Here’s an interesting theory – try to drink as much fluid as you can in order to prevent dehydration. Why is this a bizarre concept? Most people drink water once they are already thirsty, but drinking before you are thirsty is the key to healthy looking skin.
If you want to know the best anti-aging secret in the world, all you have to do is look at your kitchen sink. Since the body is composed of mostly water, it only makes sense that you should have to drink lots of fluids to replenish the skin every day.
You see, your skin will lose water nearly every minute of the day. Skin tends to sweat throughout the day (whether or not you notice it), which means that water is escaping your skin and evaporating. Thus, if you take the time to drink fluids throughout the day, you can bet that your skin will reflect this healthy decision.
Skin that is dehydrated often looks sallow, worn, dry, and wrinkled. In order to keep skin’s collagen intact, you must make sure that you consume enough water. Many people try time and again to find the latest anti-aging trick. The truth is that water is one of the most important things you can do to maintain your skin’s collagen.
How much water should you drink? One half of your body weight in ounces should be consumed every day. If you weight 200 pounds, you should drink 100 ounces of water (3.13 quarts, 2.98 litres or about 10-12 cups of water a day). If you weigh closer to 100 pounds you will need only about 50 ounces of water or about four 12-ounce glasses daily. The best way to consume this much water is to keep a glass by your side at all times. If you are active, this amount should be increased.
If you aren’t sure whether or not your skin is dehydrated, try this simple test: get into the habit of drinking at least eight glasses of water per day. After one week, see whether or not your skin’s condition improves. Most people will find that their skin takes on a rosy, youthful, healthy look.
While purchasing natural skin care products are essential for your skin, learning all you can about proper skin care health is also crucial. Eating well, drinking lots of water, including a dietary supplement in your diet, and exercising nearly every day are all great ways to look younger almost immediately
There are lots of things you can do to stop your skin from aging. Many of these things are quite complex, but most of these things are actually quite simple. Begin by drinking more water than you ever have before. If you are like most people living within North America, your skin is likely parched.
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Prevent Yourself from Becoming Dehydrated
Dehydration or hypohydration refers to the loss of water within the body. It can occur at any time, within any sport and should be avoided as it can cause further complications within the body. It is caused by a prolonged physical activity, among other things, where water has not been consumed at an adequate level.
Although in the water, swimming is a strenuous sport that can induce dehydration - especially when one is swimming for long periods of time. It is important to keep hydrated to maintain endurance, health and balance through the body while partaking in the sport. Here are some ways that can help to prevent dehydration while swimming.
It is important to know the symptoms of dehydration - and check for these symptoms regularly should you be immersed in the water for extended periods of time. These symptoms are the increased urge to urinate, a dry mouth, or swollen tongue - and weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Although there is an increased urge to urinate, there may be little urination that actually occurs. When one is dehydrated, the urine is often stronger in color when one is suffering from dehydration.
In order to understand the importance of drinking electrolytes, you need to know how your body regulates fluids. The organ in your body responsible for monitoring the levels of water inside your body is your kidney. If you were unable to take in ample fluid for the day, the hypothalamus (a gland that is found in the brain) will ask the pituitary gland to tell the kidney to conserve water by secreting anti-diuretic hormones. Once the kidneys receive the message, they make urine more concentrated and they reabsorb more fluids. Furthermore, your brain also signals a feeling of thirst. Unfortunately for many, this signal is sometimes read as hunger pains.
Although in the water, swimming is a strenuous sport that can induce dehydration - especially when one is swimming for long periods of time. It is important to keep hydrated to maintain endurance, health and balance through the body while partaking in the sport. Here are some ways that can help to prevent dehydration while swimming.
It is important to know the symptoms of dehydration - and check for these symptoms regularly should you be immersed in the water for extended periods of time. These symptoms are the increased urge to urinate, a dry mouth, or swollen tongue - and weakness, dizziness and fatigue. Although there is an increased urge to urinate, there may be little urination that actually occurs. When one is dehydrated, the urine is often stronger in color when one is suffering from dehydration.
