About HyLytes

Electrolytes…What are they, and why do I need them?
(click here for printable PDF)

It is a funny thing…Everyone knows they need electrolytes, but no one knows what they are.  Electrolytes affect both physical and mental performance; they help ensure proper hydration, and the ability to play your best.

Simply put…Electrolytes are minerals and have two main functions in your body.  They are essential for the transmission of electrical impulses and the regulation of body fluids.
1) Transmission of electrical impulses…Electrolytes are like mini-motors in your body.  They make sure you nerves are functioning properly, ensuring your muscles (and body) do what you want when you want it; and

2) Regulation of body fluids…Electrolytes facilitate fluid absorption and ensure that the water you drink gets out of your stomach and into your body to your muscles, nerves, heart and brain (kind of like shuttling the water to your muscles and organs).  If you have ever felt bloated from drinking a lot of fluids, it was likely due to lack of electrolytes.  It doesn’t happen in the beginning of a workout or game, but in the 2nd half when you have depleted your existing electrolytes through sweat, burning calories and drinking fluids. 

Electrolytes are minerals that form electrically charged particles (ions) in body fluids. These ions carry the electrical energy necessary for many functions, including nerve impulse transmission and muscle contractions. In simple terms, most normal bodily functions are dependent on electrolytes; and in your case, optimal physical performance requires a consistent and adequate supply of these important nutrients.  Electrolytes in HYLYTES include:  sodium, chloride, calcium, potassium, and magnesium.

HYLYTES vs. Sports Drinks
Would you ever put your team on the field (or court) one player short?  The answer is obviously NO.  Don’t deprive your body of the critical electrolytes it needs to perform.  Don’t settle for a sports drink that has too few electrolytes and too much sugar.  Proper functioning of the muscular, digestive, nervous and cardiac systems require adequate levels of electrolytes. Balanced electrolyte replenishment is vital and, with water, will prevent dehydration, delay, if not prevent, fatigue and help maintain strength and focus.

Electrolytes and Sports
During competition consistent replenishment of electrolytes is as important as the food you eat and the water you drink. Normal body functions, as well as your performance, will be severely compromised if adequate levels of electrolytes are not present, especially in the heat.  The bottom line is this…the hotter it is the more you sweat à the more you sweat the more water you drink à the more water you drink the more electrolytes you need.

Ideally, you want your body to perform smoothly, without interruption or compromise. Just as you don't wait until you're dehydrated before you replenish fluids or calories, you never want to wait until your muscles cramp before replenishing electrolytes. The goal in replenishing electrolytes is to maintain specific bodily functions at optimal levels. Many athletes neglect consistent electrolyte replenishment because they've never experienced muscle cramps or they just don't realize the benefits. Even if you've been fortunate enough to have never suffered painful, debilitating muscle cramps, you still need to provide your body with a consistent and adequate supply of electrolytes if you want to play your best. Balanced electrolyte replenishment, like those contained in HYLYTES, will help:

 Electrolyte Depletion and Replenishment
Remember, we are not all built the same way; therefore electrolyte expenditure varies between individuals. Your specific electrolyte requirements will not only differ from your teammates, but can also change depending on your fitness level, climate and the rigors of your sport. In addition, electrolyte needs can vary several hundred percent depending on heat levels, as opposed to caloric intake which typically fluctuates by only 25-50% and fluid intake which fluctuates by only 20-30%.

The body has a complex way of monitoring and maintaining proper electrolyte levels. Since individual sweat-loss varies greatly during exercise and competition, the body cannot efficiently replace what it expends (electrolytes lost cannot be replaced by electrolytes ingested) until after your game.

During exercise the body replaces only 35-45% of what it loses, and this is true for fluids, calories and electrolytes. If electrolytes are depleted, it does not mean that you should indiscriminately ingest copious amounts of one or more electrolytes. If you try to replace, in equal amounts, all the electrolytes lost, a number of hormonal triggers may create problems, such as gastric distress, edema, muscle spasms and cramps. Consuming too much of one or more electrolytic minerals overrides body mechanisms that regulate proper electrolyte balance, as does supplementing with only one electrolyte (sodium is usually the most misused). Some experts say, "Give your body 35-45%, even though it cries aloud for 110%." In other words, the solution is to provide your body with a balanced blend of important electrolytes in a dose that cooperates with and enhances body mechanisms.

Lastly, a blended (and complete) electrolyte solution addresses the functions of a variety of minerals and prevents the negative effects of mineral deficiencies. For example, a deficiency in calcium can lead to achy joints, heart palpitations, nervousness and hypertension. A deficiency in potassium will manifest itself in muscular fatigue, diminished reflex function, muscle cramps, fluctuations in heartbeat, headaches and edema. Magnesium deficiency can cause insomnia, chronic fatigue, poor digestion and irritability. A lack of manganese can result in excess perspiration, rapid pulse and hypertension. In other words, it is important to make sure your electrolyte needs are met to help avoid any potential problems.

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