Stay hydrated all summer long
We all know electrolytes are essential for anyone crazy enough to be running a marathon in the summer sun, but did you know they might just be necessary for you too? If you’re working up a solid sweat in the gym or leaving yoga with a sticky mat, chances are you’ve lost yourself some valuable electrolytes.
What are electrolytes, you ask? Put simply, electrolytes are critical salts and minerals found in the blood and cells, which conduct electricity throughout the body. These clever little chemical messengers regulate the body’s fluid – controlling thirst, maintaining blood pressure and enabling muscles and nerves to function. Now sodium and chloride tend to hog the electrolyte limelight, but truth is calcium, magnesium, potassium and phosphate are all key members of the fluid-regulating gang.
During exercise, the body’s electrolyte balance tends to shift and no longer does your post-workout stench become the only problem at hand. In fact, if the sweat you’ve so tactfully worked for has taken with it one too many electrolytes, an imbalance can occur and symptoms like muscle cramps, nausea, fatigue and even mental confusion can follow. Uh oh!
In order to make sure your electrolyte levels stay in check post run-in-the-sun, it’s essential to get the right food and fluids in. Electrolyte formulas provide a quick and easy way to replenish the fluid-regulating nutrients lost during your sweat sesh. Mineral rich foods can also top up the tank so be sure to munch on things like celery, coconut water, dried apricots, leafy greens, avocado, bananas, blueberries and yoghurt. Alternatively, give your own post-workout fix a try. We love mixing banana for potassium, cacao for magnesium and coconut water for sodium and phosphorous.