11/20/2025
💦Electrolytes are self-care for your adrenals…
(and not just a trend in a pastel Stanley cup)
Chronic stress does something your body is wired to survive, but not sustain. It activates the HPA axis, spikes cortisol and aldosterone, and in the process, depletes key minerals that keep your blood pressure stable, your energy regulated, and your nervous system grounded.
Let’s break this down:
đź“ŚSodium is often the first to tank under stress.
Cortisol increases the excretion of sodium via the kidneys. So even if you’re eating enough salt, your body might not be holding onto it.
→ Low levels can lead to salt cravings, dizziness when standing, low blood pressure, and feeling like you “hit a wall” when dehydrated.
đź“ŚPotassium is closely tied to sodium but often gets overlooked.
As cortisol increases, potassium can shift intracellularly, throwing off nerve signaling and muscular contraction.
→ Low potassium can show up as irregular heartbeat, heart palpitations, anxiety spikes, fatigue, and even constipation.
đź“ŚMagnesium is your stress-buffer mineral.
It helps downregulate the sympathetic nervous system (aka your fight-or-flight response), balances cortisol output, and supports deep, restorative sleep. But under chronic stress, magnesium gets used rapidly for over 300 enzyme reactions, including ATP production, hormone metabolism, and detoxification.
→ Low levels can manifest as tight muscles, insomnia, sensitivity to noise, light, and overwhelm, and difficulty relaxing even when you’re “off.”
Most people with adrenal dysfunction or chronic stress are walking around unknowingly depleted.
This isn’t just about drinking more water or adding a pinch of salt. It’s about understanding how stress physiology changes your mineral needs, and supporting your body accordingly.
Electrolytes aren’t a trend. They’re a therapeutic tool for restoring internal stability.
