The Hidden Cause of Dehydration (It’s Not Water)

Electrolytes: The real MVPs of hydration, energy, and digestion

Good morning!

It’s Thursday, May 1st, and today we’re talking about why you might still be dehydrated — even if you’re crushing your daily water goal.

You’re not crazy. You’re not lazy. And no, just drinking more water won’t always fix it.
If you’re tired, foggy, bloated, or sluggish, hydration could be the hidden key — but it’s not just about water.

Let’s break it down.

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Why You Might Still Be Dehydrated Let’s Skip The Guesswork

Electrolyte Imbalance
Hydration = water + minerals.
When you drink plain water without enough sodium, potassium, and magnesium, you actually dilute your electrolytes even more. Your cells can't absorb the water properly — meaning you’re technically still dehydrated, just… wetter.

Cellular Energy Deficit
Without enough electrolytes, your cells struggle to create energy (ATP). Dehydrated cells = tired, slow, and struggling. It’s like trying to charge your phone with a broken cable — you’re plugged in, but it’s not working.

Brain Fog and Headaches
Your brain is 75% water — and it’s incredibly sensitive to hydration status. Electrolyte imbalances mess with neuron firing, causing fuzzy thinking, slower memory recall, and even headaches. Dehydration isn’t just a body thing — it’s a brain thing.

Digestive Sluggishness
Electrolytes regulate muscle contractions, including the muscles of your gut. Low hydration = sluggish digestion, bloating, constipation, or that general “off” feeling after meals.

Blood Pressure Swings
Sodium, potassium, and magnesium help regulate blood volume and pressure. Without enough, you might feel dizzy when you stand up too fast, crave salty foods, or experience wild energy swings throughout the day.

Questions to Ask Yourself

  • Am I drinking water — but still feeling tired, foggy, or bloated?

  • Do I ever experience muscle cramps, headaches, or dizziness — even after drinking plenty of water?

  • Have I ever added electrolytes to my drinks — or am I relying on water alone?

  • Do I crave salty foods after workouts or on hot days?

  • Is my digestion regular, or does it feel slow and heavy lately?

Your Challenge This Week

Add electrolytes to one drink per day. Use an electrolyte powder (without added sugar), a pinch of sea salt and lemon, or coconut water.

Hydration isn’t about drowning yourself in plain water — it’s about fueling your body the way it actually needs.

That’s all for this week’s edition of Health Hacked!

If you’ve been feeling tired or foggy even with your water bottle surgically attached to your hand — your body might just be asking for real hydration.

Water + electrolytes = energy, clarity, and flow. Let’s get hydrated for real.

Stay sharp,

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Disclaimer: This newsletter is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult with your doctor or a qualified healthcare provider before making any changes to your diet, supplements, or health routine.

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