Not All Electrolytes Are the Same — And Timing Changes Everything

One of the most confusing parts of electrolyte use is this:

two people can take the same product and have very different experiences.

Why?

Because electrolytes don’t just hydrate — they signal.

Below is a simplified, ICU-approved comparison of common electrolyte options, viewed through the lens of:

• nervous system regulation

• stimulation vs calming

• time of day

• sensitivity (sleep, stress, ringing, overwhelm)

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ICU Electrolyte Comparison Guide

*Ultima Replenisher

Sodium Level: Very Low

Activation Level: Very Gentle

Best Time of Day: Evening / Anytime

Nervous System Effect: Calming, steady

ICU Perspective: Excellent for sensitive systems, evenings, post-therapy

*Sunwarrior Hydration

Sodium Level: Moderate

Activation Level: Gentle

Best Time of Day: Morning / Midday

Nervous System Effect: Balanced support

ICU Perspective: Great everyday hydration when diluted

*Bobelo Hydration Sticks

Sodium Level: Low–Moderate

Activation Level: Very Gentle

Best Time of Day: Morning / Late morning / Midday

Nervous System Effect: Smooth + steady hydration (less “revving”)

ICU Perspective: Perfect for people who want electrolyte support without feeling overstimulated — a beautiful daily hydration option and wonderful around PBM/PEMF sessions

*Venture Pal Electrolyte

Sodium Level: High

Activation Level: Moderately Activating

Best Time of Day: Daytime / Workouts

Nervous System Effect: Energizing

ICU Perspective: Best for busy or active days, not late evening

*Redmond Re-Lyte

Sodium Level: Moderate–High

Activation Level: Mildly Activating

Best Time of Day: Daytime

Nervous System Effect: Grounded hydration

ICU Perspective: Real mineral support, daytime use

*LMNT

Sodium Level: Very High

Activation Level: Highly Activating

Best Time of Day: Morning Only

Nervous System Effect: Stimulating

ICU Perspective: Best for heavy sweating, not calming

*Livingood Electrolytes + Energyze

Sodium Level: Low–Moderate

Activation Level: Strongly Activating

Best Time of Day: Morning Only

Nervous System Effect: Focus + energy

ICU Perspective: Not a true electrolyte; this is an energy formula

*Homemade Mineral Blend

Sodium Level: Custom

Activation Level: Calmest

Best Time of Day: Evening / Night

Nervous System Effect: Nervous system soothing

ICU Perspective: Gold standard for nighttime hydration

recipe

Base Minerals (per 1 liter / 32 oz filtered water)
• Sodium:
1/8 – 1/4 tsp high-quality sea salt
(Celtic, Baja Gold, or Redmond)
→ customize amount based on your need
• Potassium:
1/8 tsp potassium chloride
(NoSalt / bulk potassium chloride)
• Magnesium (calming form):
100–200 mg magnesium glycinate or malate powder
(capsules can be opened)

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🍋 Optional (ICU functional add-ins)
• 1–2 tsp fresh lemon or lime juice → mineral absorption + lymph flow
• Splash of trace minerals (ConcenTrace or similar)
• 5–10 drops fulvic/humic minerals (for deep cellular transport)

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🌿 Nervous-System Soothing Version (your evening signature)

Add ONE of the following:
• non-gmo monkfruit blend
or
• A few drops alcohol-free vanilla
or
• Warm it and serve as a “mineral tea”

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Why This Matters (What Most Articles Don’t Say)

🔘 High sodium = activation

High-sodium blends are excellent when your body needs output — heat, movement, sweating, long workdays.

But taken late in the day, they may:

• increase alertness

• heighten sensory awareness

• make it harder for the nervous system to downshift

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🔘 Low-to-moderate sodium = steadiness (especially for sensitive systems)

This is why products like Ultima and Bobelo can feel so supportive:

they hydrate the body without “turning up the volume” of the nervous system.

For many clients, especially those with sleep sensitivity, stress sensitivity, ringing sensations, or an overactive nervous system…

a gentler electrolyte is not “weaker” — it’s wiser.

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🔘 Low sodium + magnesium = calming

Lower-sodium blends with magnesium support:

• nerve relaxation

• muscle release

• smoother transitions into rest and repair

This is why some electrolytes feel “comforting” and others feel “revving.”

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🔘 Some “electrolytes” aren’t electrolytes

Certain products marketed as electrolytes contain:

• amino acids

• metabolic stimulants

• focus-enhancing compounds

These can be helpful tools — but they behave more like energy or nootropic formulas, not hydration support.

Using them at the wrong time can quietly overstimulate the nervous system.

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The ICU Wellness Rule of Thumb

At ICU Wellness, we encourage clients to ask three questions before choosing an electrolyte:

1. What has my body already done today?
   (movement, stress, therapies, mental load)
2. What does my nervous system need right now?
   (support or stimulation)
3. What time of day is it?
   (build energy or release it)

Electrolytes are most powerful when they match your internal state — not override it.

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A Gentle Reminder

Electrolytes are not meant to be:

• consumed constantly

• stacked without thought

• treated as flavored water

They are intentional tools that support hydration, nerve signaling, and recovery when used wisely.

Sometimes the body needs minerals.

Sometimes it needs stillness.

Sometimes it needs both — but in the right order.

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ICU Beyond the Obvious

True wellness isn’t about more supplements — it’s about better listening.

At ICU Wellness, we believe your body already knows what it needs.

Electrolytes simply help you hear it more clearly.

know that ICU beyond the obvius: live optimally & be so blessed🙌🏼🤟🏻

~Tammy💕