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If you have been steering clear off of eating foods high in electrolytes, chances are that you will experience drawbacks when it comes to your health.
In this article, we are going to be sharing some of the foods rich in electrolytes that need to be part of your overall diet.
Why are Electrolytes Important?
Electrolytes play a very important role in maintaining our body’s overall homeostasis. Given the fact that our body is made up of 60% water, it is important to ensure that the electrolyte balance is maintained accordingly to ensure that there are no drawbacks to one’s overall well being.
Before jumping into assessing why electrolytes are important for us, it is necessary that one knows what they actually are. Electrolytes are the essential nutrients in the body which is responsible for maintaining the homeostasis, hydration as well as the pH of the body. Any form of disturbance in the levels of electrolytes in the body often end up causing obstruction to the electrical signalling in the body which end up causing muscle fatigue, cramps, inflammation and pain.
Some of the common types of electrolytes found in the body include sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and phosphorus and chloride.
Now, the Main Question of the Event – Why are Electrolytes Important?
In order to help you understand better, we will walk ourselves through the importance of each of the five beneficial electrolytes that are found in our body.
As mentioned before, electrolytes play a very crucial role in the overall well being, hydration and pH of the body. So, let us go through the common benefits of these electrolytes and then we’ll jump onto the foods containing electrolytes.
Sodium
Not only does sodium contributes to maintaining the overall fluid balance of the body, it also helps in boosting the overall enzyme function and prevention of the muscle cramps. It plays a very key role in osmoregulation and prevents the excess retention of water in the body which often contribute to edema.
Potassium
Potassium has a collaborative function along with sodium. The main benefit of potassium is the fact that it has impactful benefits in maintaining blood pressure and prevents the possibilities of strokes and other diseases. It plays a key role in overall kidney health.
Magnesium
Magnesium has an indirect role in maintaining the proper functioning of the enzyme functions by being a cofactor to the processes. It plays a very crucial role in regulating the overall metabolic functions of the body including the proper functioning of the smooth muscles which make up for a number of muscles covering of our internal organs.
Calcium
Not only is calcium beneficial for our overall bone health and for the strengthening of the bones, they do have other benefits too. Calcium, along with Vitamin D has beneficial properties for our body functions. It also has beneficial impacts in the prevention of high blood pressure and diabetes.
Phosphorus
Much like how potassium works accordingly with sodium, phosphorus works best along with calcium to provide with effective benefits in boosting one’s overall bone and oral health. Phosphorus has a very important role in protecting the enamel from wearing down.
Now, let’s move on to the natural foods with electrolytes that you definitely need to add to your everyday diet for better well being.
What Foods are High in Electrolytes?
In this section, we are simply going to delve into some of the effective foods high in electrolytes that can help maintain your body hydration and pH and overall homeostasis.
Check Out These Foods to Maintain Electrolyte Balance in Body.
1. Watermelon
Watermelon is one of the best foods high in electrolytes. Aside from the general electrolytes, it is also 92% water and consists of other compounds like lycopene (R) which have beneficial cancer preventing properties that have beneficial impacts in one’s overall health. Watermelon can be consumed in any form, raw as it is or even in a slushie or smoothie.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 1.5 mg |
2. | Potassium | 170 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 15.2 mg |
4. | Calcium | 10.6 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 16.7 mg |
2. Pomegranates
Pomegranates are yet one of those foods with electrolytes that have multifaceted benefits for our overall well being. Not only is it loaded with beneficial electrolytes, it also has amazing blood glucose lowering properties after a meal and has important impacts in cancer prevention (R) (R) (R) as well as the cartilage destruction. Not just that, the antioxidant properties (R) help quench up all the unwanted free radicals in the body and gets rid of them for good.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 8.5 mg |
2. | Potassium | 666 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 33.8 mg |
4. | Calcium | 28.2 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 102 mg |
3. Oranges
Oranges are primarily known for their Vitamin C content which has an amazing impact in combating the high levels of free radicals (R) in the body. Not just that, it is also rich in folate as well as potassium which has beneficial impacts on the body. It is also believed to being an aromatose inhibitor which lowers the risks of induction of breast cancer (R) in women.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | O mg |
2. | Potassium | 326 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 18 mg |
4. | Calcium | 72 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 25.2 mg |
4. Cucumber
Not only are cucumbers loaded with 95% water, but it is also rich in a number of electrolytes, magnesium and calcium being the pivotal ones. It is also loaded with essential vitamins. Not just that, it also has effective cooling as well as anti-inflammatory (R) properties on the body which is quite an added bonus.