In order to understand the importance of drinking electrolytes, you need to know how your body regulates fluids. The organ in your body responsible for monitoring the levels of water inside your body is your kidney. If you were unable to take in ample fluid for the day, the hypothalamus (a gland that is found in the brain) will ask the pituitary gland to tell the kidney to conserve water by secreting anti-diuretic hormones. Once the kidneys receive the message, they make urine more concentrated and they reabsorb more fluids. Furthermore, your brain also signals a feeling of thirst. Unfortunately for many, this signal is sometimes read as hunger pains.
Signs You May be Dehydrated
Dehydration can be defined as the condition in which the body experiences excessive loss of water. Usually experienced in the summer time, the most probable causes of dehydration include vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss and malnutrition. Apart from that, you can also get dehydrated if you do not drink enough fluids to replenish the water lost due to sweating and urination.
The Causes of Dehydration
There are many things that can cause dehydration, the most common are vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, malnutrition, and plain old failure to replenish liquids lost from sweating and urination (Not drinking enough water). Many illnesses and diseases can trigger acute dehydration due to the increased body temperature and sweating that usually occur.
Abnormal connections that are between parts of the intestinal tract (fistula) may also lead to fluid depletion. A decrease in oral liquid intake may be due to nausea or loss of appetite; this may be worsened by an inability to keep things down (vomiting).
Vomiting and or diarrhea are other important causes. The vomiting might be due to the flu or any disease process therefore precautions must be taken when a loved one, again especially a child, is ill and is vomiting and or has diarrhea.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Parents often worry about dehydration when their children get sick and have diarrhea and vomiting. Fortunately, it is usually possible to avoid serious complications of dehydration by recognizing the early signs and symptoms of dehydration and getting quick medical attention.
Recognizing dehydration symptoms starts with an understanding of dehydration. Victims of dehydration do not have enough fluid (water) in their bodies to get nutrition and oxygen to the tissues of their bodies.
Mild dehydration - even if there is a relatively low level of fluid loss (causing a 1-2% loss of body weight) mild dehydration can cause the body to work less efficiently . However, mild dehydration carries few risks and can usually be easily treated by replacing lost fluids.
Dehydration Affects You and Your Child:
How it affects you: Being well-hydrated is important to your physical and mental health. Dehydration makes a person tired, cranky, and stiff-jointed. Being dehydrated can bring on headaches, nausea, aches and cramps -- and other, more serious physical ailments.
The Causes of Dehydration
There are many things that can cause dehydration, the most common are vomiting, diarrhea, blood loss, malnutrition, and plain old failure to replenish liquids lost from sweating and urination (Not drinking enough water). Many illnesses and diseases can trigger acute dehydration due to the increased body temperature and sweating that usually occur.
Abnormal connections that are between parts of the intestinal tract (fistula) may also lead to fluid depletion. A decrease in oral liquid intake may be due to nausea or loss of appetite; this may be worsened by an inability to keep things down (vomiting).
Vomiting and or diarrhea are other important causes. The vomiting might be due to the flu or any disease process therefore precautions must be taken when a loved one, again especially a child, is ill and is vomiting and or has diarrhea.
Symptoms of Dehydration
Parents often worry about dehydration when their children get sick and have diarrhea and vomiting. Fortunately, it is usually possible to avoid serious complications of dehydration by recognizing the early signs and symptoms of dehydration and getting quick medical attention.
Recognizing dehydration symptoms starts with an understanding of dehydration. Victims of dehydration do not have enough fluid (water) in their bodies to get nutrition and oxygen to the tissues of their bodies.
Mild dehydration - even if there is a relatively low level of fluid loss (causing a 1-2% loss of body weight) mild dehydration can cause the body to work less efficiently . However, mild dehydration carries few risks and can usually be easily treated by replacing lost fluids.
Dehydration Affects You and Your Child:
How it affects you: Being well-hydrated is important to your physical and mental health. Dehydration makes a person tired, cranky, and stiff-jointed. Being dehydrated can bring on headaches, nausea, aches and cramps -- and other, more serious physical ailments.
What Causes Dehydration?
Air conditioning: the dried air pulls moisture from your lungs as you breathe; we can recognize this in a desert condition, but don’t think about the effect with cool air. The process of cooling the air causes a great deal of moisture to be lost from it … ever notice how much an air conditioner drips while it is working? The relative humidity drops 50-70% as the air is cooled. The same is true of cold winter air; it holds far less moisture than warm air, another reason people get more colds in the winter … it’s not just the cold weather. The air conditioning in airplanes combined with the low air pressure can cause you to lose enough fluids to have you end up with a cold or the flu a couple of days after your trip.
