The Importance of Hydration and Electrolytes

Aug 18

Because our bodies are made up of around 78% water, staying hydrated is crucial for overall health. Drinking water supports all bodily systems, such as digestion, hormone regulation, movement, body temperature regulation, and provides mental clarity and glowing 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 in order to maintain the proper balance of fluid in the body. Which means they are essential to everyone. They are amazing 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, 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! Coming in multiple flavors like mango, strawberry lemonade, watermelon lime, mixed berry, lemon lime, and even unflavored, there is a mix everyone can 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 are not drinking enough water and restoring our mineral stores, we may feel a loss in 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, bone broth

Potassium: Bananas, avocados, and sweet potatoes

Magnesium: Spinach, lima beans, almonds

Calcium: Unsweetened plain Greek yogurt, tofu, broccoli

More Hydration Tips

In order for me to stay hydrated, I always have water 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!