Using Hydrating Water To Restore Healthy Electrolyte Levels

By Cornelia White


It is important to ingest the correct amount of fluid every day but sometimes, it's necessary to supplement fluids with electrolytes as well. When heat waves strike, or during heavy training, one can easily take in too much pure H20, which dilutes salt levels and leads to problems. When sodium quantities are diminished, sickness, seizures and death can result. Hydrating water is a way to prevent this from happening.

Potassium, glucose, sodium, and calcium are all important to keep in balance if the organs are to function well. Any one of these salts, when imbalanced, can lead to too much fluid in the brain and organs. Fluid intoxication causes fits and concentration problems. This is most likely in those who have a co-existing imbalance of anti-diuretic hormone, which causes cravings for water while preventing the kidneys from excreting fluids.

Low sodium levels tend to occur not because there is a lack of salt in the diet but rather because there is an over-abundance of fluids lacking electrolytes. Those undertaking a challenging physical training program thus need to add sodium, glucose, and other salts to their intake so that imbalances do not occur.

The body has an extremely delicate balance of electrolytes, which affects health at a cellular level. The most important of these are potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, sulfate, and magnesium. Hydration preparations that contain these and additional salts are the best way to correct imbalances while increasing fluid intake. Excessive thirst during exercise is best met with liquid that contains the correct salt levels, since pure water dilutes the body's salts to cause negative side effects that are potentially dangerous.

Excess perspiration during exercise can cause salt imbalances. When this happens, the most likely issues are low sodium and potassium levels. Those with challenging but short training programs are prone to this problem, while those taking on long distance marathons are more prone to drinking too many fluids. This leads to diminished levels of all salts.

In times of illness when nausea and diarrhea cause dehydration, it is important to substitute both fluid and salts. Some hydration formulas have high levels of sugar, particularly those marketed as sports drinks. These are not recommended for treatment during sickness. Sugar-free formulas do the same thing without increasing sugar levels.

Electrolytes all have highly specific purposes. Many of today's health-conscious eaters eliminate sodium from their diets, but this electrolyte is crucial to health. Low levels cause hyponatremia, which can result in seizures, coma and death. Sodium is also an important part of keeping other electrolytes balanced while preventing muscle spasms.

The cardiac cells are reliant on potassium to keep the heart beat regular. It is also an important part of electrolyte balances and muscle health. When there is insufficient potassium intake, neuropathy is a common complaint.

During heat waves, hydrating water helps to increase low blood pressure while replacing electrolytes lost through sweating. Fluid is replaced in a way that does not cause salt imbalances. The highly specific quantities of salts needed by the body can be maintained in a way that pure water cannot achieve.




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