Hydrate the right way!
Updated: Oct 26, 2022
Most people think about hydrating by chugging water once they are already dehydrated or they just did a hard workout or practice and drink a gatorade. I have a lot of thoughts on all of this...
IMPORTANCE OF HYDRATION
According to Harvard School of Public Health, drinking enough water each day in crucial for many reasons such as:
regulating body temperature
keeping joints lubricated
preventing infections
delivering nutrients to cells
keeping organs functioning properly
improved quality of sleep
improved cognition and mood
I know you are thinking "wow, I want all those things," so let's see how we can get you there.
RECOMMENDED INTAKE
This may sound like a lot but, the average woman is recommended to drink about 11 cups of water per day and 16 for the average man. However, not all these cups have to come from plain ole water. They can come from flavored water or coffee and tea. Woo Hoo! That means I am already 2 out of 11 cups in while I sit here writing this drinking my second coffee of the day.
It is not recommended to drink super-sweetened beverages while trying to stay hydrated. I think most people would understand that means stay away from pop, juice, and other sugar-sweetened beverages but even energy drinks and vitamin waters are LOADED with sugar and are NOT worth the use. People reach for them because they have "electrolytes," but what are those?
ELECTROLYTES
Electrolytes are minerals found in your blood that help regulate and control the balance of fluids in the body. They help to regulate blood pressure, muscle contraction and keeping your body functioning properly. The main three electrolytes are Sodium, Potassium and Magnesium.
The main electrolyte we lose is sodium, which is why if you have sweat dripping into your mouth during a hard workout, it tastes like salt. Sodium tends to get a bad rep, but it helps us retain fluids. Often times people think they need potassium when they start cramping when what they really need is sodium or salt. So when you lose sodium from heavy workouts, it's import to replace it! You can even just throw some salt in your water!!
WHEN AND HOW TO REPLACE ELECTROLYTES
If you are working out for an hour or less, regular water will be just fine. If you are exercising north of 75 minutes, or if it's very hot out, then adding an electrolyte drink may benefit you. But how to choose???
Check the LABELS....a typical electrolyte drink that is about 8oz contains 14 grams of sugar....WOAH. I am going to give you a few different options to choose from that don't pollute you with tons of sugar and extra ingredients.
OUR FAVORITE ELECTROLYTE DRINKS AND WATER BOTTLES
#1 LMNT Keto Electrolyte Powder Packets- NO sugar or artificial ingredients
LMNT gives you more electrolytes in the perfect ratio.
1,000 mg SODIUM
200 mg POTASSIUM
60 mg MAGNESIUM
Key Ingredients: Salt (Sodium Chloride), Citric Acid, Magnesium Malate, Potassium Chloride, Natural Flavors, Stevia Leaf Extract
Click on the link to give it a try!
#2 REDMOND Re-Lyte Electrolyte Drink Mix - any flavor (Currently out of stock but should be back soon)
What's In Re-Lyte?
1000mg sodium
500mg potassium
1585mg chloride
75mg calcium
60mg magnesium
100mg coconut water powder
Natural Flavors - for flavored powders
Stevia leaf extract
Check it out here - currently out of stock but stay tuned!
#3 Vita Coco Coconut Water
Less than 1% sugar, vitamin c, and absorbic acid
*Much better than the 14g in other electrolyte drinks!
You can check out this organic coconut water below with the link
#4 Water Bottles
My favorite way to drink water is from a blender bottle! Especially my Dynamic Fitness one linked here :)
Love the times on this water bottle and comes in many colors.
A popular option is the Hydro Flask, 23,00 + 5 star reviews, lots of size options and colors.
Any of these would make great Christmas gifts or stocking stuffers ;)
Thanks for reading! Feel free to ask any questions you may have in the comments or message us! Please share with your dehydrated or overly obsessed gatorade loving friends! - KP
Sources-
https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/news/hsph-in-the-news/the-importance-of-hydration/
https://health.clevelandclinic.org/electrolyte-drinks-beneficial-or-not/