Loaded with beneficial phytonutrients (R) and cancer preventing (R) properties, cucumbers are definitely a must include in your diet if you are in the lookout for foods containing electrolytes.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 4 mg |
2. | Potassium | 273 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 24.1 mg |
4. | Calcium | 28.1 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 42.2 mg |
5. Tart Cherries
Just as good and delectable it looks, the tart cherries are just as beneficial for our overall health as well. Cherries are very beneficial in treating conditions associated with muscle soreness and inflammation (R) that is often caused because of the imbalance in the electrolyte levels. Even studies (R) have shown its beneficial impacts in regards to the same.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 4.7 mg |
2. | Potassium | 268 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 13.9 mg |
4. | Calcium | 24.8 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 23.2 mg |
6. Banana
It is not new knowledge that the best source of potassium, as well as effective hydration, lies with banana. Not just that, bananas are also loaded with Vitamin B6, magnesium as well and a good amount of fiber (R) that helps relieve the condition of constipation. It is one of the most amazing foods rich in electrolytes and helps with your hunger pangs (R) too.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 1.2 mg |
2. | Potassium | 422 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 31.9 mg |
4. | Calcium | 5.9 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 26.0 mg |
7. Beets
Beets are considered as a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals and other essential nutrients. It is an amazing source of sodium and potassium for the body and also consists of elusive betaine. It is not just a beneficial blood detoxifying (R) vegetables; it is also reported to have beneficial impacts in lowering the blood pressure (R) (R) levels and boosts one’s endurance levels.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 64 mg |
2. | Potassium | 267 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 18.9 mg |
4. | Calcium | 13.1 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 32.8 mg |
8. Strawberries
The combined composition of folate, as well as Vitamin C in the strawberries, has quite a lot of benefits (R) in the treatment of a number of health ailments. Not just that, it has phenol compounds in it which have positive impacts on the prevention of certain cancer like properties (R) and also helps protect the mitochondria of the cells.
Apart from being one of the best natural foods with electrolytes, it is also loaded with malic acid which helps increase endurance and physical energy.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 1.5 mg |
2. | Potassium | 233 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 19.8 mg |
4. | Calcium | 24.3 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 36.5 mg |
9. Celery
Apart from being one of the foods rich in electrolytes, celery is also considered as one of the vegetables that are rich in nitrates. Nitrates have very beneficial impacts in getting rid of higher levels of blood pressure (R) and get rid of endothelial dysfunction and also help in enhancing the exercise performance and endurance in an individual.
Because of the presence of apigenin (R), celery also has mild cancer prevention properties (R) which further aid in boosting the overall well being of an individual.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 32 mg |
2. | Potassium | 104 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 4 mg |
4. | Calcium | 16 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 10 mg |
10. Mangoes
Mangoes might be a bit of a NO-NO for the diabetic patients because of its high composition of sugar but the fruit is actually quite beneficial in other aspects. Apart from being considered as one of the foods with electrolytes, mangoes are also quite loaded with photoprotective (R), anticarcinogenic (R) as well as effective anti-inflammatory (R) properties.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 3.3 mg |
2. | Potassium | 257 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 14.8 mg |
4. | Calcium | 16.5 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 18.2 mg |
11. Lemon
The rich combination of citrus, Vitamin C as well as the antioxidant properties (R) (R) in the lemon (R) all have amazing and beneficial impacts in getting rid of the excess free radicals in the body. The same also has beneficial impacts in the prevention of cancer (R) which is an added bonus.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 0.5 mg |
2. | Potassium | 53 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 2.8 mg |
4. | Calcium | 3.3 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 2.8 mg |
12. Yoghurt
When talking about foods with electrolytes, it is futile to not mention yoghurt in the same, primarily because of the fact that the same makes up for quite a lot of our daily electrolytes that our body needs. The probiotic enzymes in the yoghurt (R) are not just beneficial for better digestion and also help boost bone health and hormone secretion.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 189 mg |
2. | Potassium | 625 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 47 mg |
4. | Calcium | 488 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 385 mg |
13. Watercress
Watercress might not be the first option people reach for when it comes to maintaining and regulating their overall electrolyte balance but the same sure does work quite well for the same because of the fact that this aquatic plant is actually one of the most beneficial natural foods with electrolytes. It is quite beneficial in boosting one’s overall well being (R).
