The 8 Best Electrolytes For Athletes

ByMacy Michelle

Are you looking for the best electrolytes for athletes? Keep reading to learn about the best electrolyte drinks!

best electrolytes for athletes

What are the best electrolytes for athletes? You might be wondering what electrolytes are the most effective, how to choose an electrolyte and how to know if you really need an electrolyte supplement.

In this article we will help you get to the bottom of all of your questions and help you choose the best electrolyte drink for you. Keep reading to learn more!

The 8 Top Electrolytes For Athletes

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium and magnesium.

If you practice intermittent fasting, you may also want to explore our guide to the best electrolytes for fasting.

Reviews Of The Best Electrolytes For Athletes

Redmond Re-Lyte – Best Overall

Redmond Re-Lyte is an electrolyte mix that contains the cleanest ingredients. Re-Lyte has no junk, no sugar, is keto and paleo-friendly and vegan-friendly.

Redmond Re-Lyte comes in 7 amazing flavors: lemon lime, mango, pina colada, mixed berry, strawberry lemonade, unflavored and watermelon lime.

Redmond Re-Lyte contains 0 grams of carbohydrates and no sugar. Additionally, Re-Lyte uses Real Salt brand unrefined sea salt with its 60+ trace minerals and amazing flavor.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 60 servings
  • 2:1 sodium:potassium ratio
  • Keto, Paleo and Vegan Friendly
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LMNT – Best Individual Stick Packs

LMNT is an electrolyte drink mix that was made to help anyone with their electrolyte needs and is keto, low-carb, and paleo approved. This electrolyte mix has no sugar, no gluten, no crappy ingredients.

According to LMNT, their electrolyte supplement fights against fatigue to keep energy levels high. LMNT comes in a variety of tasty flavors!

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 30 servings
  • Keto, Paleo and Low Carb Approved
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Quinton Isotonic – Best Bioavailable Electrolyte

This liquid mineral electrolyte contains trace minerals and raw unheated ocean minerals. Quinton Isotonic contains up to 78 bioavailable ionic minerals. You can assist in replenishing your cells with the same highly bioavailable mineral-rich bath that nourished life on earth for millions of years. This seawater supplement contains naturally-occurring electrolytes, giving you complete hydration.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 30 servings
  • Contains up to 78 Bioavailable Ionic Minerals
  • Contains no GMOs, gluten-free and vegan
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ConcenTrace Trace Minerals Drops – Best Liquid Electrolyte Drops

ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops contain over 72 high absorption ionic trace minerals. This mineral complex was created to help with energy balance, hydration and for electrolyte balance.

Farming practices have changed a lot. Today, the soil where your food is grown has less than half of the mineral content they did just 30 years ago. In turn, this has created a widespread mineral deficiency that impacts more than half of all Americans. Luckily, this can be resolved by adding ConcenTrace Mineral Drops to your routine. This supplement helps to provide necessary minerals and balance your electrolytes at the same time.

ConcenTrace Trace Mineral Drops are all natural and contain no added preservatives, flavors, or sweeteners. To consume, you can add these mineral drops to juice, water or food.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings:
  • Contains over 72 high absorption ionic trace minerals
  • Gluten-free, contains no GMOs, certified vegan
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee
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Key Nutrients Electrolyte Powder – Best Electrolyte Made In The USA

Key Nutrients Electrolyte Powder is made in the USA and is a veteran-owned business. This electrolyte powder is keto-friendly, vegan, non-GMO, gluten-free, sugar-free and contains no carbs.

Key Nutrients Electrolyte Powder is made with 6 key electrolytes and 12 additional vitamins. This supplement comes in 6 flavors: peach mango, cherry pom, lemonade, orange, pink lemonade and watermelon.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 90 servings per container
  • 0 grams of carbs per serving
  • Contains no sugar, no carbs and is friendly
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Hi-Lyte Electrolyte Concentrate – Best Liquid Electrolytes

Hi-Lyte Electrolyte Concentrate is a great liquid electrolyte option.

