If you’ve ever sprinted for a drop shot and suddenly felt your legs cramp—or you’re halfway through your second game and already foggy, dizzy, or flat-out tired—you’re probably not just low on energy. You’re likely low on electrolytes.

I do prove this hypothesis as I keep seeing patients with leg cramps post-pickleball (or whatever sport heavy on leg work), and relentlessly feel the cramping even days after the strenuous activity – and see low scores on their electrolyte panel once tested.

Pickleball might feel like a fun, social game (and it is), but it’s also a sneaky cardio session. You sweat. You move. You push. And whether you’re playing under the sun or in an indoor court, your body is constantly losing minerals like sodium, potassium, and magnesium—even if you don’t feel it right away.

A lot of young athletes and weekend warriors assume that just drinking water is enough to stay hydrated. I get it. Water feels like the healthiest choice. But without electrolytes, water alone won’t cut it. In fact, you might be flushing out the exact minerals your muscles and brain need to function well.

Here’s the science in real-life terms: electrolytes help your body absorb and retain water, keep your muscles from cramping, and stabilize your energy levels so you don’t crash halfway through your day (or your game). They’re also key for reaction time, focus, and recovery—pretty essential whether you're playing casually or training competitively.

What I see often in my practice? Healthy, active 20- to 30-year-olds coming in with fatigue, brain fog, mood dips, or sleep issues... and a lot of it traces back to basic mineral imbalances. No, you don’t need to be an ultramarathoner to need electrolytes. You just need to be sweating, moving, and living in a country as hot and humid as the Philippines.

So if you're playing pickleball regularly, going to the gym, or even just trying to stay sharp and energized through your 9-to-5 grind, daily electrolytes should be part of your routine—not just a post-workout emergency fix. The right supplement (with balanced sodium, potassium, and magnesium) can make a huge difference in your stamina, recovery, and even mood.

I recommend starting your day with electrolytes—especially if you’re a morning player or a coffee drinker (yup, caffeine depletes electrolytes too). Keep a packet in your gym bag, and take one before or after games. And skip the sugary, artificially-colored sports drinks. Go for clean, well-formulated options that replenish without the crash.