Muscle cramps, midday fatigue, and mental fog are common complaints — and while they can stem from many factors, one underlying cause often goes overlooked: mild dehydration and electrolyte imbalance.
In this article, we explore how electrolytes support muscle, nerve, and cognitive function — and how a complete, sugar-free electrolyte powder like PROH2O may help you feel better, move better, and think better.
How Electrolytes Affect Muscle Function and Cramps
Cramps are often caused by a dehydration-electrolyte imbalance that impacts nerve signaling, especially during or after sweating.[1]
Electrolytes like sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium are essential for:
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Regulating muscle contraction
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Transmitting nerve impulses
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Preventing neuromuscular overstimulation [2,3]
When these minerals are depleted through sweat, diet, or illness, the body becomes more prone to tightness, twitching, and painful cramps — especially in athletes and active individuals. In fact, there’s a specific term used for cramping in athletes – It’s known as Exercise-Associated Muscle Cramps or EAMC for short.[4]
Electrolytes and Fatigue
Feeling tired despite having adequate rest? It may not be sleep — it could be inadequate hydration.
Dehydration and low electrolytes may reduce fluid levels which impair blood flow, oxygen delivery, and nerve–muscle signals which in turn make the body work less efficiently and feel fatigued.[5]
Fatigue related to electrolyte imbalance may include:
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Muscle weakness
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Low energy despite eating or resting
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Poor recovery after training or heat exposure
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Increased perceived exertion during workouts
Sodium and potassium regulate fluid volume and blood pressure, while magnesium supports energy metabolism and neuromuscular function. Without enough of them, fatigue can set in faster.
Brain Fog and Mild Dehydration
Even slight fluid loss — as little as 1–2% of body weight — can impair cognitive performance and alertness. That includes:
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Slower reaction time
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Difficulty concentrating
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Memory lapses or mental fatigue
Multiple studies have shown this effect in both men and women. One study found that 1.4% dehydration negatively impacted mood and memory in women [6]. Another found that 1.6% dehydration impaired mental performance in men [7].
Electrolytes like sodium, chloride, and magnesium help regulate the electrical activity that powers brain function.
Headaches, Migraines and Dehydration
There is strong scientific evidence showing a link between dehydration and electrolyte imbalances and the frequency and intensity of headaches/migraines. It may turn out that your headaches may be fueled in part due to a lack of adequate hydration. [8]
What Makes PROH2O Different
Most hydration products either:
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Include sugar or artificial sweeteners
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Use incomplete electrolyte blends
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Omit B-vitamins and performance co-factors
PROH2O was developed to deliver complete hydration support without sugar or shortcuts.
Each serving provides:
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Clinically Correct electrolytes based on WHO (World Health Organization) ORS (Oral Rehydration Solution) ratios:
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430 mg sodium
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190 mg potassium
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580 mg chloride
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Plus magnesium and calcium
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Amino Transport Technology™ to support sugar-free absorption [9]
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B1, B3, B5, B6, B7, and B12 to help support energy metabolism and reduce fatigue
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Zero sugar, zero carbs, zero dyes
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Informed Choice certified
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Produced in a Health Canada-licensed facility
When to Use PROH2O for Symptom Support
Consider electrolyte support when:
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You experience muscle cramps during or after workouts
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You feel midday fatigue without a clear cause
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You're recovering from sweating, heat, or illness
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You’re on a low-carb or fasting plan
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You notice mental fog, headaches, or decreased focus
Final Takeaway
Hydration affects more than thirst. If you're dealing with cramping, fatigue, or brain fog, the root cause could be electrolyte imbalance — and plain water may not be enough.
PROH2O delivers a complete blend of electrolytes, amino acids, and B-vitamins to help you feel, think, and perform your best — without sugar or fillers.
Hydration That Does More
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Supports energy, focus, and recovery
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Replaces key minerals lost through sweat
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Helps fight fatigue and cramping
Hydrate Yes – Sugar No.
Feel the difference with PROH2O.
References
1 Miller KC, Stone MS, Huxel KC, Edwards JE. Exercise-associated muscle cramps: causes, treatment, and prevention. Sports Health. 2010;2(4):279-283. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3445088/
2 Shrimanker I, Bhattarai S. Electrolytes. [Updated 2023 Jul 24]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541123/
3 Shamim, Parvez. (2021). Impact of fluid ingestion on neuromuscular function and performance during prolonged exercise: A comparative analysis of hydration states. International Journal of Physiology Nutrition and Physical Education. 6. 10.22271/journalofsport.2021.v6.i2f.2967.
4 Bordoni B, Sugumar K, Varacallo MA. Muscle Cramps. [Updated 2023 Aug 4]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2025 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK499895/
5 Trangmar SJ, González-Alonso J. Heat, Hydration and the Human Brain, Heart and Skeletal Muscles. Sports Med. 2019;49(Suppl 1):69-85. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6445826/
6 Armstrong LE, et al. Mild dehydration affects mood in healthy young women. J Nutr. 2012 Feb;142(2):382–388. https://doi.org/10.3945/jn.111.142000
7 Ganio MS, et al. Mild dehydration impairs cognitive performance and mood of men. Br J Nutr. 2011 Dec;106(10):1535–1543. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114511002005
8 Khorsha F, Mirzababaei A, Togha M, Mirzaei K. Association of drinking water and migraine headache severity. J Clin Neurosci. 2020;77:81-84. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/32446809/
9 J Health Popul Nutr. 2007 Sep;25(3):263–266. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2751930/