We’ve all heard the classic advice: drink more water. And yes - hydration is essential for energy, digestion, mood, and healthy skin. Yet here’s the part that’s often overlooked: you need more than just water to truly stay hydrated.

Enter electrolytes - the unsung heroes of hydration. These essential minerals don’t just help your body retain water, they also support nerve function, muscle movement, and hormone regulation. And as you move through your 40s and 50s, understanding how to properly hydrate becomes even more important.

Let’s bust some common electrolyte myths and explore why these little minerals play such a big role in how you feel every day.

Myth #1: “If I’m drinking enough water, I’m hydrated.”

Truth: Drinking water alone isn’t enough. Without the right balance of electrolytes - like sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and trace minerals - your body can’t absorb or use that water efficiently. In fact, over hydration without electrolytes can lead to mineral imbalances, leaving you feeling bloated, fatigued, or even dizzy (1).

Myth #2: “Electrolytes are only for athletes.”

Truth: You don’t need to run marathons to require electrolytes. Everyday activities like sweating, drinking caffeine or alcohol, experiencing stress, or taking certain medications (including diuretics or hormone therapy) can vastly deplete your electrolyte stores. And for women navigating perimenopause or menopause - hello, hot flashes and night sweats - this mineral loss becomes even more pronounced.

Myth #3: “Sports drinks are the best source of electrolytes.”

Truth: Most sports drinks are loaded with added sugars, artificial colours, and preservatives - as well as offering way too much sodium in comparison to other minerals. They might replace some electrolytes, but they often spike blood sugar and cause more harm than good. A better option? Mineral-rich coconut water, a pinch of Celtic sea salt in your water, or high-quality electrolyte powder made with real ingredients are far better options for healthy, sustained hydration.

So, What Does Support Real Hydration?

To hydrate effectively - especially after 40 - you need to combine water with essential minerals. Here’s how to naturally support electrolyte balance:

• Add Celtic sea salt (and lemon if desired) to your morning water to replenish sodium and support adrenal function
  

• Eat potassium-rich foods like bananas, leafy greens, avocados, and sweet potatoes
  

• Include magnesium from almonds, dark chocolate, pumpkin seeds, or a high-quality supplement
  

• Drink coconut water or bone broth, both naturally rich in electrolytes
  

• Try a clean electrolyte powder look for sugar-free, dye-free options with a balanced mineral blend
  
  

Final Thoughts

True hydration goes beyond your water bottle. It’s about nourishing your body with the minerals it needs to function, flow, and feel good - especially during the hormonal shifts that happen after 40. By busting these hydration myths and embracing electrolyte-rich habits, you’ll support your energy, mood, skin, and overall wellness in a whole new way.

Remember, wellness isn’t just about what you take out - it’s also about what you put in.

References:

1. Harvard Health Publishing. (2020). The importance of hydration—and why water alone isn't enough.
   

2. National Institutes of Health (NIH). (2021). Dietary Reference Intakes for Sodium, Potassium, Magnesium, and Calcium.
   

3. Journal of Women’s Health. (2015). Hydration and electrolyte balance during menopause: An overlooked factor in fatigue and mood shifts?