Antihistamines and decongestants: both work by dehydrating the cells and can have a profound effect on mental acuity. This is why airline pilots are not permitted to use them less than eight hours before flying. Don’t you wish that this requirement applied to surgeons and others in such decision-intensive jobs? This can also affect the performance of athletes, especially ones who depend upon fast reactions … like tennis or handball. Have you noticed how many more errors are made in the final innings of a baseball game or the last quarter of a football game?
Caffeine is a diuretic causing you to lose fluids via the kidneys, more than you have in that cup of coffee or soft drink. Recent studies indicate that people who drink more caffeine may have built up a tolerance and may not lose as much of what they drink as less frequent users. Another study indicates that these “heavy drinkers” may be chronically dehydrated and, therefore, can’t lose much more fluid.
Alcohol also causes you to lose more fluid than you drink, more than caffeine because it is an anti-antidiuretic .. same result, different process (it suppresses the anti-diuretic hormone). Check with us if you’re confused … or drink some of VITALYTE™. Even more serious than this systemic loss of fluids, alcohol also pulls water directly from the tissues, especially affecting the stomach, liver and brain and ultimately seriously damaging these organs. Gookinaid hadn’t been on the market long before we started getting testimonials about how effective it is in alleviating the effects of hangovers and in preventing them, depending upon when you drink the VITALYTE. Boston sportscasters announced on the radio during the 1978 Boston Marathon that “Gookinaid is the best thing in the world for hangovers!”… and they should know! (talk about an endorsement)
Antihistamines and decongestants: both work by dehydrating the cells and can have a profound effect on mental acuity. This is why airline pilots are not permitted to use them less than eight hours before flying. Don’t you wish that this requirement applied to surgeons and others in such decision-intensive jobs? This can also affect the performance of athletes, especially ones who depend upon fast reactions … like tennis or handball. Have you noticed how many more errors are made in the final innings of a baseball game or the last quarter of a football game?
Caffeine is a diuretic causing you to lose fluids via the kidneys, more than you have in that cup of coffee or soft drink. Recent studies indicate that people who drink more caffeine may have built up a tolerance and may not lose as much of what they drink as less frequent users. Another study indicates that these “heavy drinkers” may be chronically dehydrated and, therefore, can’t lose much more fluid.
Alcohol also causes you to lose more fluid than you drink, more than caffeine because it is an anti-antidiuretic .. same result, different process (it suppresses the anti-diuretic hormone). Check with us if you’re confused … or drink some of VITALYTE™. Even more serious than this systemic loss of fluids, alcohol also pulls water directly from the tissues, especially affecting the stomach, liver and brain and ultimately seriously damaging these organs. Gookinaid hadn’t been on the market long before we started getting testimonials about how effective it is in alleviating the effects of hangovers and in preventing them, depending upon when you drink the VITALYTE. Boston sportscasters announced on the radio during the 1978 Boston Marathon that “Gookinaid is the best thing in the world for hangovers!”… and they should know! (talk about an endorsement)
Stay Hydrated, Stay Healthy!
From colds to cancer treatments, dehydration plays an ugly role: making life miserable. Those “blahs” are generally a result of dehydrated cells caused by fluid loss through sneezing, coughing, vomiting and diarrhea. These debilitating side effects rid your body of the vital electrolytes necessary for cellular repair and day-to-day function. Enter Vitalyte™.
Its perfect isotonic sodium and potassium formula acts as an “oral IV”, quickly matching the body’s fluids being absorbed in the blood stream, giving your body the electrolytes and “right” sugars (made up almost entirely of glucose, great news for diabetics) it needs with none of the stuff it doesn’t. Take Vitalyte 5x a day, Doctor’s orders! *Please consult your physician before using Vitalyte
Vitalyte™ Mission Statement:
“To provide the most effective, scientifically-based functional replacement solutions possible through passionate dedication to enhancing the quality and balance of people’s lives.”
Vitalyte is really about serving the end user, bettering their lives, providing the best products for them to feel good before, during and after their activities. The people at Vitalyte are all personally dedicated to promising results and delivering on that promise.
