Water Alone Isn’t Enough for Summer Hydration
Everyone knows that water is essential for summer hydration. But it turns out that water alone may not be enough.
Some professional athletes may sweat away 5-8 pounds in a single game or event. But even if you don’t sweat that much, it only takes a loss of 2% of your body weight to cause fatigue and slow you down in the summer heat.
When you perspire, you’re not only losing fluids: you’re also losing precious electrolytes that are important for staying hydrated and you’re losing carbohydrates that maintain blood glucose levels and help with energy levels.
You also deplete your body of sodium when you sweat. Sodium is a nutrient vital to the nerves that lead to muscle movement. Consumption of water with the intention of replacing the fluids lost when through perspiration will not replace the sodium and electrolytes. In fact, drinking only water can actually weaken the concentration of these essential elements, further complicating your health status.
While drinking additional amounts of water in the summer months is important, when you’re in the heat and sweating, you’re better off drinking something specifically formulated to replace your lost sodium and electrolytes and help sustain your glucose levels.
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Anne, Michael Kreidler here from DwM. I was wandering around your site and wanted to give you some feedback, but also maybe an order. I’ll talk to you about this via email.
I think you have my email via this posting. Drop me a line when you get a chance. Say hi to John for me.
Michael
Comment by Michael Kreidler — July 5, 2006 @ 7:07 am