"Aren't We Often Told To Limit Salt? "

Sodium is a highly regulated electrolyte that moves in and out of the body continuously via the kidneys, sweat, and urine, and plays a central role in fluid balance, nerve signaling, muscular function and cellular hydration. ​​While many are advised to limit salt due to concerns regarding fluid retention and cardiovascular health, sodium retention can actually be influenced by a complex web of factors beyond salt intake. physiological elements play a pivotal role in the management of sodium, including:

Because of these common factors, sodium retention should be considered the result of multiple interacting pathways rather than salt intake alone. Sodium requirements can differ substantially depending on factors such as sweat loss, activity level, climate, and overall diet composition.

Research on sodium physiology has evolved considerably since the early population-wide guidelines were established.

Multiple studies show that in hot environments or during physical activity, sodium losses can easily exceed 1,000 mg per hour, and in some highly active individuals, sodium losses may reach multiple grams per hour, though losses can vary widely²,³,⁴. Many modern electrolyte products provide sodium levels that align with general dietary recommendations rather than reflecting the higher losses that humans may actually experience. This suggests if a "one-size-fits-all" approach to sodium intake accurately reflects historical human exposure to salt, or the demands of physically active lifestyles.

1,000mg Sodium Per Serving in Ascendica™ Vital Hydration

Common habits like drinking caffeine, working in warm environments, or engaging in movement across the day can also elevate sodium loss through urine and sweat. Even at rest, the body maintains electrolyte balance by releasing sodium through fluid regulation and respiration, which means baseline losses occur regardless of diet. This highlights the intricate regulation of sodium and the variety of factors that influence its daily losses.

We chose the 1,000 mg ratio to bridge the gap between generic dietary recommendations and real-world electrolyte needs.

• insulin

• aldosterone

• stress

• dehydration

• sedentary behavior

• sleep restriction

• estrogen fluctuations

Baja Gold™ Ancient Sea Salt

Baja Gold™ Ancient Sea Salt is a mineral-rich sea salt harvested from clean, low-pollution waters in the Sea of Cortez, recognized for it's sustainable harvesting practices and diverse mineral profile. It is produced through natural solar dehydration rather than industrial refining, leaving its native mineral profile of 90+ trace minerals intact.

This distinguishes Baja Gold from commercially refined sodium chloride, which is stripped to almost pure NaCl and typically processed with synthetic anti-caking agents. Baja Gold’s minimal processing preserves naturally occurring magnesium, potassium, calcium, and other trace electrolytes that contribute to flavor complexity and functional mineral balance.

Why We Use Aquamin®

Harvested from red marine algae off the coast of Iceland, Aquamin® provides a full-spectrum of naturally occurring minerals — including calcium, magnesium, and other trace elements.

Aquamin Mg Soluble (Magnesium-rich) and Aquamin S (Calcium-rich) are not just pure, single-mineral compounds. They are mineral complexes that contain over 70+ trace minerals naturally accumulated by the red marine algae/seawater. These trace minerals are often co-factors that can support the utilization of the main mineral. In nature, minerals found in whole foods exist as part of a mineral matrix, not as single isolated compounds. Aquamin® reflects this natural complexity through its multi-mineral profile.

Aquamin® minerals are derived from calcified red marine algae and retain the algae’s naturally porous, honeycomb-like structure. This structure creates a high surface area, which has been shown to improve mineral solubility during digestion compared to more refined, isolated mineral salts⁵.

The Honeycomb Structure

Magnesium Bioavailability & Utilization

For magnesium, research on Aquamin® Mg indicates favorable solubility and bioavailability when evaluated under simulated gastric and intestinal conditions. Compared with commonly used forms such as magnesium oxide and bisglycinate, Aquamin® Mg has demonstrated greater solubility during digestion, meaning more magnesium remains in a dissolved, accessible form rather than passing through the gut unabsorbed⁶,⁷. Because gastrointestinal discomfort associated with magnesium is often linked to unabsorbed mineral remaining in the colon, higher solubility may help explain why Aquamin® Mg has been observed to be better tolerated in human studies compared with commonly used magnesium forms.

Gut Microbiome Support

In addition to mineral delivery, Aquamin® complexes have also been studied for their interaction with the gut environment. Research suggests that multi-mineral matrices from marine algae may support microbial diversity, highlighting a potential distinction between whole-matrix mineral sources and single isolated mineral salts⁸.

The Calcium Conversation

Calcium is a key electrolyte that supports muscle contraction, nerve signaling, and heart function. It interacts with sodium, potassium, and magnesium to maintain cellular stability and overall electrolyte balance. Even though sweat losses are smaller than sodium or potassium, including calcium in electrolyte products helps ensure comprehensive support during periods of heavy sweating and intense physical activity.

