Staying hydrated is essential for overall health and well-being. But did you know that water alone isn't enough to keep your adequately hydrated? There is a missing element that needs to be taken into account when it comes to proper and sufficient hydration and most people who think drinking a gallon of water a day is enough are mistaken.

That's because electrolytes play a critical role in the hydration process. Without them, your body doesn't have the necessary tools to fight off the effects of dehydration. To understand how you can properly hydrate, we first need to understand what electrolytes are and what role they play in our body's hydration process. Let's dive in...

What are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in water. The most common electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, and magnesium. These minerals are essential for various bodily functions, including regulating fluid balance, muscle contractions, and nerve function.

When talking about proper diet and nutrition for the human body, electrolytes are often left behind. Since many believe all you need is adequate water to achieve and maintain hydration, electrolytes are often consumed by accident through various foods that are natural sources of these vitals minerals.

How do Electrolytes Help with Hydration?

When you sweat during physical activity or in hot weather, you lose not only water but also electrolytes. Replenishing these electrolytes is crucial for maintaining the body's fluid balance. Sodium, in particular, helps the body retain water and maintain proper hydration levels.

Electrolytes, such as sodium, potassium, and magnesium, attract water molecules to them. This process, called osmosis, draws water into the cells and tissues, increasing their hydration. Electrolytes also help regulate the distribution of fluids throughout the body. They ensure that water is properly distributed between the intracellular (inside cells), interstitial (between cells), and extracellular (outside cells) compartments.

The 6 Primary Electrolytes

There are usually six missing ingredients to everyone's attempt at hydrating. While water is vitally important to this equation, water alone won't get the job done completely. Drinking plain water in an attempt to meet your body's hydration requirement would be like a football team riving 90 yards down the field, only to stop at the last 10 yards.

Bottom line... you need electrolytes if you ever hope to be hydrated. What are the electrolytes we are talking about? Well, there's six main types of electrolytes that people should be trying to take in each and everyday. Those six are:

• Sodium (Na+): Helps maintain fluid balance, nerve function, and muscle contractions.
• Potassium (K+): Important for nerve impulses, muscle function, and maintaining heart rhythm. Potassium also helps regulate fluid balance within cells.
• Calcium (Ca2+): Vital for bone health, muscle function, nerve transmission, and blood clotting.
• Magnesium (Mg2+): Involved in muscle and nerve function, energy production, and bone health.
• Chloride (Cl-): Helps regulate fluid balance and maintain the body's pH level.
• Phosphate (HPO42-): Critical for energy production, bone health, and DNA synthesis.

Without these minerals present in your body, you'll be struggling to cross the threshold of being completely hydrated.

Electrolyte Imbalance

An imbalance in electrolytes can lead to dehydration or overhydration, both of which can have serious consequences for health. Symptoms of electrolyte imbalance include muscle cramps, fatigue, dizziness, and confusion. It's important to maintain a proper balance of electrolytes for optimal hydration.

You might not think of it, but electrolytes are essential for the proper functioning of cells. They enable nerve impulses to travel, muscles to contract, and the heart to beat. Maintaining electrolyte balance is crucial for overall health and hydration.

How to Replenish Electrolytes

There are several ways to replenish electrolytes, including consuming electrolyte-rich foods and beverages, such as sports drinks, coconut water, and bananas. These options can help restore the electrolyte balance in your body after intense physical activity or during times of high heat.

Remember, staying hydrated is not just about drinking water—it's also about maintaining the right balance of electrolytes. By understanding the role of electrolytes in hydration, you can better support your body's overall health and performance.

Make America Based Again

While Based does sell electrolyte packets or products (yet), there are still some products that you should be on the look out for. For us, our go-to choice for electrolyte packets are currently FlavCity electrolyte mix. Just add the packet to some water, mixing works best in room temp water, and enjoy. None of the nasty ingredients, all of the hydrating goodness your body needs. You'll definitely feel the difference. 

With more supplements, like creatine (which can also help with hydration), on the way, be sure to give us a try and support us on our mission to bring the necessary building blocks to the American people and Make America Based Again!

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