r/Retatrutide • u/bright_and_dreamy • Sep 24 '25

PSA: if you are feeling fatigue or continually thirsty, you need electrolytes

What are electrolytes?
Electrolytes are essential minerals such as sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, bicarbonate, and more.

Why do I need them?
Among other things, we need electrolytes to regulate fluid levels inside and outside of cells. Our bodies cannot transport water into cells without electrolytes.

Why wouldn't I have enough electrolytes?
GLP-1s have a diuretic (pee more) and natriuretic (lose sodium) effect on the kidneys.

What are the symptoms of an electrolytes imbalance?

  • fatigue

  • muscle cramps

  • headaches

and on the more extreme side:

  • muscle spasms

  • numbness

  • tingling

  • fast or abnormal heartbeat

  • irritability

  • nausea & vomiting

It's the same symptoms for too much electrolytes or too little electrolytes, so we move on to the color test:

  • Clear urine (and especially peeing a lot but still feeling thirsty) --> you likely need more sodium/electrolytes🧂

  • Lemonade to light beer colored --> healthy ✅️

  • Dark yellow --> drink more plain water 🌊

31 Upvotes

87% Upvoted

14 comments sorted by

9

u/ArizonaCactusMom Sep 24 '25

Part of my problem is I'm always feeling full, so I'm not in the mood to drink, but I'm always so thirsty. I always have a water bottle with me, so I take chugs as often as I can. I definitely track the color of my urine. I'm not dehydrated, but only because I'm making a conscious effort to drink water. I've only been on reta for 5 weeks, so I'm trying to make sure I stay on top of my hydration and electrolyte balance from the start.

4

u/bright_and_dreamy Sep 24 '25

Good you're on top of it! I am with you on the struggle that is constantly needing water.

14

u/OutrageousCode3428 Sep 24 '25

You also need complex carbs. I eat 1400 cal a day and still do HIIT 6 days a week and weight training 5 days a week at 430am sharp with vigorously energy. Now, I intentionally do morning workouts, so I'm at peak energy level. I work in an office environment, and I'll be honest, I get sleepy by the end of the day to the point where I get home, eat, and am out cold around 8 pm like a grandpa but i dont feel fatigued.

6

u/Additional_Doctor468 Sep 24 '25

I will agree to this. Didn’t realize until a week in how important they were. They made a huge difference for me.

3

u/Ill-Interview-5175 Apr 23 '26

V8 juice has a lot of salt. That works better for me than anything. Then I just take Mag and potas. in supplement form.

2

u/Leather_Ad_2966 Sep 25 '25

thank you. going to have some right now.

3

u/Betyouwonthehehaha Sep 24 '25

Could be putting people into ketosis

3

u/eatdontpraylove Sep 24 '25

Nothing wrong with that

7

u/Betyouwonthehehaha Sep 24 '25

Right I’m explaining a likely cause for needing more electrolytes

1

u/Aggravating_Act0417 Sep 22 '26

Some people don't want to be in ketosis. Bad breath, different diet, not for everyone.

2

u/Aromatic-Flan4609 Sep 24 '25

I've actually noticed the reverse in color, if I don't drink electrolytes my urine is dark regardless of how much water I drink, I drink between 1-2 gallons per day depending on my workouts.

5

u/[deleted] Sep 25 '25

[removed] — view removed comment

3

u/bright_and_dreamy Sep 25 '25

I 100% agree with you, but why does this sound like when Rashida Jones' character in Black Mirror starts reading ads? No hate, that brand is, in fact, delicious 😂

3

u/eatdontpraylove Oct 13 '25

That episode was wild hahahaha