Sodium dose vs sugar — who actually needs them.
Glucose-sodium hydration mix (~500mg sodium) marketed on faster fluid absorption.
Low-sugar effervescent tablets (~300mg sodium) that drop into a water bottle.
Medical-grade ORS ratio (~330mg sodium) for fast rehydration with light sugar.
Endurance-focused mix with real-fruit flavor and light carbs for working sessions.
High-sodium (1000mg), zero-sugar mix built for heavy sweaters and low-carb athletes.
Zero-sugar, zero-calorie mix with a full mineral spread and natural flavors.
Usually no. For a 45-60 minute indoor session on a normal diet, salting your food and drinking to thirst is enough. Electrolyte mixes earn their place for long, hot, high-sweat, or low-carb training.
Sometimes. Many exercise cramps are neuromuscular fatigue rather than mineral loss, but for prolonged hot sessions sodium genuinely helps with fluid balance and the cramp/lightheaded cluster.
For active people who sweat a lot, replacing sodium is appropriate. If you have hypertension or kidney issues, talk to your doctor before adding a high-sodium mix to your day.