Top 11 Foods High in Electrolytes

Aug 7, 2017

What Are Electrolytes?

In my best and worst electrolyte drinks article, I analyzed the best and worst electrolyte powders, liquids, tablets and capsules that you can add to your water. In this article, we are going to go over the top foods high in electrolytes. The main electrolytes are sodium, chloride, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and phosphorus. There is a delicate balance between these electrolytes for your body to be in optimal health.

What do electrolytes do? When there is an extreme deficiency or excess from even just one electrolyte, life-threatening disorders can occur. Excess sweating, vomiting, diarrhea, chemotherapy, medications, diabetes, digestive disorders and kidney disorders can all lead to extreme electrolyte imbalances.

Why are electrolytes important? The first signs are low electrolytes often include a headache, muscle spasms (calf cramps in the night are a sign of potassium and magnesium deficiency), low energy and dizziness or irritability. If this isn’t addressed, it can lead to A-fib, constipation, kidney stones, bladder infections and heart failure.

While water is supposed to be our major source of minerals, things have changed due to our depleted water supplies.

Drinking too much mineral-depleted water will actually lead to low electrolyte levels in the body. This is where fruits and vegetables high in electrolytes come in.

 

How to Get More Electrolytes Naturally?

Unlike sugary sports drinks that only include sodium and potassium, electrolyte levels can be maintained by including fruits and vegetables that are high in electrolytes in your diet. Not only do you get all the electrolytes, but you also get vitamins, a healthy source of carbohydrates and numerous other health-protective compounds.

Your electrolyte needs for all of these will depend on your activity level and health goals. What you will notice is that most electrolyte drinks are heavy in sodium and low in potassium. In nature, the opposite is true. Many people today have a high sodium/low potassium ratio due to eating out at restaurants, processed foods and a lack of fruits and vegetables. While the majority of fruits and vegetables high in electrolytes are in season during summer when we need them most, there are many foods rich in potassium that are available year-round.

 

The Top 11 Foods High in Electrolytes

1. Watermelon 

 

Foods high in electrolytes: Watermelon

1 cup

Sodium: 1.5mg
Potassium: 170mg
Magnesium: 15.2mg
Calcium: 10.6mg
Phosphorus: 16.7mg

Carbohydrates: 11.5mg

Nutrition Bonus: Watermelon is 92% water. It is native to Kalahari desert of Africa and contains lycopene, B1, B6,  l-citrulline, and l-arginine. Lycopene is highest in watermelon, and also found in tomatoes and guava. One study found that lycopene was photoprotective, and inhibits proliferation of several types of cancer cells.

Men with a high consumption of lycopene in diet reported 25% fewer incidences of prostate cancer and overall 44 % reduced risk of other cancers. Females consuming ample amount of watermelon have five times less likely risk of cervical cancer.

L-citrulline and L-arginine boost nitric oxide levels, leading to better cardiovascular health and exercise performance. L-arginine may also boost fat loss and watermelon juice has been found to reduce muscle soreness.

For tasty post-workout hydration or dessert, blend watermelon and freeze it in individual cups. Instant watermelon slushie.


2. Pomegranates

Foods high in electrolytes: Pomegranates

1 pomegranate 4 inch diamater

Sodium: 8.5mg
Potassium: 666mg
Magnesium: 33.8mg
Calcium: 28.2mg
Phosphorus: 102mg

Carbohydrates: 52.7g

Nutrition Bonus: Pomegranates contain high amounts of folate (107mcg), flavonoids, rich in potassium, a good source of magnesium, blood sugar lowering ability post-mealprostate cancer prevention and treatmentinhibiting cartilage destruction in those with osteoarthritis, limit brain cell damageprotection against sun damage, ability to positively influence nitric oxide, prevent LDL oxidation and lower inflammation. One study found that pomegranate juice outperformed blueberry juice, red wine, vitamin C and synthetic vitamin E for quenching free radical damage inflicted upon cell membranes, while another study found that pomegranate helped reduce cellular oxygen radicals by 71% while increasing cellular antioxidants by 141%.


