Why Kriti Sanon has fibre mixed with electrolytes every day: ‘Everyone just talks about protein’

Why Kriti Sanon is focusing on fibre and electrolytes beyond protein. (Source: Instagram/@kritisanon)

In the era of protein, Kriti Sanon is busy loading up on fibre. The Cocktail 2 star recently revealed that her daily supplement routine includes an adequate amount of fibre and electrolytes to support her fitness journey.

Speaking to Vogue India, she said, “Everyone just talks about protein, protein, protein. And we forget to have fibre,” adding that her routine includes a fibre supplement combined with electrolytes, mixed with water. “I have this every single day,” Sanon further mentioned.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.

Edwina Raj, Head of Services – Clinical Nutrition & Dietetics, Aster CMI Hospital, Bangalore, says combining fibre with electrolytes can be useful because “fibre supports digestion, bowel regularity, gut health and fullness, while electrolytes such as sodium and potassium help maintain fluid balance, nerve function and normal muscle function” — particularly when a person is sweating heavily or exercising.

Is there a specific ratio?

No, says Raj, stressing that the benefits depend on a person’s overall diet, activity level, hydration and health.

“For most healthy people, fibre should primarily come from whole foods such as vegetables, fruits, oats, whole grains, beans, lentils, chickpeas, nuts and seeds, while electrolytes can also be obtained naturally through foods such as coconut water, bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes, curd and other dairy foods, and ordinary water is usually sufficient for hydration during normal daily activities,” she tells indianexpress.com.

Raj mentions that even though fibre and electrolytes can be consumed together, the combination does not automatically make either nutrient work better.

“If a person is using a fibre supplement, it should be increased gradually and taken with enough fluid because suddenly consuming large amounts of fibre may cause gas, bloating or constipation,” she shares.

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On the other hand, she warns that electrolyte drinks should not be consumed unnecessarily every day because some products contain significant amounts of sodium or added sugar. WHO also recommends limiting sodium intake to less than 2,000 mg per day for adults.

Therefore, according to Raj, a simple food-based pairing could be “oats with banana and curd, chia or flax seeds with fruit and yoghurt, or dal and vegetables with a potassium-rich food such as potato or tomato”, depending on individual dietary needs.

Electrolyte-to-glucose balance

“There is a specific electrolyte-to-glucose balance for oral rehydration solutions (ORS) used to treat dehydration, but that should not be confused with a daily fibre-and-electrolyte wellness drink, because WHO’s ORS formulation is designed specifically to replace water and electrolyte losses during diarrhoea and contains carefully measured amounts of sodium, potassium, citrate and glucose,” she elaborates further.

Therefore, an otherwise healthy person who exercises moderately does not need to copy an ORS formula or add electrolytes to every fibre drink.

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While electrolytes may be more useful during prolonged or intense exercise, heavy sweating, hot-weather activity or illness causing fluid loss, Raj also warns that anyone with kidney, heart or blood-pressure problems should discuss regular electrolyte supplementation with a doctor rather than following a celebrity’s routine.

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.