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Water is no longer the overarching term to describe what people drink. Now, there are more types of water than people can count: tap water, spring water, alkaline water, reverse osmosis water… the list goes on. Each has its own qualities that some people prefer over others. However, not all water is created equal, and some waters should not become your primary source of hydration.
Electrolyte water is water enhanced with electrolytes for added health benefits. Electrolytes are minerals that carry electrical charges that help certain bodily functions. For example, electrolytes keep you hydrated, regulate muscle contractions, regulate blood pressure, and balance your body’s pH levels. Six common electrolytes are sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, and magnesium.
Electrolyte water is full of electrolytes in order to “help improve physical performance during exercise or help rehydrate you when you’re sick, among other benefits” (1). While all water contains some electrolytes, electrolyte water packs in certain minerals. For reference, tap water contains 2-3% of your daily sodium, calcium, and magnesium. Electrolyte water, on the other hand, can contain up to 18% of your daily sodium intake.
Electrolyte water can be beneficial if consumed appropriately. This water accomplishes a goal: replenish the body of missing electrolytes. Therefore, it should only be drunk if the body is at risk of losing significant amounts of minerals. According to Dr. Zachary Sprague, “Some of the common symptoms of electrolyte imbalances include muscle twitching and muscle cramps, increased thirst, poor endurance, salt craving and irritability” (2).
These symptoms often present themselves during periods of heavy exercise, large amounts of sweating, sickness and vomiting/diarrhea, or long exposure to excessive heat. If you find yourself in any of these situations, it would be wise to drink electrolyte water to ensure your body is replenishing the lost minerals (1). Otherwise, dehydration is likely to occur.
While electrolyte water is extremely helpful if you are sick or exercising profusely, it is not intended to be consumed on the day to day. Because it contains high levels of sodium, it should only be consumed if you are performing activities where sodium is rapidly leaving your body. Otherwise, you would be consuming unnecessary amounts of sodium on the daily, which can increase your risk of heart disease and stroke (3).
Alkaline water, like electrolyte water, contains added minerals. Alkaline water is a type of water that has a higher pH than normal drinking water. It can be made through either an ionization process or by adding minerals to the water. These healthy minerals, often called “alkaline minerals,” include magnesium, potassium, sodium, and calcium. These minerals, of course, are also electrolytes.
Alkaline water–like all water–contains electrolytes. All water contains at least small amounts of electrolytes, but alkaline water contains higher amounts of electrolytes. (Note: electrolyte water contains an evenhigher amount of electrolytes.) Because of the electrolytes found in alkaline water, alkaline water can help you stay hydrated for longer periods of time. It also helps balance pH levels in the body, increase oxygen circulation, and help with acid reflux.
Unlike electrolyte water, alkaline water can be drunk as your normal drinking water. Drink alkaline water throughout the day, even when you do not feel thirsty. Oftentimes, by the time you feel thirsty, symptoms of dehydration are already taking over (2). Making a habit of drinking water throughout the day can help ward off dehydration.
Drinking alkaline water when you wake up in the morning, before meals, and before and after workouts can help ensure your body is getting enough water over the course of the day. Whenever you feel thirsty, drink water.
While both electrolyte and alkaline water contain electrolytes, they serve two different functions. Electrolyte water contains significantly more electrolytes than alkaline water, and it should be consumed in situations where a rapid loss of electrolytes is expected. Drink electrolyte water if you are sick and vomiting, outside in excessive heat, or exercising vigorously. If daily life does not include these activities, alkaline water can keep you properly hydrated and healthy. Alkaline water also contains healthy minerals that can provide you with additional health benefits without having to consume large amounts of electrolytes.
Is alkaline water the same as electrolyte water?
No. While both waters contain electrolytes, electrolyte water contains more electrolytes than alkaline water.
Is it safe to drink electrolyte water daily?
Electrolyte water should only be drunk daily if you are daily in one of the following situations: ill with vomiting or diarrhea, exercising intensely, sweating profusely, or in severe heat. These or any situations where electrolytes are lost rapidly are appropriate times to be drinking electrolyte water.
Is alkaline water the healthiest water to drink?
Alkaline water contains health minerals that can cause positive health effects. Different types of water fit different “health” needs, but alkaline water has been cited to increase hydration, aid in weight loss, and help the digestive system.
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