Drinking enough water daily is crucial for many reasons. Drinking water helps to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to our body cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.
However, drinking plain water isn’t always enough, so what’s the answer? Hydration is not just about how much water we drink. It is essential to maintain the balance of electrolytes in our bodies.
Supplementing your water with electrolytes is important in warmer weather and if you’ve sweated a lot, whether that be after exercise, a hike, or an activity like gardening. This may sound complicated, but it doesn’t have to be!
Electrolytes are needed for vital functions such as regulating blood pressure, brain function, pH levels, muscle and nerve function, and much more. The primary electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chloride, phosphate, and bicarbonate.
Electrolytes are needed for optimal fluid balance for everyone, not just fitness enthusiasts. They’re not just important after exercise, but also for preventing dehydration during malnutrition, diarrhoea, vomiting and intoxication. Electrolytes are needed for optimal fluid balance and hydration whatever condition the body is in. Improving hydration and getting enough electrolytes has been shown to:
- Curb sugar cravings and support weight loss
- Improve skin, hair and nail health
- Protect heart health
- Boost mood and cognition
- Help us to sleep better
- Support detoxifying organs such as the liver and kidneys
Our staff share their favourite electrolyte options available at Wild Oats health food store and online:
Alicia loves NUUN sport hydration tablets, a tasty and hydrating blend of electrolytes for exercise and on-the-go. Alicia rates NUUN tablets, as they help prevent her getting cramps during her gym workouts. Simply dissolve a tablet into your drink of water and you’re ready to go.
Catherine loves SUSTAIN by Vivo Sport, a vegan electrolyte and essential amino acid complex to support muscle function and reduce fatigue. It comes in a handy powder form, meaning that you just need to add a scoop to water, and you’re ready to go. SUSTAIN helps to balance your electrolytes by using a coconut water and baobab blend, to ensure that your body functions at its best.
Laura loves Electrolyte Fix by Viridian Nutrition for optimal hydration. Laura adds some drops to a glass of water as her first drink of the day, and also enjoys it after a workout to help her feel refreshed and performing at her best both physically and mentally. It supports your muscles and recovery without any added artificial ingredients. Electrolyte Fix contains four essential electrolytes – magnesium, which contributes to electrolyte balance as well as a reduction of tiredness and fatigue, potassium, which contributes to normal muscle function, sodium and chloride.
It is also easy to make your own electrolyte drink using coconut water, citrus fruits, sparkling water and Himalayan rock salt. Simply combine and enjoy. This is a great way to stay hydrated in general, not just after exercise.
If you would like more tips or advice on how to stay hydrated, please visit us in-store to talk to our team of Natural Remedies advisors.
All information provided on our website and within our articles is simply information to provide you with the tools to thrive.
We always advise you to seek the advice of a trained professional when implementing any changes to your lifestyle and dietary habits.
