Water is Not Enough. The Art of Proper Hydration.

There’s no denying the simple pleasure of guzzling down a glass of cool water after a heart-pounding workout. It may surprise you to learn that water alone is not enough to hydrate properly and drinking too much water can actually trigger symptoms of dehydration by depleting your sodium levels – this condition is known as hyponatremia.

Endurance athletes have long known the importance of electrolytes for proper hydration and nervous system function. In fact, if you know any endurance athletes, ask if they pack salt pills for their long workouts to keep from cramping – chances are that they do.

Let’s take a look at why plain old H2O may not always suffice and how electrolytes play an important role in keeping our bodies adequately hydrated.

One of the pivotal insights comes from a TIME article, which lays bare that hydration isn’t just about the volume of water we chug, but the electrolytes dancing alongside. Electrolytes like sodium, potassium and magnesium don’t just shuffle across the dance floor; they hold the power to retain water within our bodily realms, maintaining the precious fluid balance among cells, tissues, and organs, ensuring the symphony of physiological processes doesn’t miss a beat.

During physical exercise, the importance of electrolytes comes into the spotlight. As we exercise, we don’t just sweat out a waterfall but also a fair share of these electrolytic treasures. The National Library of Medicine sings tales of how merely refilling the water might not quench the body’s thirst for balanced hydration. This is where our electrolytic companions come in, assisting not just in water retention but also in restoring fluid harmony to our vessels quickly and effectively.

Actually, this Harvard Public Health article heralds the tunes of sodium, potassium, and their electrolyte brethren in ensuring the water isn’t just a passing visitor but takes residence in the right chambers of our body. This is a game-changer, especially in situations where the loss of electrolytes is substantial, such as intense physical activities or in hot climates.

In a Well+Good piece, which recounts how certain beverages and foods rich with electrolytes boost hydration more valiantly than water alone. Coconut water, milk, and even certain types of fruit like oranges and bananas are good examples of hydrating alternatives packed with electrolytes. The notion of reaching out for a sports drink or munching on a banana post-exercise isn’t just about refueling with macro-nutrients, but also about replenishing the vital electrolytes.

The old 8×8 rule – advocating for eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day, now seems to be debunked. Our bodies’ hydration needs are intertwined with the balance of water and electrolytes, creating a synergy that keeps us hydrated and our biological machinery functioning seamlessly.

Here’s a simple hydration hack that anyone can afford:
Start your morning with a glass of water and add a pinch of sea salt and a squeeze of fresh lemon— yes, do this even before your morning coffee. It will wake your body up and replenish all those fluids you lost while you were sleeping.

Of course, there are 100’s of electrolyte drinks and mix choices on the market to help you stay hydrated. We formulated Insaltd as a high-potency, zero-calorie, naturally sweetened and flavored electrolyte blend that delivers 900 mg of sodium, 300 mg of potassium, and 100 mg of magnesium in every serving. It’s a convenient way to get a boost of vital electrolytes to help your body operate optimally.

So the next time thirst kicks in, it might be worth considering not just how much water you drink, but what electrolytes you might be pairing with it to ensure a balanced and effective hydration strategy.