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 14 mg |
2. | Potassium | 112 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 7 mg |
4. | Calcium | 41 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 20 mg |
14. Peanut Butter
You must be shocked thinking how did peanut butter (R) even make it to the list, right? Well, it actually is quite beneficial in coping up for the regular requirement of the electrolytes by the body. Along with the much needed requirement of the electrolytes, especially sodium and potassium, peanut butter also consists of healthy proteins and healthy fats which are beneficial for the body.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 17 mg |
2. | Potassium | 649 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 38% |
4. | Calcium | – |
5. | Phosphorus | – |
15. Scallops
Scallops, which are often not available throughout the world, is yet another one of the foods that have electrolytes. Because of the fact that they are seawater creatures, the level of electrolytes in them are considerably high. These are primarily loaded with the beneficial amount of phosphorus in them which when combined with calcium provides a beneficial boost to one’s bone and oral health.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 567 mg |
2. | Potassium | 267 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 31 mg |
4. | Calcium | 9 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 362 mg |
16. Coconut Water
Coconut Water is one of the best sources of potassium and magnesium and is often suggested as a drink to consume to patients who consistently suffer from weakness and such. Not just that, coconut water is also considered as one of the best remedies to combat excess dehydration in the body by instilling the necessary electrolytes back into the body.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 252 mg |
2. | Potassium | 600 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 60 mg |
4. | Calcium | 58 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 48 mg |
17. Spinach
Spinach is not just important to keep up and regulate the overall electrolyte levels in the body; it is also quite beneficial in the overall blood detoxification (R) and in boosting the overall immunity of an individual. It has the combined composition of all the necessary electrolytes needed by the body and not just that, even the presence of magnesium is quite beneficial in lowering of the blood pressure.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 126 mg |
2. | Potassium | 839 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 157 mg |
4. | Calcium | 245 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 101 mg |
18. Mushrooms
Not all variants of mushrooms, but it is the white button mushrooms which have the most contributions when it comes to the overall levels of electrolytes in the body. Not only is it loaded with beneficial electrolytes, it is also quite nutritious and is a good element to add to your daily diet.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 371 mg |
2. | Potassium | 555 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 19 mg |
4. | Calcium | 9 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 136 mg |
19. Swiss Chard
Yet another healthy green which is known for its beneficial electrolyte composition is swiss chard. It is not just loaded with beneficial electrolytes but with beneficial nutrients and vitamins which contribute to the overall well being of an individual.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 313 mg |
2. | Potassium | 961 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 151 mg |
4. | Calcium | 102 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 58 mg |
20. Milk
Milk accounts for yet another one of the foods rich in electrolytes. The best component of the milk is the fact that it is quite rich in calcium which is beneficial in aiding strengthen the overall bone health as well as oral health of an individual. Not just that, calcium is also quite beneficial in the overall body functions which is why it is quite important to consume milk from time to time or even daily, if possible.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 103 mg |
2. | Potassium | 382 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 27 mg |
4. | Calcium | 299 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 247 mg |
21. Butternut Squash
Now with fall around the corner, a hearty butternut squash soup is just what one needs to warm up their bodies. It has similar nutritious properties to that like a pumpkin and is thus one of the best options to include in your day to day diet if you have been looking for foods high in electrolytes.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 492 mg |
2. | Potassium | 582 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 59 mg |
4. | Calcium | 84 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 55 mg |
22. Yeast Extract Spread
Yeast Extract Spread, otherwise commonly known as Marmite is also quite an amazing way to get all the much needed electrolytes in a day. It is a lot of an acquired taste but the same is quite beneficial for one’s overall health which is why compromising on the taste is actually fruitful.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 203 mg |
2. | Potassium | 126 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 11 mg |
4. | Calcium | 4 mg |
5. | Phosphorus | 6 mg |
23. Nuts
Nuts are not just considered as good foods with electrolytes, they are also loaded with beneficial nutrients and healthy fats which play a very crucial role in our overall well being. Beneficially, the majority of the nuts are primarily loaded with magnesium which has a pivotal role in a number of body functions.
In this chart, we have mentioned the electrolyte presence in that of almonds.
Sl. No | Electrolyte | Amount |
1. | Sodium | 1 mg |
2. | Potassium | 705 mg |
3. | Magnesium | 67% |
4. | Calcium | 26% |
5. | Phosphorus | – |
Foods with electrolytes play a very crucial role in our day to day life and diet. It is very important to have a balanced diet with a little of everything to ensure the overall well being of an individual. It is very important to include foods rich in electrolytes because any kind of disbalance in the electrolyte levels in the body often ends up contributing to the deterioration of the body.
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