Why Hydration Isn’t Just About Water: The Functional Approach to Electrolyte Balance

It’s July, it’s hot, and if you’re like most of the busy moms I work with, you’re trying to keep your family cool, healthy, and hydrated. But here’s the truth: you can drink plenty of water and still feel tired, dizzy, bloated, or foggy.

Hydration isn’t just about how much water you drink. It’s about how well your body uses that water at the cellular level. And that comes down to electrolyte balance and adrenal health.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals like sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium that help conduct electrical signals in your body. They regulate nerve function, muscle contraction, pH levels, and water balance.

When you sweat (hello, summer heat or post-workout), you lose not just water but also electrolytes—especially sodium. If you don’t replace those, you can become dehydrated even while drinking water.

Signs You May Be "Under-Hydrated"

• Fatigue or mid-day energy crashes

• Headaches

• Cravings for salty foods

• Dizziness when standing

• Dry skin or lips

• Bloating despite drinking plenty of water

  
  

The Adrenal Connection

Your adrenal glands (which help manage stress) also play a huge role in electrolyte balance. When you're burned out, over-stressed, or dealing with low cortisol, your body struggles to retain sodium and properly regulate fluids.

This is why many of my clients who are in burnout or post-burnout phases crave salt, feel lightheaded, or get headaches easily in the summer.

Why Water Alone Isn’t Enough

If your electrolyte levels are off, plain water can actually make symptoms worse by further diluting your minerals. What you need is balanced hydration: a combination of fluids plus electrolytes.

How to Support Hydration Functionally

• Start your day with a mineral-rich drink: Add a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of lemon to 16 oz of filtered water.

• Use a clean electrolyte supplement: My favorite is Beam Minerals https://www.beamminerals.com/?ambassador=jennifer966 Use Code: YBHC20

• Eat mineral-rich foods: Avocados (potassium), leafy greens (magnesium), and clean sea salt (sodium).

• Support your adrenals: Don’t skip meals, manage blood sugar, and prioritize rest.

  
  

DIY Functional Electrolyte Drink

• 16 oz filtered water

• ¼ tsp sea salt or pink salt

• ¼ cup pure coconut water (optional if tolerated)

• Squeeze of fresh lemon or lime

• A few drops of trace minerals (optional):

  Trace Minerals Research Concentrace Trace Mineral Drops  https://us.fullscript.com/welcome/younique-balance 

Sip throughout the day, especially after sweating or stressful events.

Reach out to me at jen@youniquebalancehc.com if you have questions regarding hydration or electrolyte products. Follow along on IG @youniquebalancehc as we dive deeper into hydration this month!!