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Short Wave

Sip or Skip? The Truth About Electrolytes

Sep 8, 2025 · 11m

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U.S. consumers spend more than $10 billion a year on sports drinks, according to Beverage Industry , a trade publication. And we can’t lie that sometimes a Gatorade or electrolyte tablet sounds really appealing in the quest to hydrate daily – especially since it’s been a very hot, long summer. But the question is: Are we even sweating enough to warrant all these sugary electrolyte-filled drinks? NPR health correspondent Pien Huang has been on the case, and she brings us answers she’s racked up in her reporting today. Read more of Pien’s reporting on electrolytes and hydration. Interested in more consumer health or human biology stories? Email us your question at shortwave@npr.org – we may…