Hydration is Key

Water truly is the key to life. With our fast paced lives, we often forget to drink and proper hydration can take some extra effort. Around 75-85% of Americans are dehydrated, and when considering hydration plays a role in every function in our body, right down to heart function, it’s clear we can all step it up. Once we have one day of significant dehydration, it can take us two to three days to restore balance.

Our bodies are made up of approximately 65-80% water. From your brain to your heart and muscles, to your nervous system and systems of elimination. In order for your body to move toxins and other wastes out, we have to be taking in enough water. To make energy and send electrical impulses in the body, we need that water.

 

Dehydration symptoms can include:

  • Headache
  • Dry mouth, lips & skin
  • Fatigue
  • Sluggishness
  • Muscle aches & cramps
  • Dizziness
  • Heart Palpitations
  • Thirst
  • Bloating
  • Constipation

 

What works for hydration? Water, and having a diet high in fresh fruits and vegetables . The fruits and vegetables will actually bring some water into the body. Watermelon, citrus, cucumbers, fresh greens and all fruits and vegetables come with water and minerals built in. Eating more vegetables and drinking fresh prepared veggie juices, our bodies won’t become mineral and water depleted as easily. Knowing that some days it can be hard to stay on track, it may be worthwhile to add electrolytes to your water, preferably from food sources, but there are other options also. It is as easy as squeezing fresh lemon or lime into your water. Add cucumber slices or fresh mint or basil. Fresh coconut water has the most balanced source of electrolytes, but may not always be available. These all bring added nutrients to the water.

What are electorlytes? Electrolytes are simply mineral salt ions, they have an electrical charge within the human body and act as conductors for your body’s functions. The major electrolyte minerals are sodium, potassium, chloride, calcium and magnesium. Ideally, you want to consume half your body’s weight in ounces of water per day. On exercise days, you’ll want to drink more and on occasions when you take in food or drinks that dehydrates the body. A few examples would be coffee, alcohol, sugar, soda, artificial sweeteners, meat and refined flour products.

In a pinch, it is always helpful to have electrolyte packets around. They are great for hikes or exercise days. They are also great for kids because as hard as we try as parents, we can’t always be on top of how much water our children are drinking. Two favorites of mine are the Vega sport electrolytes as they are only sweetened with stevia and Trace Minerals Research Power Packs. The ingredients are clean, nothing artificial or questionable and most importantly, my 17 & 14 year old water polo players notice a difference when they use them. Not all electrolytes are created equal, reach for the clean and not the chemicals!

Have fun, stay active, play, love, laugh and drink up!

Leave a Comment