Take the test: Do I need electrolytes?

Ever wonder why you feel depleted despite staying hydrated after a workout or a day at work? You might need to check your electrolyte balance.

We’ve formulated this helpful self-test so you know where you stand with your electrolytes. Why? Because electrolytes are essential for maintaining many processes in the body. It's an area of nutrition not to be overlooked, especially if you are regularly physically active. On an active day, even non-athletes can lose up to 11% of their total electrolytes through sweat. Don’t wait until you feel the effects of an imbalance – learn if you might need extra electrolytes by taking our simple test, whether you consider yourself athletic or not.

On a basic level, electrolytes like potassium, sodium, chloride, and magnesium are mineral salts that can conduct electricity when dissolved in water. Think of them like the body’s own secret agents helping with nerve signals, muscle action and hydration, whilst regulating pH levels.

With popularity building beyond the fitness world, electrolytes are a favourite in the wellness community for many reasons. Sweating in a sauna leads to a substantial loss of fluids,

restoring electrolytes can ensure proper distribution of fluids across different body tissues and cells. We also love the purity of filtered water , yet it often has a lower mineral content, making electrolyte supplementation a great choice for filter users. The list goes on, so how will you score in our test?

Question 1: Do you feel thirsty even if you’re drinking adequate amounts of water?  (1/6)

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

Since one of the main functions of electrolytes is to help your body retain and maintain hydration , without them you may notice thirst no matter how much you drink. For this reason, unexplained thirst may indicate an electrolyte imbalance.

Question 2: Do you suffer from cramps or twitches?  (2/6)

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

Minerals including potassium, calcium and magnesium are essential for muscle contraction and proper muscle functioning. Therefore, muscle cramps and twitches are common signs of electrolyte deficiencies.

Question 3: Do you exercise more than three times per week?  (3/6)

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

If you exercise regularly, especially in hot conditions, you might need electrolyte replenishment . Athletes can lose up to 12% of their body weight through sweat, drastically affecting performance and electrolyte balance. 

Question 4: Do you sweat or use a sauna more than once a week? (4/6) 

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

If you sweat a lot due to regular workouts or sauna use, you may need to watch out for electrolyte depletion. Studies have shown those working in hot climates , along with sauna users, are at a higher risk of imbalanced electrolytes.

Question 5: Do you filter your tap water?  (5/6) 

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

Using a water filter is a great way to reduce toxins entering your body, yet it has its downfalls as it strips away essential minerals in tap water. Luckily, this can be rectified with electrolyte supplementation.

Question 6: Do you drink alcohol?  (6/6) 

Yes / No

Yes: Please consider electrolyte supplementation

It’s no secret that alcohol consumption leads to dehydration, it also leads to electrolyte losses, particularly of potassium and magnesium. If you like to drink on a regular basis, you should consider the use of electrolyte supplements to counterbalance these losses