Hydration isn’t just about chugging water like it’s your full-time job. Even though we all carry H2O everywhere we go, water alone isn’t enough to hydrate your body.

Enter electrolytes — the real MVPs your body needs to actually absorb and use that water.

You might know these essential minerals from sports drinks or popular hydration multipliers, but did you know bone broth also packs an electrolyte punch?

Let’s break down why electrolytes are the true hydration game-changers, how bone broth stacks up against those neon-colored sports drinks, and why this ancient wellness elixir helps you hydrate smarter, not harder.

⚡ WHAT ARE ELECTROLYTES AND WHY DO THEY MATTER?

Before we get into specific bone broth electrolytes, let’s quickly explain what these little guys are and why your body needs them for proper hydration.

Electrolytes are essential minerals that carry an electric charge in your body.[*] They send signals between your cells and nerves to control your body’s fluid balance, which is essential for bodily functions like muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and regulating blood pressure.

The primary electrolytes are:[*]

SODIUM. The main player in maintaining fluid balance, it helps you stay hydrated to prevent dehydration. It’s also involved in nerve function, muscle relaxation, and blood pressure regulation.[*][*][*]

POTASSIUM. It works with sodium to balance fluid levels, regulate nerve impulses and blood pressure, support heart and muscle contractions, and promote digestive and heart health.[*][*][*]

MAGNESIUM. It’s involved in over 300 bodily functions, including energy production, muscle function and relaxation, nerve signaling, mental health, and blood pressure regulation.[*][*][*]

CALCIUM. It’s vital for muscle contractions, blood clotting, hormones, and sending messages across your nervous system.[*]

Electrolytes work behind the scenes to ensure you’re running at your best. Most of us don’t even think twice about them — until we start feeling a little off.

🤔 WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOUR ELECTROLYTES ARE LOW?

Electrolytes aren’t just a nice-to-have — they're essential! But we lose them when we sweat, breathe, and even use the restroom. Feeling under the weather? That fever, vomiting, or diarrhea can send your electrolyte levels plummeting even further.

Then there’s overhydration. This occurs when you drink so much water that you actually dilute your electrolyte concentrations, making them practically invisible.[*]

When your electrolytes take a nosedive, your body will let you know. You might feel off your game, instinctually craving an electrolyte fix.

Here’s what may happen when your electrolyte levels dip too low:[*]

• LOW SODIUM. Headaches, swelling, fatigue, nausea, brain fog, and muscle cramps/weakness are common with low sodium levels.
• LOW POTASSIUM. Signs of low potassium levels include lightheadedness, muscle cramps, digestive issues (especially constipation), and irregular heartbeats. PS: Low magnesium levels can cause low potassium levels.[*][*]
• LOW MAGNESIUM. Irritability, anxiety, sleep problems, fatigue, muscle twitches, and pins and needles are all symptoms of low magnesium levels.[*][*]
• LOW CALCIUM. Brittle nails, dry skin, and muscle cramps in your back and legs? Could be signs of low calcium.[*]

Sipping water and watching your electrolyte intake will help you avoid this mess. That’s where multitasking bone broth steps in.

Let’s explore bone broth’s nutrition facts to see why it’s a naturally hydrating wellness elixir. 

♨️ DOES BONE BROTH HAVE ELECTROLYTES?

Bone broth is made by slowly simmering animal bones in water and a bit of vinegar for anywhere from 12 to 18+ hours. This process extracts the collagen, beneficial nutrients, and minerals from the bones and bone marrow. It creates a nourishing bone broth and a natural electrolyte-rich beverage.

The electrolyte content in bone broth varies depending on the type of bones used (beef vs. chicken), the cooking time, and the ingredients added. 

For example, some herbs and veggies are naturally rich in electrolytes. If these go into the broth, they could raise its electrolyte levels. Salt is another biggie that varies in bone broth making.

Per serving, our Instant Bone Broth mixes have an electrolyte range of:

• 460 to 610 milligrams of sodium
• 43 to 161 milligrams of potassium
• 7 to 10 milligrams of calcium

Magnesium isn’t listed on nutrition facts. However, a typical cup of homemade bone broth usually contains around 10 milligrams of magnesium.[*]

These bone broth electrolytes offer a solid base to keep you hydrated. 

😅 WHY IS BONE BROTH HYDRATING?

Bone broth is hydrating because it contains the key electrolytes that help your body absorb and retain water: sodium and potassium. Packed with these essential minerals, bone broth doesn’t just quench your thirst — it supercharges your hydration strategy.

