Are You Really Hydrated? How to Stay Hydrated the Right Way

As it gets warmer, we tend to hear the word dehydration a lot. You might say you are dehydrated if you feel thirsty, the news may warn of dehydration when temps get high, or you may know someone who has been admitted to the hospital for dehydration. People will often tell you they are not dehydrated because they drink lots of water, but the truth is you need to understand how to stay hydrated properly. You may not even fully understand what an electrolyte is and why it is important.

What Are Electrolytes?

Electrolytes are essential minerals that play crucial roles in the following:

• Nerve and muscle function
• Fluid balance
• pH balance
• Nutrient and waste transport
• Blood pressure regulation
• Heart rhythm
• Prevent cells from shrinking or swelling
• Regulates temperature

According to the Cleveland Clinic, these minerals are critical for maintaining proper body function.

Electrolytes also play a major role in keeping your body hydrated. An adult’s body is about 60% water, which means nearly every fluid and cell in your body contains electrolytes. Some examples of electrolytes are sodium, potassium, and magnesium, and phosphorus, calcium and chloride.

You can actually drink lots of water and still be dehydrated. This can happen when you lose more electrolytes than you consume. This can be caused by conditions like diarrhea, vomiting, excessive sweating, or certain medical conditions. If you are not consuming enough electrolytes, you might experience electrolyte imbalances, which can lead to dehydration.

How Do You Know You Are Dehydrated?

The Mayo Clinic identifies the most common signs as thirst, dark yellow urine, decreased urination, constipation, dry mouth, dry skin, dry lips, a sunken tongue and fatigue. More severe symptoms are dizziness, headache, muscle cramps and a fast heart rate, fainting, low blood pressure and confusion. If you have any conditions that could cause dehydration you should take steps to try to prevent or correct it, such as the ones listed above. It can sometimes be hard to detect, and it can be fatal.

How Can You Prevent or Treat Dehydration

Please note that if you are thirsty, you are already mildly dehydrated.

Harvard Health recommends drinking water regularly. Please note that if you are drinking filtered water it may not contain the necessary electrolytes and can actually flush them and cause harm. Consider remineralizing your water with Trace Concentrace drops.

Eat water rich foods such as fruits and vegetables like cucumbers, oranges and watermelon.

Have an electrolyte drink at least once a day, especially if you are sweating heavily. These come in powders, liquids, and ready-to-drink options.

Additionally, here are three more important steps to stay hydrated:

• Avoid excessive caffeine.
• Monitor your urine.
• Hydrate before, during and after exercise.

Following these simple steps will help you stay hydrated effectively, especially during warmer weather when your body needs extra support.

The Main Things to Remember About Dehydration

• It can be extremely dangerous.
• You may not recognize the signs.
• Drinking plain water may not be enough to stay hydrated.

We have a large selection of electrolytes at The Only Earth. There are powders, liquids, capsules and gummies. Something for everyone. Stop by out store and ask one of our helpful associates for assistance with your hydration needs!