Food for Fitness: Electrolytes
5 Foods That Help Replenish Electrolytes
Skip sugary sports drinks and opt for nutrient-rich fruits, vegetables, dairy, and whole grains to replace minerals lost during strenuous sweat sessions
By
Hollis Templeton
Image: Thinkstock
Sodium
We’re told to just say no to sodium, but it’s the electrolyte we lose in the highest concentration when we sweat. Salt helps the body hold on to water, keeping you hydrated for a longer period of time. Still, there’s no need to down an entire bag of pretzels postworkout. “You can easily replace the 800 mg of sodium lost in two pounds of sweat during a hard hour-long workout by enjoying a recovery snack of chocolate milk and a bagel with peanut butter,” says Clark. Athletes can also consume a salty meal, like soup, before a strenuous sweat session, so their bodies are better equipped to retain fluid and maintain hydration throughout exercise, she adds.
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