Why is hydration important?

Your body uses water in all its cells, organs, and tissues to help:

• Regulate its temperature
• Increase lipolysis which is its mechanism to burn and process fats
• Maintain other bodily functions.

 

Because your body loses water through breathing, sweating, and digestion, it’s important to rehydrate by drinking fluids and eating foods that contain water

Water is particularly important when you’re trying to achieve a healthy weight loss.

It improves the digestive system so that fats are eliminated from the body more efficiently and helps to flush your system out. It can also help reduce fluid retention and decrease the appetite.  A good rule of thumb is half your body weight in ounces as MINIMUM.  If you weigh 150 – 75 ounces as a bare minimum!  If your an athlete or exercise at all you need to add at least 25 ounces to that.

Water is the foundation.  Not energy drinks, tea, coffee or anything else.  Good old H2O!  Like it or not drink it up for Health!

Why is electrolyte balance important?

Electrolytes are minerals found in your blood that help regulate the balance of fluids in the body.

These minerals play a role in

• Regulating Blood Pressure,
• Muscle Contraction
• Healthy Central Nervous System

Electrolytes Include:

• Sodium
• Potassium
• Magnesium
• Calcium
• Bicarbonates

The right amount of electrolytes in your body is necessary for optimal health and physical performance.  We lose our electrolytes and fluids thru intense exercise, sweating, vomiting or diarrhea. This can cause dehydration and low energy. You might also experience muscle cramping and spasms.

Things to consider if your wanting to supplement your regular H2O intake.

• Fitness level
• Activity duration
• Environmental factors.

When both temperatures and humidity are high, the body works harder, thus increasing internal body temperature . The body needs to release heat (through sweat), and electrolytes can be lost at a faster rate.  During intense activities in which sweat rates may be greater, or the duration is longer it is essential to replace electrolytes through fluids, and be aware of signs of dehydration.

With these summer days in full swing make sure your staying hydrated and keeping those electrolytes in balance. Do your best to stay away from the surgery and dye laden sports drinks that line the refrigerated shelves.  Go for a hydration tablet or packet that is just that.  No additional dyes or sugars and if there is a little sweetener shoot for 10 grams or less of sugar or carbs.

If you would like some fun homemade recipes keep an eye out for Well Fed Friday because we will be dropping some fun homemade hydration options right here for you!