RE-charging the body

Ever feel sluggish in the morning? That's probably because your body has been in rest mode all night and hasn't had any fluids or nutrients for a while. And did you know you can lose water and electrolytes while you sleep? Crazy, right? In addition, if you are like 90% of the U.S population that needs a cup of coffee or some form of stimulant to get the day started, then there is a good chance that you are throwing off the electrolyte balance even more. That's why drinking electrolytes first thing in the morning is so important. It'll give your body the hydration and mineral boost it needs to start the day off right. 

What Are Electrolytes & Why are they so important? 

Electrolytes are electrically charged minerals that are dissolved in bodily fluids, including blood and sweat. Have you ever had sweat drop down your face and "accidentally" come in touch with your tongue? Yes, you guessed it - those were minerals that your body was secreting. The most common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, magnesium, chloride, and phosphate. These minerals carry electric charges, allowing them to conduct electrical impulses necessary for various bodily processes. Electrolytes are like the electrical panel in our body, they keep everything charged up. 

Imagine plugging in your phone into the charger and hours later the battery is still low. That would be the equivalent to drinking water without electrolytes - Nothing is being charged!

4 Key Functions of Electrolytes

1. Electrolytes promote Fluid Balance

Know how important electrolytes are in keeping your body hydrated? Sodium and potassium specifically help distribute water throughout your cells, tissues, and blood. This keeps your blood pressure normal, prevents dehydration and supports cell function.

2. Electrolytes promote Nerve and Muscle Function:

Without the right amount of electrolytes, your nerve and muscle communication could go haywire. Sodium and potassium ions are necessary to get nerve impulses flowing and promote muscle coordination. With enough electrolytes, you can avoid issues like cramps and spasms.

3. Electrolytes promote pH Balance:

Something as simple as electrolytes can keep your body on an even keel. Minerals like chloride and bicarbonate can balance the acid and alkaline levels in your body. That'll ensure biochemical reactions, enzyme function, and overall cellular health.

4. Electrolytes promote Energy Production:

Are you feeling sluggish? It could be because your body needs an electrolyte boost. When you have enough electrolytes, particularly magnesium and phosphates, you help your cells break down carbohydrates and fats, releasing energy for cellular functions. Make sure you have enough electrolytes, so you can perform at your best.

5 Most Common Causes That Can Cause Electrolyte Imbalance

1. Dehydration: Not drinking enough mineral rich water or losing too much through sweating, vomiting, or diarrhea, can really mess with your electrolytes.

2. Medications and Treatments: Certain drugs like diuretics, laxatives, and blood pressure drugs can throw off your electrolyte levels.

3. Excessive Alcohol Consumption: When you drink alcohol, it makes you pee more. So, you lose fluids from your body. Alcohol stops your body from making a hormone called vasopressin that helps you keep water in your system. This means you pee out more water, which can make you dehydrated. The hang-over the next day is usually a direct correlation to dehydration; hence it's always recommended to drink water with electrolytes, if you are planning to drink alcohol.

4. Excessive Stimulants Usage: Stimulants like caffeine can can provide a temporary energy boost and increase alertness. They have diuretic properties, increase urine production by inhibiting the reabsorption of water in the kidneys. Consequently, excessive stimulant intake can lead to increased fluid loss, potentially causing dehydration if fluids aren't adequately replenished.

5. Taking Muscle Enhancing Steroids: Steroids may cause an elevation in red blood cell production, leading to an increase in blood viscosity and reduced plasma volume, plasma holds the majority of water in your blood, reduced water in your plasma will cause the blood to be thicker. In addition, Steroids increase body temperature which promotes sweating subsequently will cause fluid loss. Proper hydration practices and monitoring fluid intake become crucial when using performance enhancement steroids to mitigate the risk of dehydration and its associated complications.

Performance enhancement drugs will elevate your red blood cells, reduce the water in your plasma and cause blood dehydration, which may thicken your blood and may cause high blood pressure.

Here's A Few Tips To Maintain A Healthy Electrolyte Balance

1. Drink up! Staying hydrated is key, especially during exercise or hot weather. Drinking plain water does not mean you are hydrating. When your body is losing fluids it's losing H2O (water) + Minerals (electrolytes); therefore, both need to be replenished to stay hydrated.

2. Eat a variety of yummy foods that naturally have electrolytes. Think fruits, veggies, dairy, nuts, and seeds. Bananas are loaded with potassium, while spinach and kale are packed with magnesium.

3. Sodium is important, but don't go overboard! Processed foods are usually loaded with salt, so aim for fresh options and sprinkle a little salt on your meals.

4. If you're doing intense exercise, feeling under the weather, or have a medical condition, talk to your doctor about electrolyte supplements. Safety first!

5. Add natural sources of electrolyte powder to your water. Hydr8 by NutraForce is one of the items that is a great fit for anybody that does not want to drink plain/boring tasting water. It's loaded with essential electrolytes that are naturally derived from coconut water powder + extra added key electrolytes for enhanced dosing. But most importantly, it does not have any added sugars or colors which makes it a great option for everyday use.

Changing Habits One Electrolyte At A Time

Bottom line is this, maintaining a balanced electrolyte level is vital for overall health and bodily function. Therefore, understanding that the body may feel charged up after a quick dose of caffeine but in reality it's the opposite. By prioritizing hydration and providing the body with the essential minerals, it's more likely to operate at full capacity and less likely to deal with the daily slump that may be caused by the fact that you started the day with a "battery" that was barely charged to begin with.

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