HydroFLEX™ | The Importance of Hydration & Electrolytes

Why is everyone talking about hydration and the need to drink so much water daily? We need adequate water to regulate body temperature, keep joints lubricated, prevent infections, deliver nutrients to cells, and keep organs functioning properly. Being well-hydrated also improves sleep quality, cognition, and mood.  However, we often lack the necessary minerals in our body to get that water where it needs to go and will end up making endless trips to the restroom without the water actually getting to do what it needs to do within our body. 

This is where electrolytes come in. These essential minerals are the key players to our bodily functions and they play a crucial role in maintaining muscle and cell activities. The most common electrolytes include sodium, calcium, potassium, magnesium, chlorine, and phosphate.

The Benefits of Electrolytes:

• Maintain hydration levels
• Regulate blood pressure
• Preserve nerve and muscle function
• Helps with muscle contraction
• Balance pH levels
• Support adrenal and hormonal functions
• Stabilize mood

Signs of Dehydration/Electrolyte Imbalance:

• Fatigue or lethargy
• Fluid retention and bloating
• Shortness of breath
• Headaches
• Muscle cramping

Dehydration or electrolyte imbalance can sometimes come across as food cravings, which could lead to you overeating when you really just need to drink some water. 

Warm Weather and Electrolytes:

Proper hydration becomes even more important in warmer weather or during the summer when dehydration and electrolyte imbalances are most common. Since it gets so hot, you’re outside more often and oftentimes the summer months lead to increased alcohol consumption, it’s easy to neglect your water needs. 

But what about the long time debate on salt intake? Contrary to popular belief, research suggests that for healthy individuals, limiting sodium may do more harm than good. Unless specifically advised by your doctor due to conditions like high blood pressure, there's often no need to avoid salt consumption. In fact, underconsumption of salt can pose greater health risks and in turn affect your muscles, brain, hormones and even metabolism

According to a 2021 study published in the National Library of Medicine, the optimal range of dietary sodium intake is between 3 to 5 grams per day. Consuming less than 3 grams or exceeding 5 grams per day may increase the risk of adverse health outcomes.

Do You Need an Electrolyte Supplement?

While it's possible to obtain electrolytes through a balanced diet, supplements can provide a convenient and of course TASTY solution to be sure you are getting enough water daily. My favorite way is by using Devotion Nutrition Hydroflex packets. These well-formulated vitamins and electrolytes are gluten and sugar-free. With the optimal ratio of just what you need with and no fillers.