workout.
We’re also big fans of adequate daily hydration here at Shop TODAY, arming ourselves with our emotional support water bottles in the office to ensure we’re hitting our water count for the day.
In order to recover, boost hydration and achieve our water intake goals, we turn to electrolyte packets. Specifically, Liquid I.V. These packets make it easy to recover — simply pour into a water bottle or glass of water, and stir or shake for a flavored drink.
Why are electrolytes important?
“Electrolytes help your body do a lot of the behind-the-scenes work that keeps you feeling and performing your best, including regulating nerve function, balancing fluid levels, supporting muscle contractions, and even aiding in recovery,” says Taylor Thomas of Thomas Endurance Coaching.
Additionally, Nicole Sohayegh, a registered dietitian, says even if you aren’t exercising, being out in the heat for long periods of time can cause you to lose electrolytes.
New York City and other parts of the nation have experienced recent heat waves, putting individuals at risk for heat stroke and heat exhaustion, especially if they’re not taking necessary steps to remain hydrated.
“Using electrolyte packets can be good in moments of dehydrating events, such as sports or hot weather,” says Sohayegh. “If you are sweating you need to rehydrate, and depending on how much you are sweating, electrolytes might be needed.”
Best electrolyte packets, according to editors
Commerce editor and producer Julie Ricevuto prefers these packets due to their taste. They’re available in three refreshing flavors designed to refuel you — strawberry watermelon, tropical mango and citrus berry.
No matter what the cause of your fatigue is — dehydration, one too many drinks last night or a grueling workout — Waterboy has electrolyte packets catered to every need.
Whether you’re choosing between the “weekend,” “daily” or workout” categories on their site, you’ll be revived with a sugar-free, yet vitamin-forward formula.
"Since alcohol is a diuretic, it leads to dehydration and fluid loss," says Bigos. "Drinking electrolytes after a night out replenishes the bodys’ storage, and can help with hangover symptoms like headaches and general fatigue."
Strawberry lemonade is the flavor of the season — combine nutritional benefits with a refreshing, ice-cold glass that will become your go-to during your next backyard barbecue.
“The Acai Berry is my personal favorite flavor of all time,” says Privette. “Compared to other electrolyte brands I’ve tried, I always come to Liquid I.V. since it’s not extremely salty and has a great non-synthetic flavor.”
Deals editor Rebecca Brown appreciates the all-natural and organic ingredient list these electrolyte packets have.
“As a runner, I love using Liquid I.V. before and after a run to stay hydrated, especially during these hot summer days,” says writer Emma Stessman. “I also swear by it for preventing hangovers. I chug one after a night of overindulging and I feel fine the next day.”
While our editors turn to this one specifically for its combination of gut and hydration benefits, the taste also makes it one they commonly reach for as well. When you’re dehydrated, your digestive system starts to work improperly, according to the brand, which resulted in their decision to combine the two into a single packet.
“The Citrus Salt flavor is a staple for me during the summer to help replenish the electrolytes I lose while running long distances in the heat,” says Stessman. “I’m a very salty sweater (I typically have a layer of salt on my skin after a run), so I like that it has the added salt.”
Electrolytes don’t need to be reserved and enjoyed solely in the summertime either, according to Stessman, who loves to utilize the chocolate flavor to make hot cocoa in the winter.
More products to shop
This cleaning set comes with everything you need to clean bottles and glasses of any shape and size, including wine glasses, beer steins, your go-to water bottle and even brushes small enough to clean straws.
When’s the last time you cleaned your water bottle? If it’s longer than you’d like to admit, you’re in luck. These editor-loved and recommended cleaning tablets provide an easy way to cleanse the interior of any bottle.
Make it easier to mix your electrolytes in with a quality water bottle. We recently put Hydro Flask to the test — and this specific model managed to keep drinks cold over the course of 24 hours and proved easy to carry while commuting thanks to its built-in handle and slim size.
“I was a loyal HydroFlask user until I got to try the Owala as part of our Wellness Awards (off the record; I got it from Hot List a few months prior),” admits editorial operations manager, Jill Ortiz. “I always found that with other water bottles, you either had to screw the top off and then sip and have water fall all over you or use a built-in straw and just have it exposed wherever you roam, which is quite gross. So, when I saw the Owala, I was super excited to try it.”
“I find it easy to take on the go, whether I’m hopping on a plane or in the car or at the gym or at the office — and it keeps my drinks cold,” she adds. “I put ice in mine at 5:50 a.m. every morning before I leave and when I return home 12 hours later, there is still a solid amount of ice left.”
“I have to admit, I was reluctant about giving in to the hype of Stanley Quenchers when they first rose in popularity but now I can’t go a day without them,” says associate editor, Kamari Stewart. “I have one at home and one in the office and it helps me stay consistent with my water intake. Plus, since it holds so much, it requires fewer refills throughout the day, which is less work on my part.”
What are the benefits to drinking electrolytes?
“Electrolytes regulate the electroactivity of the body,” Sohayegh says. “For example, your muscles require electrolytes to function properly, the most important one being the heart. When someone has an electrolyte imbalance, the heart can be affected greatly. They also affect water balance in our body and make sure that water remains in the right place at the right amount.”
So, not only are electrolytes ensuring that the water you’re drinking remains in your body, but they’re working overtime to keep muscles from failing.
“Whether you’re training hard, chasing after your kids or just trying to stay sharp during the workday, electrolytes help keep your system firing on all cylinders,” adds Thomas.
And, they replace natural elements lost during workouts or time spent in the heat.
“There are natural electrolytes in the body — these include: sodium, potassium, and magnesium,” says Marley Bigos, a Barry’s instructor and certified nutrition coach. “Taking an electrolyte packet is a very easy way to make up for any lost electrolytes.”
When should you drink electrolytes?
While most people tend to load up on electrolytes during warmer months, Thomas recommends using them year-round. “In the summer, we lose more electrolytes through sweat, so the need increases, but they’re important year-round. Dry indoor heat, training indoors traveling or even just high stress can all deplete electrolytes. I always tell the athletes and business owners I work with: hydration isn’t just about water, it’s about balance.”
What to consider
Sohayegh says there are specific populations who shouldn’t be utilizing electrolytes, including “people with heart failure, kidney failure and other conditions that affect the proper function of water balance in the body,” and that you “should speak to a provider before adding electrolytes,” she says, adding “as well as anyone taking medication that change the absorption of such nutrients.”
Electrolyte packets have risen in popularity in recent years, thanks to their nutritional benefits, portability and ease of use. But with most products, it’s best to do research and decipher which option is best for you.
Is it a low-sugar option? One with organic-only ingredients?
“Just because a particular supplement is being advertised or promoted in a certain way, it doesn’t mean it’s right for everyone,” says Bigos. “It’s crucial to do one’s own research, and find the best product and use case.”
How we chose
The Shop TODAY editors and writers search the internet to find the best products out there. We interview expert sources, comb through customer reviews and even use our own personal experiences to make shopping easier for our readers.
As an editorial team, we independently create content and determine coverage based on research, reporting and what we think TODAY.com readers would like to read about. The goal of our content is to provide a service and inform readers who are on the hunt for the latest products to help make their life better. Items are sold by retailer, not TODAY. Pricing and availability are accurate as of publish time.
Meet the experts
- Marley Bigos is a Barry's Instructor and a National Academy of Sport Medicine-certified nutrition coach.
- Nicole Sohayegh is a registered dietitian at New York City Nutrition.
- Taylor Thomas is the founder and head coach of Thomas Endurance Coaching. He’s a dedicated endurance athlete with over two decades of experience as a competitive athlete.
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