Its perfect isotonic sodium and potassium formula acts as an “oral IV”, quickly matching the body’s fluids being absorbed in the blood stream, giving your body the electrolytes and “right” sugars (made up almost entirely of glucose, great news for diabetics) it needs with none of the stuff it doesn’t. Take Vitalyte 5x a day, Doctor’s orders! *Please consult your physician before using Vitalyte
Vitalyte™ Mission Statement:
“To provide the most effective, scientifically-based functional replacement solutions possible through passionate dedication to enhancing the quality and balance of people’s lives.”
Vitalyte is really about serving the end user, bettering their lives, providing the best products for them to feel good before, during and after their activities. The people at Vitalyte are all personally dedicated to promising results and delivering on that promise.
Stay Healthy on Your Plane Flight!
Summer is approaching and millions of passengers will be enduring crowded planes and terminals…and perhaps even sitting in a seat next to someone with a cold or the flu (someone who is sneezing or coughing). So, what can travelers do to stay healthy and alert while traveling? Plenty, say the experts.
Here are some tips:
The Problem: Dry Cabin Air
The low humidity and low air pressure in airplane cabins tend to dry out the sensitive mucus membranes in the mouth, nose and throat where viruses and bacteria can take hold.
What To Do:
Keep drinking. Ideally, drink 8 ounces of water, fruit juice or VITALYTE for each hour of your trip.
Why VITALYTE? It hydrates you without diluting your blood as does plain water, so you don’t have to stand in line for the bathroom. Many airline pilots drink VITALYTE to keep alert during the flight and they appreciate the fact that they don’t have to leave the flight deck even on cross-country flights.
How do I get the VITALYTE past security? Well lucky for you, we’re TSA compliant! Just bring quart or half-liter packets of VITALYTE and an empty water bottle through security and refill the bottle at a drinking fountain (or buy a bottle of water once past security), mix up the VITALYTE and enjoy your trip, and the friendly skies!
For a great deal on your supply of Quart packets or the new Half-Liter packets of VITALYTE please visit the VITALYTE Store on our website and for more Air Travel tips; including Germs in Close Quarters, Blocked Ears and Blood Clots, please read the rest of my articles in the Hydration 101 section. Drink up and drink often…
Here are some tips:
The Problem: Dry Cabin Air
The low humidity and low air pressure in airplane cabins tend to dry out the sensitive mucus membranes in the mouth, nose and throat where viruses and bacteria can take hold.
What To Do:
Keep drinking. Ideally, drink 8 ounces of water, fruit juice or VITALYTE for each hour of your trip.
Why VITALYTE? It hydrates you without diluting your blood as does plain water, so you don’t have to stand in line for the bathroom. Many airline pilots drink VITALYTE to keep alert during the flight and they appreciate the fact that they don’t have to leave the flight deck even on cross-country flights.
How do I get the VITALYTE past security? Well lucky for you, we’re TSA compliant! Just bring quart or half-liter packets of VITALYTE and an empty water bottle through security and refill the bottle at a drinking fountain (or buy a bottle of water once past security), mix up the VITALYTE and enjoy your trip, and the friendly skies!
For a great deal on your supply of Quart packets or the new Half-Liter packets of VITALYTE please visit the VITALYTE Store on our website and for more Air Travel tips; including Germs in Close Quarters, Blocked Ears and Blood Clots, please read the rest of my articles in the Hydration 101 section. Drink up and drink often…
Monday, April 12, 2010
Do I Need More Electrolytes?
How do I know if need more electrolytes?
You lose electrolyte through your sweat glands as well as your intestinal and urinary tract. That means that aside from physical exertion, your electrolytes can also run low due to your diet or drinking habits, the climate, stress, or illness. You can know that your electrolytes are low by monitoring your physical symptoms, getting your blood pressure checked, or getting a blood test.
Be sure to monitor and replace your electrolytes if:
• Have a stress related disorder
• Suffer from an illness that is heat related
• Sweat excessively
• Have trouble sweating
• Have trouble with your circulation: cold hands or feet
• Have low blood pressure
• Have high blood pressure
• Are on blood pressure medication
• Your diet is poor and lacking fluids
• Have a compromised immune system
• Are a regular exerciser
Where to obtain electrolytes:
There are many different food or drinks out there that contain electrolytes, however it is a hard task getting a proper balance of electrolytes through your everyday diet. Back in the days before sports drinks, people used to rely on bone broths or soups to replace their lost electrolytes. Now, people rely on electrolyte sources that either has too much or too little of a certain type of electrolyte. With all the health problems that can crop up due to an electrolyte imbalance, it is important that everyone understands the need o replace their lost electrolytes.