Many commercially available electrolyte products provide only small amounts of calcium - or avoid calcium altogether - But A 2024 study found that a substantial portion of U.S. adults consistently fail to meet the Estimated Average Requirement (EAR) for calcium, even when including calcium from supplements⁹.

Much of this calcium avoidance in common electrolyte products stem from concerns of calcium supplementation increasing risk of cardiovascular disease¹⁰. For this reason, Ascendica uses red algae-derived Aquamin® S, a naturally occurring, food-derived calcium source within its native mineral matrix rather than as a purified calcium compound¹¹. This matrix allows the calcium to exhibit different solubility and bioaccessibility characteristics when compared with isolated calcium salts, reflecting how minerals are present in nutrient-dense foods⁶,¹². This distinction is why mineral form and matrix are central considerations in how we approach our electrolyte formulations.

Organic Coconut Water Powder

Organic coconut water powder provides the potassium and naturally occurring minerals derived from real coconut water in a clean, concentrated form, contributing to electrolyte density without the unnecessary fillers.

In addition to key electrolytes, coconut water powder contains naturally occurring amino acids and phytonutrients that contribute to it's whole-food mineral matrix.

Its naturally mild sweetness help our blends achieve a smooth, refreshing taste without the need for added sugars.

ZERO Synthetic Anti-Caking Agents

Many commercial mineral salts utilize synthetic anti-caking agents (such as silicas, silicates, or talc) to simplify manufacturing and improve shelf flow. However, peer-reviewed research shows that some of these materials can alter powder surface behavior and moisture dynamics, mechanisms linked to accelerated degradation of certain nutrients in moisture-sensitive formulations¹³,¹⁴.

ZERO Maltodextrin

Maltodextrin is often added to improve flow, sweetness, or processing efficiency. We exclude maltodextrin to maintain a cleaner ingredient profile and avoid unnecessary carriers.

Setting The Gold Standard In Electrolyte Synergy

Made With :

• Organic Monk Fruit Powder

• Zero Artificial Flavors, Sweeteners, Or Preservatives

• Organic Freeze-Dried Lemon Powder And Organic Vanilla Bean Powder

• 100% Non-GMO Ingredients

• Organic Coconut Water Powder

1,000mg Sodium | 400mg Potassium | 110mg Magnesium 150mg Calcium Per Serving

Ascendica Vital Hydration

1 . Council for Responsible Nutrition (2025). "Magnesium." Vitamin and Mineral Safety, 4th Edition.

2. Godek, S. F., et al. Journal of Athletic Training (2010). "Sweat Rates, Sweat Sodium Concentrations, and Sodium Losses in 3 Groups of Professional Football Players."

3. Holmes, N., et al. Annals of Sports Medicine and Research (2016). "The Effect of Exercise Intensity on Sweat Rate and Sweat Sodium and Potassium Losses in Trained Endurance Athletes."

4. Valentine, V. Current Sports Medicine Reports (2008). "Sodium Balance and Exercise."

5. Aslam, M. N., et al. (2021). "A Multi-Mineral Intervention to Modulate Colonic Mucosal Protein Profile: Results from a 90-Day Trial in Human Subjects."

6. Felice, V. D., O'Gorman, D. M., O'Brien, N. M., & Hyland, N. P. (2018). "Bioaccessibility and Bioavailability of a Marine-Derived Multimineral, Aquamin-Magnesium."

7. Dowley, A., et al. (2024). "The bioaccessibility and tolerability of marine-derived sources of magnesium and calcium."

8. Crowley, E. K., et al. (2018). "Dietary Supplementation with a Magnesium-Rich Marine Mineral Blend Enhances the Diversity of Gastrointestinal Microbiota."

9. Yu, Z., Li, Y., Ba, D. M., Veldheer, S. J., Sun, L., Geng, T., & Gao, X. (2024). "Trends in Calcium Intake among the US Population: Results from the NHANES (1999–2018)

10. Reid, I. R., Bristow, S. M., & Bolland, M. J. (2017). "Calcium and Cardiovascular Disease." Endocrinology and Metabolism

11. Aslam, M. N., et al. (2010). "A Mineral-Rich Extract from the Red Marine Algae Lithothamnion calcareum Preserves Bone Structure and Function in Female Mice on a Western-Style Diet."

12. Zenk, J. L., Frestedt, J. L., & Kuskowski, M. A. (2018). "Effect of Calcium Derived from Lithothamnion sp. on Markers of Calcium Metabolism in Premenopausal Women."

13. Bashir, O., et al. (2023). "Influence of Anticaking Agents and Storage Conditions on Quality Characteristics of Spray Dried Apricot Powder.

14. Lipasek, R. A., Taylor, L. S., & Mauer, L. J. (2011). "Effects of Anticaking Agents and Relative Humidity on the Physical and Chemical Stability of Powdered Vitamin C

References