Electrolyte powders have become a popular daily wellness ritual, but experts say that whole foods can provide the necessary minerals for a healthy balance. According to Collin Popp, Ph.D., a dietitian and professor at the NYU Grossman School of Medicine, electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electrical charge and help maintain homeostasis in the body.

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes regulate fluid balance, support muscle contraction and nerve signaling, stabilize heart rhythm, and help maintain a healthy blood pressure and pH. The main electrolytes are sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, chloride, and phosphate.

A healthy, balanced diet can provide adequate levels of these minerals. Foods rich in electrolytes include apricots, potatoes, lentils, bananas, and avocados for potassium; pumpkin seeds, quinoa, almonds, and chia seeds for magnesium; and yogurt, mozzarella cheese, sardines, cottage cheese, and tofu for calcium.

Benefits of Whole Foods

Relying on whole foods for electrolytes has several benefits, including a broader array of nutrients, such as protein, fiber, healthy fats, and essential vitamins. Additionally, consuming electrolytes from food is highly unlikely to result in toxicity, unlike taking supplements.

Experts recommend limiting sodium intake to less than 2,300 milligrams per day and replenishing sodium chloride by sprinkling salt onto whole foods. Olives, pickles, and kimchi are also good sources of sodium.

Original reporting: Dallas TX News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.