IIN has always emphasized the power of food to heal and transform lives. We’ve gone over foods that boost collagen naturally, foods that fight inflammation, and even foods that look like the body part they heal – so why stop there? We're keeping this food train running with some foods that will help you stay hydrated and energized while you work out, work from home, or work through a bit of a hangover.
Many of us may have first heard the word 'electrolytes' from all of those Gatorade commercials (or maybe that's just us), but electrolytes aren't just a buzzword for athletes. According to the Cleveland Clinic, electrolytes are defined as "substances that have a natural positive or negative electrical charge when dissolved in water, and help your body regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells, and more."
In short, these tiny minerals work wonders for our bodies! They keep us hydrated, regulate our fluid levels, help the transmission of nerve signals, help muscle function, and keep our bodies in top shape.
It's important to note just how important having electrolytes in your system is, as well. Without proper electrolyte amounts and/or hydration, you can get muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and more. That's why it's so important to ensure that you incorporate high-electrolyte foods into your body.
We're here to help you reach that goal with 12 high-electrolyte foods to keep you hydrated and energized!
We know that too much salt can be dehydrating and unhealthy, but that doesn't mean salt doesn't have its benefits! It's a complex mineral, after all. Sea salt is packed with electrolytes like magnesium, potassium, sodium, and even calcium. Sprinkling a bit of sea salt into your water has been shown to help replenish electrolytes lost during exercise or sweating.
When life gives you lemons, replenish your electrolytes with them! Lemon juice is very high in magnesium and potassium, which will give you quite the electrolyte boost if you squeeze some into your water or over some salmon.
This one is a little tricky because it is actually the brine that pickles are in that provides you with the most electrolytes through its sodium and vinegar content. We're not suggesting you start chugging pickle brine – the pickles have absorbed enough to have an impact. But a pickle or two a day can really help your body out!
Salmon is the superhero of seafood, in our opinion. Almost everything in salmon is good for you, from the skin to the meat! By eating wild salmon, you'll not only give your body a boost of omega-3 acids and protein, but you'll also be getting electrolytes through potassium and magnesium intake.
Next time you open up some yogurt for breakfast on-the-go, remember how much it's helping your body function! Greek yogurt is filled with probiotics that help your gut, as well as potassium, magnesium, and calcium.
Read More: 11 Probiotic Rich Foods for Better Digestive Health
Hold on a second before you peel that potato – the skin is rich in potassium! In fact, even a small to medium-sized potato can give you a pretty big chunk of your suggested daily potassium intake, so maybe try mashed potatoes with the skin on next time you make them.
'White beans' is a bit of an umbrella term. We're really referring to navy beans (also called pea beans), great northern beans, cannellini beans (also called white kidney beans), and baby lima beans (also called butterbeans), all of which provide ample amounts of potassium and magnesium. Help your muscles by incorporating these tasty beans into a soup, salad, or chili!
The name watermelon should give away just how hydrating this delicious fruit can be. Not only is it filled with liquid, but it is packed with magnesium and potassium. The perfect addition to a poolside afternoon, a post-workout, or a hot day.
Love them or hate them, olives provide us with both sodium and a healthy source of fat! This martini accessory/pizza topping/salty snack works well to boost sodium levels. Just make sure you don't eat too many – too much sodium can be harmful.
IIN's favorite fruit is back! (Why do we feel like this fruit makes every healthy food list we've written?) The benefits of this green fruit know no bounds. Avocados are loaded with potassium and magnesium, both of which are essential for muscle and nerve function.
If coconut water had a tagline, it would be "nature's sports drink". It’s super high in potassium, magnesium, and sodium, making it one of the best natural beverages to restore electrolytes (see? nature's sports drink!)
The king of potassium has arrived! Bananas are famous for being super rich in potassium, super portable, and super delicious. They can be digested easily, help to prevent cramps, and support muscle function!
Eager to learn more? Try out a Sample Class for the Health Coach Training Program and discover how to optimize your health from the inside out!