3. Oranges

Foods high in electrolytes: Oranges

1 cup

Sodium: 0mg
Potassium: 326mg
Magnesium: 18mg
Calcium: 72mg
Phosphorus: 25.2mg

Carbohydrates: 21.1 grams

Nutrition Bonus: Oranges are a rich source of folate, rich in potassium,  a good source of calcium, and vitamin C. All citrus contains an aromatase inhibitor, an anti-estrogenic compound helping prevent estrogen positive breast cancer in women and increasing testosterone in males.


4. Cucumber

Foods high in electrolytes: Cucumbers

1 medium cucumber

Sodium: 4mg
Potassium: 273mg
Magnesium: 24.1mg
Calcium: 28.1mg
Phosphorus: 42.2mg

Carbohydrates: 4.1mg

Nutrition Bonus: Cucumbers are 95% water, supplies B1, B5 and B7, a good source of magnesium and calcium, a good veggie source of potassium, apigenin and have a cooling, anti-inflammatory effect on the body. They contain a unique flavonol called fisetin that may protect brain cells. Cucumbers also contain phytonutrients and anti-cancer polyphenols (lignans) that interact with our gut bacteria to protect against breast, ovarian, prostate and uterine cancers.

Choose lacto-fermented pickles to also get some salt and probiotics after a hard workout.


5. Tart Cherries

Foods high in electrolytes: Thart Cherries

1 cup Cherries

Sodium: 4.7mg
Potassium: 268mg
Magnesium: 13.9mg
Calcium: 24.8mg
Phosphorus: 23.2mg

Carbohydrates: 18.9g

Nutrition Bonus: Multiple studies have found decreased muscle soreness and increased recovery from cherry juice and dehydrated cherry supplements. One of these studies had subjects perform ten sets of ten repetitions at 70 % of a 1-RM back squat. The researchers found that  Montmorency powdered tart cherry supplementation used daily and 48 hours post-workout significantly lowered muscle soreness strength decrement during recovery, and markers of muscle catabolism throughout the 48-hour post-lifting recovery period compared to placebo.


6. Bananas

Foods high in electrolytes: Bananas

1 medium Banana

Sodium: 1.2mg
Potassium: 422mg
Magnesium: 31.9 mg
Calcium: 5.9 mg
Phosphorus: 26.0 mg

Carbohydrates: 27g

Nutrition Bonus: Bananas contain B6, rich in potassium, a good source of magnesium, phytosterols, carotenoids and a prebiotic fiber that help probiotics colonize and keep you full.


 7. Beets

Foods high in electrolytes: Beets

1 beet

Sodium: 64mg
Potassium: 267mg
Magnesium: 18.9mg
Calcium: 13.1mg
Phosphorus: 32.8mg

Carbohydrate: 7.8mg

Nutrition Bonus: Beets have received a lot of attention due to their ability to boost nitric oxide levels. This is due to the nitrate content, like celery. Beets are a powerhouse of vitamins, minerals, and compounds, a good source of sodium in balance with potassium, and contains the elusive betaine. Beets have been found in studies to lower blood pressure, increase endurance, detox the blood and liver and lower inflammation. Try a few ounces of fresh beet juice before a workout to get a boost, or after to restore electrolyte levels.


8. Strawberries

Foods high in electrolytes: Strawberries

1 cup

Sodium: 1.5mg
Potassium: 233mg
Magnesium: 19.8mg
Calcium: 24.3mg
Phosphorus: 36.5mg

Carbohydrates: 11.7g

Nutrition Bonus: Strawberries are a good source of folate and vitamin C. Berry phenols like ellagic acid in strawberries have strong anti-cancer activity and the ability to protect the mitochondria (powerhouse of the cell). Strawberries also contain malic acid. Malic acid has been found to increase carbohydrate reserves and decrease oxygen consumption by tissues, therefore increasing physical work capacity and endurance. Malic acid also helps whiten your teeth.


