Most people think they know what being hydrated means. They believe that staying hydrated is all about drinking water to prevent dehydration, that is not the case, you need to balance your electrolytes as well.

Drinking water alone will not keep you properly hydrated, you also need electrolytes.

Fitness trainers, health coaches, sports coaches and parents have over-emphasized drinking 8 or more glasses of water everyday.

Unfortunately most people hardly talk about electrolytes.  We need electrolytes to help our body regulate chemical reactions, maintain the balance between fluids inside and outside your cells, help maintain weight, help to eliminate toxins and more.

Having your electrolytes out of balance can cause symptoms like lack of energy, fatigue, dizziness, headaches, and brain fog.

Low sodium caused by drinking too much plain water and exercise and / or  excessive sweating can cause symptoms such as confusion, seizures, brain damage, and even death from over exertion or heat stroke.

Low potassium can cause muscle twitches, muscle cramps or weakness, muscle paralysis, abnormal heart rhythms or kidney problems.

Sodium and potassium are key to balancing minerals.

The balancing of body fluid is key to being properly hydrated.   It’s what keeps your blood flowing, your skin from being dry and cracked, helps minimize wrinkles and fine lines,  keeps sweat glands primed, keeps your digestion working properly, keeps you regular, helps give you mental clarity and focus, can help you have more energy, can reduce headaches and muscle cramping  just to name a few of the benefits of proper hydration.

Up to 60% of the human adult body is water. According to H.H. Mitchell, Journal of Biological Chemistry 158, the brain and heart are composed of 73% water, and the lungs are about 83% water. The skin contains 64% water, muscles and kidneys are 79%, and even the bones are watery: 31%.

If you eat too much sodium and too little potassium, your blood pressure will rise. This is common in our modern diets that are high in salty processed foods and low in potassium-rich vegetables.

By  limiting sodium intake you can trigger hormones that also raise blood pressure.  Instead add potassium rich foods and replace sodium high processed foods with whole foods using Himalayan salt or unrefined sea salt.

Drinking  electrolyte water, adding hydration packets to your water, drinking electrolyte drinks that are low in sugar and chemicals or making homemade sports drinks as well as plain water is the key to staying properly hydrated.  Try  to limit caffeine as it is a natural diuretic and can dehydrate you.

Homemade Sports drink
6  oranges juiced
1  lemon juiced
2 cups water or coconut water
2 tbsp raw honey
1/8 tsp Himalayan pink salt