Traveling… Running a marathon… Sweating on a hot summer day… All of these activities can lead to an electrolyte imbalance in your body. You might notice this imbalance and you might not – but the important thing is that you fix it before it becomes a problem. The best way to do that is to consume the electrolytes you’re missing and rehydrate your body. If you’re wondering how to get electrolytes, we’re sharing nine ways you can replenish these important nutrients!

What causes electrolyte imbalance?

Electrolyte imbalances occur when there’s too little water in the body or too much water in the body. Common causes of electrolyte imbalances include:

How to know if you have an electrolyte imbalance

The most common sign of an electrolyte imbalance is feeling thirsty. Other signs of electrolyte imbalance may be more serious or even severe.

Signs of electrolyte imbalance include:

These may also be signs of other issues. It is essential to seek medical care from a professional such as your personal healthcare practitioner if you are concerned about persistent and frequent signs of electrolyte imbalance.

woman tired after working out

How to fix an electrolyte imbalance

How to get electrolytes depends on what electrolytes you need. The most common electrolytes you need are: sodium, calcium, chloride, phosphate, magnesium, and bicarbonate. By increasing your intake of certain foods and fluids, you can amp up your body’s hydration and support your muscles, fluid balance, nerve function, and more. Here are nine ways you can increase your electrolyte intake and resolve imbalance.

#1 Leafy green vegetables

It’s no surprise that leafy green vegetables contain electrolytes. They’re one of the most nutritious foods on the planet and contain electrolytes such as magnesium and calcium. For example, spinach, collard greens, kale, and mustard greens are high in magnesium. Collard greens, okra, bok choy, beet greens, swiss chard, kale, and spinach are high in calcium. These greens also contain potassium and other vitamins and minerals.

Some leafy greens have higher amounts of electrolytes when they are cooked. For example, when spinach is cooked, it has more than 800 mg of potassium per cup.

leafy green vegetable juice

#2 Sweet potatoes

Sweet potatoes are high in potassium and also contain sodium. This is one reason they are a top food choice for bodybuilders and other athletes!

cooked sweet potatoes

#3 Avocados

Did you know that one avocado contains 975 mg of potassium? This makes them an excellent source of electrolytes – not to mention they’re abundant in healthy fats. Avocados are also low in sodium, so if you’re watching your intake, you can still get electrolytes.

woman eating avocado

#4 Beans and lentils

Depending on what type you’re eating, beans and lentils contain several electrolytes.

cooked beans

#5 Bananas

Bananas are probably the most famous source of electrolytes. If you’ve ever had a leg cramp, you’ve probably been told to eat a banana. That’s because bananas are very high in potassium. Just one banana contains 422 mg!

eating a banana after a workout

#6 Pickles

Here’s a secret many runners swear by: Got leg cramps? Drink pickle juice! The reason for this is because pickle juice contains electrolytes that rehydrate your body after strenuous exercise. Pickles are high in sodium and also contain some potassium and magnesium.

woman eating a pickle

#7 Electrolyte tablets

In recent years, electrolyte tablets have become a popular way to receive electrolytes. Some flavored, some contain stimulants like caffeine for an extra jolt of energy, some dissolve in water, and some are capsules you swallow. Like anything else, it’s essential to read the label to learn what these tablets contain.

electrolyte tablets

#8 Supplements

Potassium, calcium, magnesium, and other electrolytes are all available as individual nutritional supplements. You can also find these electrolytes in many multivitamins.

woman taking vitamins

#9 Teami Hydrate Electrolyte Super Mix

Similar to electrolyte tablets, electrolyte powders are designed to help you fix an electrolyte balance by stirring the powder into water, juice, or a smoothie. Like electrolyte tablets, it is important to read the label to make sure you’re receiving a clean source of electrolytes, like Teami Hydrate Electrolyte Super Mix!

Teami Hydrate contains five vital electrolytes in one scoop:

Plus, it’s gluten-free, non-GMO, vegan, soy, and dairy-free, and doesn’t contain artificial ingredients or colors – and it contains more magnesium and potassium than the average electrolyte powder.

hydrate electrolyte mix

Teami Hydrate is naturally flavored with lemon and berries, dissolves in water smoothly (no chunks!) and tastes delicious. Plus, you can use it in your favorite detox and infused waters – imagine drinking up that cool, refreshing taste after a hard workout! It’s the perfect solution to fix an electrolyte imbalance after your sweat session and get hydrated again with flavors beyond plain water.

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