This electrolyte concentrate is unflavored and adds a salty taste when mixed with water. If you would prefer, you can add to juice, smoothies or add fruit to your water to mask the mineral taste. Additionally, this supplement contains natural ionic sea minerals that are easily absorbed by your body.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 48 servings per bottle
  • 0 grams of carbs per serving
  • No calories, no sugar, Keto-friendly
  • 100% money back guarantee
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GOODONYA Hydrate – Best Electrolyte Made From Real Food

GOODONYA Hydrate is made of just 6 real food ingredients. Additionally, this electrolyte supplement was designed to be consumed daily!

GOODONYA Hydrate is gluten-free, soy-free and dairy-free. It is also vegan, keto, paleo, non-GMO and USDA organic. This product is made with organic lemon, organic coconut, organic stevia, Himalayan pink salt, magnesium sea minerals and vitamin C.

GOODONYA Hydrate is great for athletes who prefer an electrolyte supplement that they can consume daily and that is made with real ingredients.

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 20 servings
  • Made with just 6 real food ingredients
  • Works with all diets and lifestyles
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Sea Salt – Most Cost Effective Electrolyte

Sea salt is high in magnesium, potassium, calcium, and sodium. Add some sea salt to your water for a simple, natural electrolyte drink.

This sea salt is unrefined, unprocessed and has no additives. Additionally, Redmonds real salt is the only pink sea salt mined in America and has been since 1958.

To make your own electrolyte drink with sea salt, you can simply add sea salt to water. Mix 8 ounces of water with 1/8 – 1/4 teaspoon of salt.

You can also DIY a homemade electrolyte drink with water, salt, lemon and a little local honey. Add all ingredients to a mason jar and shake!

DIY Homemade Electrolyte Drink

  • 1.5-2 cups water
  • Juice of ½ lemon
  • 1/8 to 1/4 tsp sea salt
  • 2 tsp raw local honey 

Quick Look

  • Number Of Servings: 16 oz bag, number of servings depends on usage
  • Unrefined, unprocessed and ancient sea salt with trace minerals and no additives
  • Recommended by doctors and health professionals for its unique blend of trace minerals
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What To Look For When Choosing Electrolytes

When looking for an electrolyte to use during as an athlete, follow these tips:

  • No added sugar
  • Contains no added ingredients (it should contain just simple ingredients like water and minerals)
  • No flavors, no artificial colors/dyes

What Electrolytes To Avoid As An Athlete

Avoid any electrolytes that contain added sugar, artificial colors and dyes and artificial flavors. Here are some electrolytes to avoid:

  • Gatorade
  • Powerade
  • Liquid IV
  • Pedialyte
  • Sports drinks

Benefits of Electrolytes

Electrolytes can be very beneficial, especially for athletes! Here are some of the benefits of using electrolytes:

  • More energy
  • Improved exercise performance
  • Prevents muscle cramps
  • Prevents headaches

How Do You Know If You Need Electrolytes As An Athlete

Most normal people do not need electrolytes. However, as an athlete, you may benefit from electrolytes if you are frequently pushing through tough workouts.

Here is how to know you need electrolytes:

  • Your body is cramping up
  • You are feeling very sluggish
  • You’re performing poorly

Frequently Asked Questions

What do athletes drink for electrolytes?

Many athletes choose to drink electrolytes that can be mixed into water or bottled sports drinks. There are many types of electrolyte drinks depending on the athlete’s diet, flavor preferences and form of electrolyte.

What is the best thing to drink to replace electrolytes?

To replace electrolytes, the best thing to drink is an electrolyte supplement. Electrolyte supplements come in tabs, powder and liquid forms. You can also replenish electrolytes with sea salt, coconut water and through food.

Should athletes take electrolytes?

Yes, athletes should take electrolytes. Most athletes workout for longer durations and more intensely than the average person. This means that they are losing more electrolytes via sweat and need to focus on replenishing.

Bottom Line

After reading this article, you should now understand what electrolytes are, how they work and how to choose an electrolyte that will benefit you as an athlete.