If you're balling on the regular—whether it's weekend leagues, pick-up games with the barkada, or gym drills after work—let me ask you this: do you ever feel wiped out even after drinking lots of water?

I see it all the time. Players push hard on the court, then chug water and wonder why they still feel sluggish, crampy, or totally drained by the second half. The answer? It’s not just about fluids. It’s about electrolytes.

Every time you sprint, jump, defend, or just sweat it out on the court, you're losing essential minerals—sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium—that keep your muscles firing, your mind sharp, and your energy up. These are your electrolytes. Without them, you're basically running on low battery.

And here's the catch: most players don't realize they're already starting the game dehydrated. Coffee, alcohol, stress, and even aircon-heavy offices all strip your body of electrolytes before you even lace up your sneakers.

Water alone can’t replace what your body needs. In fact, drinking plain water without electrolytes can dilute the minerals you have left, making you feel even more fatigued.

That mid-game cramp?
That foggy decision-making in the 4th quarter?
That dead-leg feeling after a game?

A lot of it is electrolyte imbalance. And it’s preventable.

As a doctor, and as someone who works with active professionals and athletes, I always recommend making electrolytes part of your daily routine, not just something you take when you’re already tired or cramping. Think of them as part of your training fuel—just like sleep, recovery, and nutrition.

Start your day with it if you're an early riser. Take a dose before the game. Or sip it after practice to recover faster and avoid next-day burnout. It’s a small shift with a big payoff—especially if you're trying to level up your stamina, improve focus on the court, and bounce back stronger after each match.