Why is Hydration important? Why should we prioritize it?
If you’ve ever felt dizzy, a quench for thirst or fatigue recently, especially after a long day in the sun or after exercise, there is a good chance that you experienced dehydration [1,2]. Staying hydrated is all about being proactive and listening to your own body’s needs, followed by taking action when needed. Essentially hydration can be broken down into how much water your body will or already has retained [3]. The more the better, as having the necessary amount of water in your body is critical for its own performance, internal regulation and normal function [3].
How to Improve Your Hydration This Summer?
Drinking more water will always be an excellent and perhaps the easiest way to improve your current state of hydration. However, there are important ingredients that water alone does not have, which improve your body’s ability to increase water uptake even further. These ingredients are called electrolytes and stem from exploration into the body’s internal water uptake and displacement process [4,5].
Below are some of the key ingredients [4,5].
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chlorine
- Glucose aka sugar
Sodium, Chlorine and Potassium aka ELECTROLYTES – sodium, chlorine and potassium are often better known as electrolytes. An electrolyte is a liquid solution which has dissolved elements in their ion form, which means it can conduct an electrical current or charge. Electrolytes are crucial to the water retention process and even your body’s ability to relax its muscles [6]. Electrolytes are essentially just a fancy word for salts dissolved in water.
Glucose aka sugar – while very high blood glucose levels contribute to dehydration, glucose in the right amounts and during times of fasting, can be beneficial to your state of hydration. Glucose helps you absorb the electrolytes better [7]. The fact that it’s a carbohydrate can help improve the function of the small intestine and ultimately your water retention, especially in times where your body is needing that energy boost.
TLDR (Too Long Didn’t Read)
Staying properly hydrated is very important and can help prevent any of the unwanted and frustrating side effects of dehydration. Electrolytes, glucose and even immune support ingredients are best absorbed when mixed in water. To ensure the most effective delivery - a convenient, electrolyte drink mix can do the trick.
Our Hydration Replenisher can serve as a great proactive measure to help ensure that you will be hydrated all summer long. It contains sodium, potassium, and glucose in the form organic evaporated cane sugar (a healthier source of glucose[8]). It also contains an added boost of Vitamin C, D,B - Complex and zinc for immune support and replenishment.
Hope to see you at the gym or on the beach all summer long - hydrated, and feeling great.
All the best,
Marley
Ps. Before taking any specific supplements, it's always a good idea to consult your doctor or a healthcare professional to make sure they’re right for you.
References
[1] Popkin, B. M., D'Anci, K. E., & Rosenberg, I. H. (2010, August 1). Water, hydration, and health. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/68/8/439/1841926?login=true.
[2] Edwards, A. M., & Noakes, T. D. (2012, September 23). Dehydration. Sports Medicine. https://link.springer.com/article/10.2165/00007256-200939010-00001.
[3] Armstrong, L. E. (2005, June 1). Hydration Assessment Techniques. OUP Academic. https://academic.oup.com/nutritionreviews/article/63/suppl_1/S40/1927763.
[4] National Research Council (US) Subcommittee on the Tenth Edition of the Recommended Dietary Allowances. (1989, January 1). Water and Electrolytes. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/.
[5] Urdampilleta A;Gómez-Zorita S;Soriano JM;Martínez-Sanz JM;Medina S;Gil-Izquierdo A; (n.d.). Hydration and chemical ingredients in sport drinks: food safety in the European context. Nutricion hospitalaria. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25929356/.
[6] Bohr, D. F. (1964, March 1). ELECTROLYTES AND SMOOTH MUSCLE CONTRACTION. Pharmacological Reviews. https://pharmrev.aspetjournals.org/content/16/1/85.short.
[7] (PDF) Jejunal water and electrolyte absorption from two ... (n.d.). https://www.researchgate.net/publication/20042343_Jejunal_water_and_electrolyte_absorption_from_two_proprietary_enterai_feeds_in_man_Importance_of_sodium_content.
[8] Positive Aspects of Cane Sugar and Sugar Cane Derived Products in Food and Nutrition. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. (n.d.). https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.jafc.7b05734.