Taking in extra salt is not a way to cure an electrolyte imbalance. In fact elevated salt levels can end up creating an imbalance as well as high blood pressure and heart trouble. Have too little salt is also a problem. Low levels of sodium can lead to lowered blood pressure and a compromised immune system causing a susceptibility to bacteria like staph or E.Coli.
Sports drinks such as Vitalyte can replace or balance electrolytes.
Drinking lots of water will not help you balance out your electrolytes. In fact this will just dilute them and cause a even greater imbalance. Gatorade generally does not contain all the different electrolytes that your body needs. Also, in order to work properly, sports drinks need to be isotonic, meaning that they are the same concentration as blood, and most are not. The high amounts of sugar that Gatorade contains can render the natural electrical charge of the electrolyte neutral making absorption into the cells impossible. Vitalyte has improved this process and thus developed a electrolyte replenishing drink with the perfect balance of electrolytes your body needs!
You lose electrolyte through your sweat glands as well as your intestinal and urinary tract. That means that aside from physical exertion, your electrolytes can also run low due to your diet or drinking habits, the climate, stress, or illness. You can know that your electrolytes are low by monitoring your physical symptoms, getting your blood pressure checked, or getting a blood test.
Be sure to monitor and replace your electrolytes if:
• Have a stress related disorder
• Suffer from an illness that is heat related
• Sweat excessively
• Have trouble sweating
• Have trouble with your circulation: cold hands or feet
• Have low blood pressure
• Have high blood pressure
• Are on blood pressure medication
• Your diet is poor and lacking fluids
• Have a compromised immune system
• Are a regular exerciser
Where to obtain electrolytes:
There are many different food or drinks out there that contain electrolytes, however it is a hard task getting a proper balance of electrolytes through your everyday diet. Back in the days before sports drinks, people used to rely on bone broths or soups to replace their lost electrolytes. Now, people rely on electrolyte sources that either has too much or too little of a certain type of electrolyte. With all the health problems that can crop up due to an electrolyte imbalance, it is important that everyone understands the need o replace their lost electrolytes.
Taking in extra salt is not a way to cure an electrolyte imbalance. In fact elevated salt levels can end up creating an imbalance as well as high blood pressure and heart trouble. Have too little salt is also a problem. Low levels of sodium can lead to lowered blood pressure and a compromised immune system causing a susceptibility to bacteria like staph or E.Coli.
Sports drinks such as Vitalyte can replace or balance electrolytes.
Drinking lots of water will not help you balance out your electrolytes. In fact this will just dilute them and cause a even greater imbalance. Gatorade generally does not contain all the different electrolytes that your body needs. Also, in order to work properly, sports drinks need to be isotonic, meaning that they are the same concentration as blood, and most are not. The high amounts of sugar that Gatorade contains can render the natural electrical charge of the electrolyte neutral making absorption into the cells impossible. Vitalyte has improved this process and thus developed a electrolyte replenishing drink with the perfect balance of electrolytes your body needs!
The Balancing Act of Electrolytes
Electrolytes are ionic substances that our body needs in order for our muscles to work properly. They provide the necessary electric charge to motivate the muscle tissue to expand and contract. Even the heart, which is also a muscle, needs electrolyte replenishment in order to keep functioning. Our nervous system is also dependant on a proper electrolyte balance in order function properly and maintains a tight control on the electrolyte levels in our system. Our electrolyte levels can be impacted by diet, stress, illness, medications and physical exertion.
Electrolytes consist of the positive ions of
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
Electrolytes also consist of the negative ions of
• Chloride
• Bicarbonate
• Phosphate
Signs of an Electrolyte imbalance
• Blood pressure that is too high or too low
• Excessive fatigue
• Problems with the immune system
• Circulation problems
Who suffers from electrolyte imbalances?
