The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Electrolytes Tablets: 3 Best Brands
By: Beth Rush
Managing Editor at Body+Mind
You've finished your workout on a hot summer day, or maybe you're getting home from late-night drinks with friends — now your body is craving hydration to boost recovery. Electrolytes tablets should be a staple in your daily supplement routine. Yet, how do you know which to take with so many options available?
Educating yourself on what electrolytes do for your body, the different forms you can take, and the ingredients you should look for is essential. For many people, tablets deliver the best outcomes. Cut through the noise and get to the basics to decide which electrolyte tablets to buy.
What Are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals found in bodily fluids such as blood, urine and sweat. When dissolved in water, they create an electric charge critical to maintaining overall health and well-being.¹ Each mineral found in electrolytes has specific processes, collectively improving and maintaining the body's proper functioning.
People often experience an imbalance of electrolytes when they excrete sweat, vomit or have diarrhea. If they don't replenish them, they might become dehydrated and not feel well.
You can ensure a healthy dose of electrolytes by eating a well-balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables and whole grains. However, some people need to supplement with electrolyte-rich products.
Types of Electrolyte Supplements
Electrolyte supplements are available in powders, liquids and tablets, each offering different benefits and convenience. Powders are most versatile, allowing you to mix them in beverages or food. However, they may have a strange aftertaste or chalky consistency.
Liquid electrolytes are pre-mixed beverages you can drink on the run. Like powder mixes, they can also leave a strange flavor or texture behind.
Many people prefer taking electrolytes tablets or capsules since you can get them unflavored at an affordable price. They are also easy to transport in a purse or wallet and come in the correct dosage. Ultimately, the best option for electrolyte supplementation is whatever fits your preferences and lifestyle.
Health Benefits of Electrolytes Tablets
The health benefits of electrolytes tablets are difficult to overlook, especially for those with active lifestyles. Here are four reasons why you should supplement with electrolytes for optimal health and well-being.
Here's The Health Benefits of Electrolytes Tablets:
1. Hydration
Active people can lose 2 quarts of fluid and salt every hour they exert energy, such as by working out.² More rigorous activities like running and incline hiking could result in losing 3 quarts hourly.
Dehydration may negatively affect your speed, athletic performance, cramping, breathing, and mood. Electrolytes help rehydrate your body and replenish it with salt so you can hit the ground running again.
2. Muscle and Nerve Function
Electrolyte ingredients like potassium, magnesium and calcium create an electric charge within cells, prompting muscle contractions and nerve impulse transmissions for better functioning.³ The sodium in electrolytes also helps regulate fluids around cell membranes, creating a better muscle and nerve environment.
For this reason, people with injuries can significantly benefit from electrolytes. For instance, you might tear your Achilles tendon by putting too much pressure on the tendons, causing painful swelling in the calf muscles.⁴ Taking electrolyte tablets, resting your leg and doing gentle stretching can aid your recovery.
3. Cardiovascular Health
Although the benefits of sodium intake for cardiovascular disease is a well-researched correlation, it remains a hotly debated topic. Nevertheless, electrolytes containing an adequate sodium concentration may benefit heart health.
One study found positive cardiovascular outcomes and lower mortality rates from taking electrolytes with a diet of 2-3 grams of sodium and 3.5 grams of potassium daily.⁵
In another study, participants saw a 1.21-4.14 decrease in systolic blood pressure after taking electrolytes.⁶ While this is excellent news for people at higher risk of cardiovascular disease, it is best to inquire with your doctor first before taking them.
4. Immune Function
Vomiting, diarrhea, and avoiding eating and drinking with a stomach bug could cause dehydration. Unfortunately, your intestines may then struggle to fight your ailments and recover.7 Boosting hydration by taking electrolyte tablets can lessen your symptoms and help your digestion.
Overall, taking electrolytes will likely boost your immunity. According to one study, electrolytes improved immune function in COVID-19 patients by replenishing vitamins A, B, C, D and E, magnesium, iron and zinc, among others.⁸
Electrolytes also reduced the severity of the pathogen and decreased mortality rates. The study highlighted the importance of taking medication with trace electrolytes for shorter hospitalizations and faster recovery.
Key Ingredients: What’s in an Electrolyte?
Certain minerals aid bodily hydration and acidity for proper bodily processes.⁹
When searching for the best electrolyte tablets, ensure they include the following ingredients:
- Sodium
- Magnesium
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Potassium
- Phosphate
Many electrolyte products contain high quantities of sugar, so people often prefer tablets. For example, a 20-ounce bottle of Gatorade's Original Thirst Quencher contains 36 grams of sugar, which may cause weight gain and obesity if taken casually.¹⁰
Other sports drinks and energy drinks can increase your risk of diabetes and kidney dysfunction when consumed in excess.¹¹ Always read nutrition labels and look for sugar-free alternatives.
How to Tell if You Have an Electrolyte Imbalance
A severe electrolyte imbalance could be life-threatening if left unaddressed. Although you might not notice a mild electrolyte imbalance, more serious symptoms could include the following:¹²
- Dry mouth and thirst
- Agitation
- Fatigue
- Heart palpitations
- Constipation
- Nausea and vomiting
- Muscle weakness
- High or low blood pressure
- Spasming
Not everyone experiences the same symptoms or severity when they're low on electrolytes. However, it is essential to seek medical care if you feel unwell.