9. Celery

Foods high in electrolytes: Celery

1 stalk of celery

Sodium: 32mg
Potassium: 104mg
Magnesium: 4mg
Calcium: 16mg
Phosphorus: 10mg

Carbohydrates: 1.4mg

Nutrition Bonus: Celery contains nitrates, apigenin, and luteolin. Nitrates in certain green vegetables have been found to reduce blood pressure, inhibiting platelet aggregation, improve endothelial dysfunction and enhance exercise performance in healthy individuals and patients with peripheral arterial disease.

Apigenin is an aromatase inhibitor, helping prevent estrogen positive breast cancer in women and increase testosterone in males. Luteolin was found to locate triple-negative cancer cells and stop them from metastasizing.


10. Mangos

Foods high in electrolytes: Mangos

1 cup mango

Sodium: 3.3mg
Potassium: 257mg
Magnesium: 14.8mg
Calcium: 16.5mg
Phosphorus: 18.2mg

Carbohydrates: 28.1g

Nutrition Bonus: Mango has been found to have photoprotective, anti-carcinogenic and anti-inflammatory properties.

 


11. Lemons

Foods high in electrolytes: Lemons

1 lemon

Sodium: 0.5mg
Potassium: 53mg
Magnesium: 2.8 mg
Calcium: 3.3 mg
Phosphorus: 2.8mg 

Carbohydrates: 4.1g 

Nutrition Bonus: Citrus has higher levels of vitamin C and aromatase inhibitor, an anti-estrogenic compound helping prevent estrogen positive breast cancer in women and increase testosterone in males.


Conclusion 

Use nature as your guide to find the best foods high in electrolytes throughout the year. As your activity and sweat loss increases, the more of these foods should be included in your diet. The nutritional bonus of these foods combined with the electrolytes provides the ultimate hydration package.

Further Reading

Best and Worst Electrolyte Drinks
Best and Worst Electrolyte Drinks for Chemotherapy
Best Electrolyte Drinks for Diabetes

Sources

  1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4664803/
  2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4464475/
  3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4664803/
  4. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4664803/
  5. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15383219
  6. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16140882
  7. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/17010630
  8. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/15493960
  9. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16626982
  10. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/16226266
  11. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/22209285
  12. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4647629/
  13. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3410020
  14. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3410020
  15. http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/3410020
  16. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20205391
  17. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20205391

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8 Comments

  1. Marty

    Great article, Alex. It is always nice to find out we can get the job done with food if we are cognizant of the nutritional composition.

    Would you be able to add in the carbs for Oranges and the serving size for Pomegranates so we can compare to the others listed?

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Done and done my friend.

      Reply
    • Elly

      Hi, I am curious about the nutrient levels when cooked. Oddly, I prefer celery cooked. Will this affect its nutrient levels, and electrolyte levels in turn? I mostly enjoy adding it to soups/broths/stews so I presume not too much is lost, but it would be interesting to know.

      Reply
      • Alex Swanson M.S.

        Hi Elly,

        Minerals are heat stable, while water-soluble vitamins and enzymes are more sensitive to heat. Soups, broths, and stews are excellent ways to get mineral-rich liquids.

        Reply
  2. Dan C

    Would you consider adding to your list these foods that are v e r y high in potassium?
    sunflower seeds (ground) 850mg/100g
    raisins 775mg/100g
    peanuts 685mg/100g

    Source USDA SR-28

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson M.S.

      Hi Dan,

      While sunflower seeds and peanuts are good sources of potassium, this list was limited to fruits and vegetables. Raisins are a good source of potassium, but they are also high in sugar while being low in fiber. 100g of raisins contain almost 60 grams of sugar and 80 grams of carbohydrates.

      Reply
  3. Jeanette Leid

    These fruits are great alternatives to the heavy metal laden cacao powder I was using to get electrolytes after my workout. I prefer Whole Foods to juice so I tend not to drink pomegranate juice. However, will the pomegranate seeds blasted in my smoothie be a health befit?

    Reply
    • Alex Swanson

      Hi Jeanette,

      I will sometimes just do a shot of pomegranate or tart cherry juice after a workout. I’ve thrown pomegranate seeds into a smoothie before and that seems to work fine. Yes, you will still get some benefits, it just won’t be as concentrated from an electrolyte standpoint.

      Reply

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