69 | Who Convinced Us We Need Electrolytes?

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Do we actually need electrolyte supplements… or are they just another sector of the wellness industry with a really strong marketing team?

In this episode, we zoom out and look at how brands like Liquid IV and LMNT are marketed and why electrolytes have suddenly become part of everyone’s routine. We talk through what the research says about hydration, the controversy around sodium, and why for the average person, food and water are often enough.

This deep dive is for anyone who’s seen electrolyte packets everywhere and wondered, “Wait… should I be taking this too?”

🎗️ Timestamps:
00:13 Introduction
05:15 What This Episode Is About & Why Electrolytes Are Trending
10:28 What Are Electrolytes & Do We Actually Need Supplements?
12:33 When We Lose Electrolytes & When Replacement Is Necessary
14:48 Do We Need Electrolytes Post-Workout? What Research Says
16:24 Liquid IV Ads: What Are We Being Sold?
19:58 Sodium Intake Recommendations & The J-Curve Controversy
25:24 Popular Brands (LMNT, Liquid IV) & Science vs Marketing
33:20 The Marketing Of Electrolytes & How Trends Influence Us
45:16 Final Takeaways: Do We Really Need Electrolytes?

📒 Resources Mentioned:
🎧 #375: Salt, Sodium & Health
📀 You're Being Lied To About Electrolytes
📀 Take A Look | Liquid I.V. Game Day 2026 Commercial
🔗 Do You Really Need Electrolyte Supplements? What to Know Before You Buy
🔗 Overview of Electrolytes
🔗 About Sodium and Health
🔗 Issue No. 73: LMNT
📃 The INTERSALT study: an addition to the evidence on salt and blood pressure, and some implications
📃 Intersalt: an international study of electrolyte excretion and blood pressure.
📒 Complete list of resources here

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🟡 How to: Fitness
Instagram: @howtofitnesspod

🟡 Michael Ulloa
Website: michaelulloa.com
Instagram: @michaelulloapt

🟡 Kate Lyman
Website: katelymannutrition.com
Instagram:  @klnutrition

Thank you for listening to the How to: Fitness Podcast with Michael Ulloa and Kate Lyman!