The Importance of Hydration and Electrolytes
Since our bodies are composed of approximately 78% water, staying hydrated is essential for overall health. Drinking water supports all bodily systems, including digestion, hormone regulation, movement, body temperature regulation, and provides mental clarity and radiant skin.
Electrolytes are a way to aid in hydration, and they are not only for athletes or individuals who lose a lot of water through sweating. At a simplified level, electrolytes are essential minerals the body uses to maintain the proper balance of fluids in the body. Which means they are essential to everyone. They are excellent tools to replenish our minerals and give us energy and strength to take on our day!
Basics of Electrolytes
Examples of natural electrolytes include sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. Our bodies can become easily dehydrated from factors such as heavy sweating in intense workouts or spending long periods of time in hot weather, recovering from an illness, traveling, or simply not consuming enough water.
This is where electrolyte powders and supplements come into play. They help replenish our mineral storage and rehydrate the body!
My Electrolyte Supplement Recommendation
There are many options of electrolyte powders to choose from with varying degrees of sodium, potassium, magnesium, and calcium. My favorite is the Re-Lyte Hydration Electrolyte Powder from Redmond.
Re-Lytes contain no calories, carbs, or added sugars, and they taste great! Available in multiple flavors, including mango, strawberry lemonade, watermelon lime, mixed berry, lemon lime, and even unflavored, there is a mix for everyone to enjoy sipping on.
How Hydration and Electrolytes Improve Performance, Overall Regulation, and Mental Health
Performance
Intense workouts and other cases that cause heavy sweating can affect your performance, endurance, and breathing. Water cushions the joints, which means dehydration can affect flexibility and muscle function. When we breathe in, the body uses fluids to moisten the air to make it easier for the lungs to absorb. Therefore, when we do not drink enough water and replenish our mineral stores, we may experience a loss of strength and energy.
Overall Regulation
Here are some examples of bodily systems and processes that are supported by proper hydration:
Digestion and waste elimination
Creates saliva (for chewing and the first stage of digestion)
Balances chemicals between the brain and body (hormones and neurotransmitters)
Delivers oxygen all over the body
Regulates body temperature
Acts as a shock absorber for the brain and spinal cord
Mental Health
Even our brains–therefore our mental health–are affected by dehydration. Research has linked dehydration to mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety because of its influence on the brain. Not drinking enough water or having enough electrolytes causes brain functioning to slow down, impedes the brain’s serotonin production, increases the chances of panic attacks, and increases stress in the body.
Natural Sources of Electrolytes
Although it is easy and convenient to add Re-Lyte to my water when I am on the go, I also like to incorporate specific foods in my diet that are naturally high in electrolytes:
Sodium: Redmond’s salt (or other high-quality sea salt), bone broth
Potassium: Bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes
Magnesium: Spinach, lima beans, almonds, cacao
Calcium: Unsweetened plain Greek yogurt, tofu/edamame, broccoli, almonds
More Hydration Tips
To stay hydrated, I always carry a water bottle with me. I use a reusable water bottle whenever I am on the go and always have water accessible to me when I am doing computer work, cooking in the kitchen, or relaxing on the couch. Not only can you spruce up your water by adding electrolytes, you can add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime, frozen fruit, cucumbers, or fresh herbs like mint for a refreshing change! Cucumber, watermelon, celery, and oranges are great examples of whole foods that are water-rich!
Looking for more ways to support your health?
Tap below to learn more!