What Are Electrolytes – and Why So Many of Us Might Need to Think About Them More.
At Women Talking, we often come back to the same question: why are so many women tired all the time? Not “end of the day” tired, but that low-level, persistent fatigue that can creep in even when you’re eating reasonably well and trying to look after yourself.
Energy is complex. It’s influenced by sleep, stress, hormones, hydration and nutrition – and one area that doesn’t get talked about enough is electrolytes.
So, what exactly are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electrical charge in the body. They include magnesium, potassium, calcium and sodium, and they play a vital role in some very basic (but essential) functions:
- Maintaining fluid balance and hydration
- Supporting muscle function and nerve signalling
- Helping regulate energy production
- Preventing fatigue, headaches and muscle cramps
We lose electrolytes every day through sweat, stress, exercise and even caffeine. For women, hormonal changes – including during perimenopause and menopause – can also affect hydration and mineral balance, which may explain why energy dips can feel more noticeable at certain life stages.
Hydration isn’t just about water
Drinking enough water is important, but without adequate electrolytes, hydration can fall short. This is why you can feel tired, foggy or flat even when you’re sipping water throughout the day.
Magnesium, in particular, is a mineral many women are low in, yet it’s essential for energy metabolism and reducing fatigue. Potassium supports hydration and muscle function, while calcium plays a role in nerve signalling and muscle contraction. Together, electrolytes help the body use energy more efficiently rather than simply pushing through exhaustion.
Where creatine fits into the conversation
Creatine is often misunderstood. While it’s commonly linked with sports and muscle building, it’s actually involved in how our cells produce and recycle energy. Emerging research suggests it may also play a role in cognitive function and resilience, which makes it relevant far beyond the gym.
For women balancing work, family, exercise and everything in between, supporting cellular energy production can be just as important as external “energy boosts”.
A thoughtful formulation worth noting
This is where Cytoplan’s new Electrolyte Creatine Complex quietly enters the conversation. Rather than positioning creatine as a performance tool, the formula focuses on everyday energy, hydration and recovery, combining creatine monohydrate with electrolytes and magnesium malate.
What I appreciate is the intention behind it. Developed by Cytoplan’s in-house nutritional therapists, it’s vegan, additive-free and neutral-tasting, designed to slot into daily routines rather than dominate them. It can be mixed into water or a smoothie, before or after movement – or simply on days when energy feels harder to come by.
A broader approach to energy
Cytoplan has spent over 35 years working at the intersection of nature and science, developing Bio-Effective® supplements that aim to support the body rather than override it. The brand is owned by The Nutritional Wellbeing Foundation, meaning each purchase also supports nutrition and wellbeing projects across the UK – a model that aligns well with our values at Women Talking.
Their Head of Nutrition, Chris Newbold, sums it up well:
“Feeling energised isn’t just for athletes. It’s about supporting the body’s natural energy systems so people can feel more focused, resilient and able to meet the demands of daily life.”
Energy, without the pressure
For us, this isn’t about adding another “must-do” to an already long wellness list. It’s about understanding how the body works, asking better questions about fatigue and recognising that sometimes low energy isn’t about motivation – it’s about minerals, hydration and support.
As always, we’ll be testing, learning and sharing honestly. Because energy should feel sustainable, not something you constantly have to chase.
Poppy Watt