Ep. 213 All About Electrolytes: Symptoms, Causes, and Solutions for Electrolyte Imbalance with Robb Wolf

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I am excited to have the opportunity to reconnect with Robb Wolf today! Rob is a delightful and pragmatic research biochemist and two-times New York Times and Wall Street Journal bestselling author. One of his books, Wired to Eat, is my favorite, and I often recommend it!

Robb used to be a research scientist, and he also has a background in Jiu-Jitsu. In this episode, he and I dive into everything related to electrolytes. We discuss what piqued his interest in his training journey, the problems with traditional oral rehydration therapies (Gatorade), and what happens with electrolyte loss. We get into some common conditions that can make us lose more electrolytes. We talk about the role of specific electrolytes, including magnesium, calcium, potassium, and sodium, and explain how to determine if you are creating too much hormetic stress in the body related to overtraining and over-fasting. We also look at lifestyle balance, Zone-2 cardio, and the value of strength training. 

I hope you enjoy listening to our conversation as much as I did recording it! Stay tuned for more!

IN THIS EPISODE YOU WILL LEARN:

  • Robb talks about his journey and explains how he became interested in electrolytes.
  • The American Council of Sports Medicine’s guidelines for athletes in hot and humid environments is 7-10 grams of sodium per day.
  • Are premade conventionally-available oral rehydration options beneficial or not?
  • Robb explains how his product differs from Gatorade.
  • HRV improves dramatically when people are on point with their electrolyte intake.
  • If you are feeling off, you might need some sodium.
  • Some factors, other than exercising, could increase people’s need for electrolytes.
  • Why do breastfeeding moms need sodium to increase their milk production?
  • What are the roles of magnesium, sodium, calcium, and potassium?
  • Are you creating too much hormetic stress in your body from over-restricting macros, over-fasting, and over-exercising?
  • Maintaining a balance in your lifestyle is vital!
  • What makes Zone-2 cardio so unique and beneficial?
  • How much training is ideal?

“We are an electrochemical battery. Everything in the body is driven by sodium-potassium pumps- every nerve impulse, every thought, every muscle contraction.”

– Robb Wolf

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Transcript