While superstar athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaq are perhaps the best known sufferers of off kilter electrolytes, research indicates that other groups including the elderly and the ill are just as prone to suffer a electrolyte imbalance.
Certain prescription drugs can also affect electrolytes...
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Tranquilizers
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Beta blockers
• Vasoconstrictors
All of these can alter the balance of electrolytes and lead to other serious health issues.
You can lose a lot of electrolytes by merely doing daily activities such as mowing the lawn, going for a run, golfing, even driving across country. Everyone is susceptible.
Electrolytes consist of the positive ions of
• Potassium
• Sodium
• Calcium
• Magnesium
Electrolytes also consist of the negative ions of
• Chloride
• Bicarbonate
• Phosphate
Signs of an Electrolyte imbalance
• Blood pressure that is too high or too low
• Excessive fatigue
• Problems with the immune system
• Circulation problems
Who suffers from electrolyte imbalances?
While superstar athletes like Michael Jordan and Shaq are perhaps the best known sufferers of off kilter electrolytes, research indicates that other groups including the elderly and the ill are just as prone to suffer a electrolyte imbalance.
Certain prescription drugs can also affect electrolytes...
• Diuretics
• Antihistamines
• Tranquilizers
• Tricyclic antidepressants
• Beta blockers
• Vasoconstrictors
All of these can alter the balance of electrolytes and lead to other serious health issues.
You can lose a lot of electrolytes by merely doing daily activities such as mowing the lawn, going for a run, golfing, even driving across country. Everyone is susceptible.
The Right Balance!
The Right Balance of Ingredients
In the past, many athletes created their own energy/sports drinks. Some still do. However, a sports drink that has a proper balance of ingredients will be much more effective than a homemade version. Most commercial sports drinks have the correct balance of electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and liquids. Without the right mix of ingredients in the proper amounts, a sports drink could hinder instead of enhance performance. Upset stomach or poor absorption rate of the drink could occur from the wrong balance of ingredients.
A Variety of Color and Flavor Choices
If you think that the color of a sports drink does not make a difference, spend a few minutes at the snack bar at a Little League field. Children, and many adults, find the color choice very important. Color can invoke a mood such as a cool blue color giving the feel of thirst quenching mountain water or a hot red color invoking the image of energy. It may be psychological, but it is still important.
Those who drink sports drinks also have taste preferences, and with the variety of sports drinks offered today, there is a choice for every taste.
They Don't "Run Through" a Body as Quickly as Water
Water may quench thirst, but it doesn't replenish any of the lost electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals that sports drinks can. Although all of these things are lost during sweating, they can also be lost through urination. Water causes more frequent urination than sports drinks do. Therefore, sports drinks not only replenish these important electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals, they also can help the body hold on to the ones they already have for a longer period of time.
The main ingredient in any sports drink is, of course, water. Water is important for re-hydration. The additional ingredients in sports drinks make them a better choice than water alone for athletes and others who exert a lot of energy and need to replenish the essential nutrients that have been quickly depleted in their bodies.
In the past, many athletes created their own energy/sports drinks. Some still do. However, a sports drink that has a proper balance of ingredients will be much more effective than a homemade version. Most commercial sports drinks have the correct balance of electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins, minerals, and liquids. Without the right mix of ingredients in the proper amounts, a sports drink could hinder instead of enhance performance. Upset stomach or poor absorption rate of the drink could occur from the wrong balance of ingredients.
A Variety of Color and Flavor Choices
If you think that the color of a sports drink does not make a difference, spend a few minutes at the snack bar at a Little League field. Children, and many adults, find the color choice very important. Color can invoke a mood such as a cool blue color giving the feel of thirst quenching mountain water or a hot red color invoking the image of energy. It may be psychological, but it is still important.
Those who drink sports drinks also have taste preferences, and with the variety of sports drinks offered today, there is a choice for every taste.
They Don't "Run Through" a Body as Quickly as Water
Water may quench thirst, but it doesn't replenish any of the lost electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals that sports drinks can. Although all of these things are lost during sweating, they can also be lost through urination. Water causes more frequent urination than sports drinks do. Therefore, sports drinks not only replenish these important electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins or minerals, they also can help the body hold on to the ones they already have for a longer period of time.
