Do you work in a field where cognitive performance is important? Are you recreationally active and exercise to optimize your health and longevity? Are you a new mom who is breastfeeding? Do you want to reduce your risk of cardiovascular and renal disease? Are you an elite athlete training for the Olympics? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions (and many more), the first and most meaningful way to optimize your hydration status is really simple. Drink the correct amount of fluid to meet your needs!

To really gain an understanding of what electrolytes are I find that it is always easier to start with what they are not. Electrolytes are not macronutrients. Macronutrients are the primary sources of our nutrition that provide us with energy to live and perform. Macronutrients include carbs, fats, and protein and are needed in large quantities compared to micronutrients. Micronutrients include vitamins and minerals and they do not provide us with energy. You do not need to consume micronutrients in the same volume as macronutrients, but deficiencies and overconsumption of some micronutrients can result in negative health and performance outcomes.

Caffeine is by far one of the most well-studied and documented performance-enhancing supplements on the market. Whether you get your caffeine from coffee, an energy drink, or a caffeine supplement, understanding how caffeine has the potential to impact your hydration and performance is critical.