How to Maintain Hydration with Electrolytes

How to Maintain Hydration with Electrolytes

As the weather starts to warm up, hydration becomes even more important. We lose fluids and electrolytes through sweat, so staying hydrated is essential for maintaining overall health in the warmer months. 

Adequate hydration supports important functions such as maintaining body temperature, immune function, transporting nutrients, and keeping skin, joints, and connective tissues flexible. 

However, water alone might not be enough to maintain hydration levels, particularly if you are spending time outdoors. Electrolytes are also an important part of your hydration plan, so here’s how to ensure you’re getting enough. 

Understanding Electrolytes for Hydration

Electrolytes are minerals that carry an electric charge when dissolved in bodily fluids. The main electrolytes our bodies need include: sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. They are readily available in most foods, beverages, sports drinks, and electrolyte powders.

Electrolytes play a crucial role in health and well-being. Some of their functions include:

  • Maintaining fluid balance: Helps regulate fluids throughout the body ensuring that cells remain well hydrated.

  • Muscle function: Sodium, potassium, and calcium play a role in healthy muscle contraction. An imbalance can lead to muscle cramps or weakness.​

  • Nerve signaling: Required for nerve impulses, essential for communication between the brain and other body parts.​

  • pH level maintenance: Help maintain the body's acid-base balance, essential for cellular activities.​

How to Use Electrolytes

If you spend most of your day indoors and don’t sweat or exercise much, you likely get plenty of electrolytes from the food and beverages you consume throughout the day. 

But there are times when electrolytes are needed. During activities that promote sweating, such as exercise, outdoor work, or exposure to high temperatures the body loses electrolytes and water. Replacing these lost minerals can help to prevent dehydration and maintain optimal bodily functions.​

You may want to consider boosting your electrolyte intake when you:

  • Exercise: Consume before, during, or after workouts especially if you are exercising outside in the heat. 

  • Heat exposure: If you are planning on spending more than 30 minutes outside in the heat, you may want to consume electrolytes in addition to water. 

  • Illness recovery: Electrolyte replenishment can help replace fluid loss due to illness, such as vomiting or diarrhea.​

Older adults are more prone to dehydration during warmer temperatures due to lower body water content and a decreased ability to feel thirst. They may benefit from the addition of electrolytes to their hydration plan.

One thing to note, more is not always better when it comes to electrolytes. There can be some downsides to consuming too many. For example, high doses of electrolytes can cause digestive issues, such as nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea. Consuming excess amounts of specific electrolytes like sodium or potassium can cause issues with heart rhythms, muscle weakness, or swelling.

If you do decide to add electrolytes to your water during the warmer months just be sure to follow any directions on the package. 

Naturelo’s Electrolyte Hydration Mix: Your Partner for Warm Weather

Naturelo’s new Electrolyte Hydration Drink Mix is formulated to help you meet your hydration goals as the weather warms up this spring. It is a plant-based powder that provides a balanced blend of essential electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium, and chloride. 

Our clean and simple drink mix offers a natural way to restore electrolyte balance without added sugar, artificial sweeteners, GMOs, and preservatives.

To celebrate the launch of the Electrolyte Hydration Drink Mix, we are offering special discounts during the spring savings event. Grab yours here.

References:

  1. Electrolytes. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/002350.htm   

  2. Electrolytes can give the body a charge, but try not to overdo it. www.heart.org. Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.heart.org/en/news/2024/06/19/electrolytes-can-give-the-body-a-charge-but-try-not-to-overdo-it   

← →