Our Instant Bone Broth provides between 20% and 27% of your daily value of sodium and up to 4% of your daily potassium. Before you get nervous about that sodium, let’s clear up a common misconception:

🧂 SALT ISN’T YOUR ENEMY

As the CDC explains, salt and sodium are not the same. Salt, or table salt, is sodium chloride, a mixture of 40% sodium and 60% chloride (another electrolyte). Just one teaspoon of salt contains about 2,400 mg of sodium.[*]

According to Harvard Health, most of the sodium in our diets comes from “commercially prepared foods, not from salt added to cooking at home or even from salt added at the table before eating.”[*] 

We use salt in our Instant Bone Broth. However, the sodium in fast food, junk food, and even other broths and bouillon may come from monosodium glutamate (MSG), sodium nitrate (a preservative), or other sodium additives.[*]

High-sodium diets increase your risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and strokes.[*] You want to limit your intake of ultra-processed, high-sodium foods. But research doesn’t back up the need for a low-salt diet.[*]

This makes the sodium in bone broth a perfectly natural complement to your hydration strategy, which brings us to:

💦 BONE BROTH ELECTROLYTES VS. SPORTS DRINKS

Sugary, rainbow-colored sports drinks not your thing? We don’t blame you! 

Good news? Bone broth offers a serious advantage over traditional sports drinks for hydration. 

🌿 It’s a wholesome, natural source of hydration. Our bone broth is free of added sugar, artificial sweeteners, artificial dyes, and chemical electrolyte additives that do more harm to your health than good.[*][*] 

💪 Bone broth delivers 10 grams of protein per serving. The amino acids in bone broth are the building blocks of protein, which aid in muscle growth, repair, and recovery.

✨ You get all the health benefits of collagen in bone broth. You’ll not only rehydrate with bone broth, you’ll also support your joint health, gut health, skin elasticity, immunity, and overall wellness with every sip.

Sports drinks? Sure, they offer a quick hit of synthetic electrolytes. But they can’t touch the added nutritional benefits of bone broth. 

So, if you’re looking for a hydration solution that nourishes your body while keeping you energized, bone broth is the clear winner!

👉 HOW TO USE INSTANT BONE BROTH FOR HYDRATION

Now, let’s get practical! Most people don’t have time to whip up batches of homemade bone broth to crush their hydration. Jars and boxes of bone broth? Definitely not travel-friendly.

👋 Say hi to Bare Bones Instant Bone Broth! Our easy-to-use instant powdered mix delivers the protein you want, the hydration your body needs, and none of the sugar. Just rip, mix, and sip for a nourishing snack anywhere, anytime! 

Here’s an easy game plan to stay hydrated all day long with our Instant Bone Broth:

🌅 START YOUR DAY WITH BONE BROTH

Sip on a warm cup in the morning to get a jumpstart on your hydration and give your body a nourishing boost of electrolytes. After all, your body’s been without water while you’ve been snoozing, so it’s begging for some hydration!

🏃 ADD BONE BROTH TO YOUR POST-WORKOUT ROUTINE

Bone broth is the ideal workout buddy — it will replenish the sodium and potassium lost through sweat and provide 10 grams of protein to support your hardworking muscles.

Cool off with a cold bone broth drink and more super chill ways to use bone broth!

😋 TRY BONE BROTH AS A SNACK

Did you know your body sends hunger cues when it’s actually dehydrated?[*] Instead of reaching for a snack, opt for a cup of bone broth. You’ll score just as much protein as a protein bar (if not more!) and essential electrolytes to satisfy your body on multiple fronts.

Not crazy about bone broth on its own? Try these hacks to make bone broth taste better!

🥣 SNEAK BONE BROTH INTO YOUR RECIPES

Bone broth boosts the flavor and nutritional profiles of your favorite recipes and helps you effortlessly maintain your hydration status. Check out our collection of quick and easy bone broth recipes for some inspiration!

🙌 READY TO HYDRATE SMARTER WITH BONE BROTH?

Stop chugging plain ol’ water and say sayonara to sugary sports drinks filled with artificial additives. Bone broth is the go-to solution you need for natural, clean hydration. 

Its electrolytes can help you stay balanced, energized, and ready to tackle any challenge that comes your way. The collagen and protein are added bonuses to nourish your body and enhance your overall wellness.

So why not make the switch? Take your hydration to the next level with our lineup of bone broth flavors — from classic Beef Bone Broth and Chicken Bone Broth to Ramen, Lemon Ginger, and Thai Coconut; there's a delicious option for every day of the week!

💙 Our mission at Bare Bones is to meet you where you are and nourish you with real, whole-food-based nutrients in the form that best fits your lifestyle. Cheers to staying hydrated and nourished with every satisfying sip!