While it's unnecessary to drink electrolyte-enhanced beverages all the time, they may be beneficial during prolonged exercise, in hot environments or if you're ill with vomiting or diarrhea. Sports drinks and other electrolyte waters can be pricey, so you may want to consider a homemade version.

Are electrolyte supplements good for you?

Athletes use electrolyte tablets to ward off nausea, dizziness or even more dangerous side effects, such as seizures or death, that can come with a drop in sodium levels. But new research suggests this strategy isn't as beneficial to the body as we'd like to think.

Can electrolyte supplements be harmful?

Because these are vitamins, it's easy for parents and kids to think they can have a lot of it. But just like anything, too many electrolytes can be unhealthy: Too much sodium, formally referred to as hypernatremia, can cause dizziness, vomiting, and diarrhea.