Electrolytes: Do You Need Them?

Plus how to use mint this summer - including a recipe!

Happy Wednesday! Today, we're taking a deeper look into supplemental electrolytes. Seemingly everywhere, it can be confusing to know what they are and why you may need them. Read on for our takes and easy ways to naturally boost your electrolytes through diet.

Dr. Weil also shares his insights on mint - including the differences between peppermint and spearmint, their medical applications, a look at the mint in his garden and a recipe. Enjoy!

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Supplemental Electrolytes

Dr. Weil's Take:

The market for supplemental electrolytes has exploded in recent years, with claims ranging from improved hydration to enhanced cognitive function. But how much of this is grounded in real evidence, and how much is just marketing?

Electrolytes - primarily sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium - are indeed essential to health. They regulate nerve and muscle function, fluid balance, and pH levels. There is good evidence that during prolonged, intense exercise, especially in hot conditions, electrolyte losses through sweat can be significant. In these cases, replenishment may improve endurance and recovery. But for the average person doing a 30-minute workout or brisk walk? Plain water is likely more than sufficient.