If you assume you might have an imbalance, your doctor can give you a blood or urine test. A blood test, in particular, measures mineral concentrations in your bloodstream. Meanwhile, a urine test might indicate whether kidney dysfunction is causing lower electrolyte levels.
3 Best Electrolytes Tablets
We’ve explored the three best electrolytes tablets available on the market: Zaca Chewable Tablets, Nuun Hydration Tablets, and SiS Hydro Tablets. Each of these products offers unique benefits that cater to different needs and preferences.
Here's 3 Best Electrolytes Tablets:
1. Zaca Chewable Tablets
Zaca Chewable Tablets stand out for their unique, powerful formulation and convenient ease-of-use. Made as a chewable tablet to eat, these are specifically designed for rapid absorption making them an excellent choice for on-the-go hydration.
Key Benefits of Zaca Chewable Tablets:
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Rapid Absorption: The chewable format ensures that the electrolytes are quickly absorbed into the bloodstream, providing fast relief from dehydration.
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Convenience: No need for water or mixing; simply chew and go.
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Powered by Glutamine: Uniquely formulated with a dipeptide of l-glutamine that supports water absorption.
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Great Taste: Available in a refreshing mixed berry that has some of the highest flavor reviews.
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Zero Sugar: Made with xylitol and stevia, each chewable has no sugar to give you healthier hydration.
Zaca chewables are ideal for individuals who need quick and effective hydration, such as athletes, travelers, and anyone with an active lifestyle.
2. Nuun Hydration Tablets
Nuun Hydration Tablets are a popular choice as an effervescent tablet designed to dissolve in water, creating a flavorful and hydrating drink.
Key Benefits of Nuun Hydration Tablets:
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Electrolyte Balance: Nuun tablets provide a balanced mix of electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium, to support optimal hydration.
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Low in Sugar: With only 1 gram of sugar per serving, while Zaca has zero sugar content, Nuun offers lower sugar than most other alternatives.
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Variety of Flavors: Available in a wide range of flavors, including lemon-lime, tri-berry, and citrus fruit, to suit different taste preferences.
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Enhanced Formulas: Nuun offers specialized formulas, such as Nuun Sport, Nuun Immunity, and Nuun Rest, catering to specific hydration needs.
With the variety of flavors and specialized formulas, Nuun Hydration Tablets make it easy to find the perfect fit for your hydration needs.
3. SiS Hydro Tablets
SiS Hydro Tablets provide a precise balance of electrolytes to support prolonged physical exertion and performance.
Key Benefits of SiS Hydro Tablets:
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Optimized Electrolyte Content: SiS Hydro Tablets contain 360mg of sodium per tablet, which is essential for maintaining electrolyte balance during intense exercise.
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Low Calorie: Each tablet contains less than 7 calories, making them an excellent choice for those who are mindful of their caloric intake.
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Scientifically Formulated: Developed by sports scientists to ensure optimal hydration and performance.
SiS Hydro Tablets are ideal for their precise formulation that ensures athletes stay hydrated and perform at their best.
Zaca Chewable Tablets, Nuun Hydration Tablets, and SiS Hydro Tablets are among the best options available when it comes to electrolytes tablets.
Fuel Your Body With The Best Hydration Tablets
Bounce back from an active lifestyle, cocktails with friends or long flights with Zaca's chewables. Just two tablets deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and flavonoids for powerful hydration and recovery. Experience the benefits of fast-acting hydration on the go. Zaca is easy to carry and even easier to consume, no need for water or mixing – just pop a chewable in your mouth and enjoy instant refreshment. Try Zaca’s chewable supplement today and your body will thank you!
SOURCES:
1. Electrolytes
https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diagnostics/21790-electrolytes
2. Sports and Hydration for Athletes: Q&A with a Dietitian
https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/nutrition-and-fitness/sports-and-hydration-for-athletes
3. Electrolytes
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/#:~:text=Electrolytes%20are%20essential%20for%20basic,calcium%2C%20phosphate%2C%20and%20bicarbonates.
4. Planning A Hike? How To Avoid Common Injuries
https://fasafw.com/blog/planning-a-hike-how-to-avoid-common-injuries/
5. Electrolytes and Cardiovascular Disease Risk
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7692015/
6. The contribution of sodium reduction and potassium increase to the blood pressure lowering observed in the Salt Substitute and Stroke Study
https://www.nature.com/articles/s41371-024-00896-4
7. What To Eat When You Have A Stomach Bug
https://bodymind.com/what-to-eat-when-you-have-a-stomach-bug/
8. A Review on the Serum Electrolytes and Trace Elements Role in the Pathophysiology of COVID-19
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7478435/
9. What are electrolyte drinks and how to make them
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/electrolytes-drinks
10. Gatorade Nutrition Facts: Is It Bad for You?
https://www.verywellfit.com/is-gatorade-good-or-bad-for-you-4177592
11. Natural Remedies for Leg Cramps You Should Try at Home
https://bodymind.com/8-natural-remedies-for-leg-cramps-you-should-try-at-home/
12. All About Electrolyte Imbalance
https://www.healthline.com/health/electrolyte-disorders
