It is getting hot & huuumid! So I wanted to make a quick post on why its so important that we not only drink lots of water, but we get proper electrolytes in the system!
Our body is made up of about 60% water! There is water in our blood, our organs, our muscles, and our BONES! We are in constant turnover of water and we need to always replenish our system! We pee, we breathe, and we sweat out water. So for basic human function, if we are not taking in water, we will start to have internal health issues.
Water helps transport nutrients from cell to cell. It plays a crucial role in digestion and absorption of all nutrients.
Water helps regulate body temperature which is EVEN more important during summer time.
Detox tea's and detox juice cleanses!? How about just drinking adequate amounts of water!? Water helps remove toxins and waste from our body!
Water is necessary for the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the brain, which is crucial for optimal mental performance and alertness.
Proper hydration helps lubricates the joints! Constantly feeling stiff shoulders, achy back or knees?
So what are electrolytes!? The main 5 electrolytes we need are sodium, chloride, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. And here is WHY we need them:
They help maintain proper fluid balance... think of it like holding on to the water we drink and using it functionally instead of just peeing it straight out.
They are required for nerve and muscle function! Without this, we wouldn't be able to even walk properly, let alone lift weights or push hard on a Bike. So it is EVEN more important as we exercise because our muscles are contracting often.
They help regulate the electrical impulses that control the heart's rhythm and ensure proper contraction of the cardiac muscles.
They are involved in various metabolic processes that generate energy within cells. Without them, we would struggle to access ATP (which is essentially our energy currency of the body).
Electrolytes facilitate the absorption of fluids and nutrients across cell membranes in the gastrointestinal tract.
So HOW do you get enough!?
First off, you want to be making sure you are drinking HALF YOUR BODYWEIGHT (in LBs) of fluid OZs. ie: I weigh 190lbs...I need to consume MINIMUM 95oz of water per day. Second, SALT your foods with healthy salt (sodium + chloride). Sea salt, pink himalayan salt, kosher salt. These salts have healthy minerals in them. Swap out the table salt for 1 or 2 of these. Third, you can get good quality potassium, magnesium, calcium from whole foods such as banana, avocado, sweet potatoes, wild caught salmon, greek yogurt, dark leafy greens, nuts & seeds! Lastly, this is why we sell LMNT at the gym. They have 3 of the major electrolytes you need. They taste yummy and it'll result in you drinking more water!Â
Hope this helps and see you in your next WOD!
- Coach B -
Ready to make hydration a key part of your wellness journey? Start by prioritizing the essentials with us! Book a free Semi-Sweat Intro session and learn how staying hydrated, alongside effective workouts, can help you feel your best—even in the summer heat!