Are You Worried About Drinking Too Much Salt?
We’ve all heard it: too much salt is bad for you. But what about the salt in your drinks, especially those trendy electrolyte beverages? Is it possible to overdo it with electrolyte drinks that often contain added sodium? If you’re concerned about your sodium intake, particularly from drinks, here’s what you need to know.
The Role of Sodium in Hydration
Sodium is a crucial electrolyte that helps regulate fluid balance, muscle function, and nerve signaling. When you sweat during exercise or in hot weather, you lose sodium along with water. Replenishing sodium through your diet and beverages helps maintain these essential bodily functions and can prevent issues like muscle cramps and hyponatremia (a dangerous drop in blood sodium levels).
How Much Sodium is Too Much?
The recommended daily sodium intake for most adults is 2,300 milligrams. Many electrolytes contain significant amounts of sodium to help with rapid rehydration. For example, Purest electrolyte has 860mg of sodium per packet. This is amazing for hydration and replenishment of minerals.
When to Drink Electrolyte Beverages
1. During Intense Exercise: If you’re engaging in prolonged or high-intensity exercise, especially in hot and humid conditions, an electrolyte drink can help replenish lost sodium and other electrolytes.
2. In Hot Weather: When you’re exposed to high temperatures, you tend to sweat more. In such cases, drinking beverages with added electrolytes can help maintain your body’s fluid balance.
3. After Illness: If you’ve been experiencing vomiting or diarrhea, your body loses a lot of electrolytes, and drinks that replenish these can be beneficial.
Here is a checklist that you can perform on yourself to start to understand your own body. These are a few top ways to check in:
Here is a checklist that you can perform on yourself to start to understand your own body. These are a few top ways to check in:
Are your lips pink in color or are they white? You want your lips to be pinkish and not dry
Do you feel thirsty? If you feel thirsty, you are already dehydrated. Adding electrolytes will be your fastest way to rehydrate.
Do you crave salty foods after a workout? This is a signal to yourself that you need more sodium.
Is your sweat really salty and or stinging your eyes? This is a sign to hydrate.
Are you prone to muscle cramping? If yes, hydrate more with electrolytes. Cramping can be avoided.
All of these symptoms can be remedied with the use of electrolytes. Doing a simple check in with your body can save you from symptoms of dehydration. Get drinking :)