Rehydration Solutions vs Electrolytes: Key Differences
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Many people, including health professionals, are saying that electrolytes are dangerous, shouldn't be used, and aren’t for everyday consumption. But that confusion and fear around electrolytes come from mistakingly mixing them up with rehydration solutions.
Guest post from Registered Nutritional Therapist Phoebe Liebling
Rehydration Solutions vs Electrolytes
Pure, unflavoured electrolyte supplements — without sugars or additives — are one of the simplest, most impactful additions to support gut health, energy levels, cognitive clarity, stress recovery, hormonal balance, sporting performance, and nervous system regulation.
Electrolytes and minerals — including magnesium, potassium, sodium, and chloride — carry an electrical charge that allows them to control moisture concentration in the body.
This detail is key: Oshun electrolytes are a pure electrolyte supplement, a precise and balanced combination of those minerals for optimal functioning of the body.
Comparatively, rehydration solutions contain high amounts of sodium and potassium combined with some form of sugar. That sugar isn't there for taste: it activates the sodium-glucose transport system in the gut to rapidly absorb water and sodium.
This process is critical in medical dehydration, after diarrhoea or vomiting or for endurance exercise. But it is not necessary or helpful for daily use, which explains the unfortunate fear-mongering around "electrolytes".
Electrolytes: the Good and the Bad
As a point of clarification, not all electrolyte supplements are created equal. Here's what to avoid when looking for an everyday hydration enhancer:
- You do not want a product with sugar in it unless you're exercising intensely for over 90 minutes.
- You do not want a product with any added sweetness.
- You do not want one with 1,000mg of sodium in it.
- You do not want other additives like super high-dose B vitamins if you’re taking them every day.
Liquids are generally preferable to powders, as powders often contain anti-caking agents to prevent clumping (though not all do). Sachets of powder also tend to be the ones with more sweetness and unnecessary additives.
Can you make your own electrolyte mixes?
What about all the DIY electrolyte mixes of sugar, honey, maple syrup, salt, and water?
Surely food-based is better, right?
No — in this case, these are not a healthy substitute for a pure electrolyte supplement. They don’t contain a broad spectrum of electrolytes — mainly just sodium from the salt. Plus, the sugar will spike blood sugar and consequently raise insulin levels.
When to choose a Rehydration Solution over pure Electrolytes
As with store-bought products, if sugar is in the mix, it’s technically a rehydration solution, not a pure electrolyte supplement. These should only be used in cases of severe dehydration or endurance sports.
For everyday hydration, I recommend Oshun's pure electrolyte concentrate.
