Right now, the FDA recommends that we limit our sodium intake to 2300 mg (2.3 grams) per day (for people age 14 and older) to help reduce high blood pressure and cardiovascular disease and deaths. However, the LMNT uses data from the Intersalt studies to recommend that people can safely consume 5 to 7 grams of sodium a day (source). In addition, this study found that people who consumed less than 2.5 g of sodium a day had higher blood pressure than those who consumed larger amounts. LMNT has a useful blog post about why they recommend eating so much sodium.
However, not all of our experiences with LMNT were positive and should serve as a warning. When we took it on days when we weren't exercising and had eaten salty foods, LMNT was clearly not the right product. Our reviewers reported that they were very thirsty and a persistent mouthfeel, most likely as a result of consuming too much salt. We wouldn't characterize LMNT as an everyday product if your daily life didn't involve moderate to heavy sweating or fluid loss.
For days when you're more sedentary, consider a different option, such as Dr. I take the LMNT before, during, and after my high-intensity activity or training and throughout the day, especially if it's high-intensity activities. Keep in mind that chocolate ones should be mixed with hot water and consumed as a drink inspired by powdered hot chocolate. First of all, it's important to note that the LMNT is intended to supplement your electrolyte intake; it shouldn't be the only source of electrolytes in a day.
The electrolyte drink blend is designed to deeply hydrate and replenish electrolytes, in order to achieve a truly refreshing effect on the entire body. For more homemade electrolyte recipes, see The Best Homemade Electrolyte Drink for Dehydration (All With Natural Ingredients).
LMNT electrolyte
drink blends are high in sodium and are marketed to athletes and active people to restore health through hydration. However, LMNT should not be the only daily source of electrolytes.Clinical data show that the ideal is to eat 5 to 7 g of sodium, 1 to 3 g of potassium and 250 to 500 mg of magnesium throughout the day, and it is excellent if they come from several sources (ideally from predominantly whole foods). The LMNT cites a study that found that active athletes in hot climates can recover more quickly with electrolyte supplementation, and found that, over the course of a day, sodium losses can range from 3500 to 7000 mg. The LMNT suggests mixing an electrolyte pack in a 16- or 32-ounce water bottle, depending on the salty flavor of the drink. To maintain healthy electrolyte levels, you need to eat plenty of salt and drink one or two bars of LMNT.
But I have recently learned that adequate hydration is not just about drinking 8 glasses of water a day, but about balancing fluid and electrolyte intake. The LMNT electrolyte beverage blend has the optimal electrolyte ratio (1000 mg of sodium, 200 mg of potassium and 60 mg of magnesium) to promote hydration. Many (actually, most) of the electrolyte beverage mixes out there are full of sugar; sugar can help absorb sodium and fluids, but it's not essential for hydration.
