Sweet Summertime. The sun. oh how I have missed you. Pool or lake days, BBQs, getting outside! Summer is the season of being outdoors. It’s also the season of forgetting to hydrate, sunburns, and bugs. BUGS! In today’s post and next week's, we will dive into each of these further.
Hydration is key to many functions in the human body, and in the summer heat, it can be challenging to maintain hydration. One of the most significant roles that water plays in the body is regulating internal temperature. The body’s ability to stay cool in hot weather depends on proper hydration. But hydration isn’t maintained by water consumption alone. Yikes! Water is vital, but electrolytes are also required for hydration. The body cannot fully absorb the water you drink without electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for your body to function. They help regulate your pH levels and are necessary for nutrient absorption. You must have sufficient electrolytes to absorb the vitamins and minerals from the food you eat. So it’s a big deal!
Some of the most common electrolytes found in the body are:
- Calcium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphorus
- Potassium
- Sodium
Each of these minerals carry an electric charge when dissolved in the body giving them the name electrolyte. Electrolytes help regulate nerve and muscle function, hydrate the body, balance blood acidity and pressure, and help rebuild damaged tissue.
Energy drinks are often associated with electrolytes. However, they usually include high amounts of sugars and dyes that are not beneficial to health. Consider consuming electrolytes from healthier sources:
- Avocados
- Dried Apricots
- Bananas
- Unsweetened Coconut Water
- Lentils
- Pickle Juice!
- Sea Salt
- Spinach
- Sunflower Seeds
- Watermelon
So what is the easiest way to introduce electrolytes to your body? Sea salt. Seriously! Sprinkle some pure non-iodized sea salt into your water. You will barely notice it is there. Along with skipping iodized salt, skip the pink Himalayan salt too.
Not getting enough water? Not sure how much you should be drinking? Sign up for my free 3 day hydration challenge and get all the info right in your inbox!
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