The main ingredient in any sports drink is, of course, water. Water is important for re-hydration. The additional ingredients in sports drinks make them a better choice than water alone for athletes and others who exert a lot of energy and need to replenish the essential nutrients that have been quickly depleted in their bodies.
Woot Woot for Electrolytes
It has been 50 years since the sports drink was introduced to athletes in the United States. The first sports drink, Bengal Punch, was given to athletes at Louisiana State University in 1958. Gatorade, the most recognizable name in sports drinks, debuted the following decade at the University of Florida and revolutionized the way athletes energize and re-hydrate themselves during a sporting event.
Since then, other sports drinks similar to Gatorade have been introduced to the market, including Glaceau Vitamin Water and Vitalyte. These drinks are incredibly popular with adult and teen athletes, as well as beverage consumers in general.
The main ingredients that sports drinks contain which enhance athletic performance are electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Athletes can gain many benefits from sports drinks while they are physically active. Among the most important of these aspects are:
Replenishment of Electrolytes
Electrolytes are salts that are naturally part of body fluids. When an athlete (or a gardener or a mail carrier or anyone else who engages in physical activity) sweats, electrolytes are lost through the sweat. If electrolytes are lost too quickly, the body does not have the ability to restore them as rapidly as they were lost. Sports drinks contain electrolytes such as chloride, sodium, and potassium to help replenish what was lost through sweat. Introducing electrolytes back into the body helps keep dehydration from occurring. Dehydration can become a very serious problem if not attended to. Electrolytes help to increase the absorption of fluids into the bloodstream.
A person who is exerting energy can quickly become dehydrated, in as little as 30 minutes. Therefore, it is suggested that athletes begin drinking a sports drink even before they start their activity.
Replenishment of Energy
Anyone who has ever exercised knows that fatigue can occur quickly. One of the reasons for this is that exercise increases metabolism, and when a person's metabolism is working overtime, it breaks down carbohydrates quickly. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for the body.
By replacing lost carbohydrates, the body can continue to work efficiently and an athlete has more energy to complete their activity.
Replacement of Lost Vitamins and Minerals
The human body also draws energy from various vitamins and minerals only found in certain foods, beverages or supplements. Sports drinks contain these vitamins and minerals to help keep the body working efficiently during activity.
Since then, other sports drinks similar to Gatorade have been introduced to the market, including Glaceau Vitamin Water and Vitalyte. These drinks are incredibly popular with adult and teen athletes, as well as beverage consumers in general.
The main ingredients that sports drinks contain which enhance athletic performance are electrolytes, carbohydrates, vitamins and minerals. Athletes can gain many benefits from sports drinks while they are physically active. Among the most important of these aspects are:
Replenishment of Electrolytes
Electrolytes are salts that are naturally part of body fluids. When an athlete (or a gardener or a mail carrier or anyone else who engages in physical activity) sweats, electrolytes are lost through the sweat. If electrolytes are lost too quickly, the body does not have the ability to restore them as rapidly as they were lost. Sports drinks contain electrolytes such as chloride, sodium, and potassium to help replenish what was lost through sweat. Introducing electrolytes back into the body helps keep dehydration from occurring. Dehydration can become a very serious problem if not attended to. Electrolytes help to increase the absorption of fluids into the bloodstream.
A person who is exerting energy can quickly become dehydrated, in as little as 30 minutes. Therefore, it is suggested that athletes begin drinking a sports drink even before they start their activity.
Replenishment of Energy
Anyone who has ever exercised knows that fatigue can occur quickly. One of the reasons for this is that exercise increases metabolism, and when a person's metabolism is working overtime, it breaks down carbohydrates quickly. Carbohydrates are one of the main sources of energy for the body.
By replacing lost carbohydrates, the body can continue to work efficiently and an athlete has more energy to complete their activity.
Replacement of Lost Vitamins and Minerals
The human body also draws energy from various vitamins and minerals only found in certain foods, beverages or supplements. Sports drinks contain these vitamins and minerals to help keep the body working efficiently during activity.
How Do You Get Electrolytes?
How Do You Get Electrolytes?
In the "old" days people used to get their electrolytes from cooking down animal bones into soups and broths. Even though it's not a perfectly balanced way of getting electrolytes, electrolytes can be replaced this way.
Even though drinking a bone soup broth may be hard to swallow after a hard workout or during the summertime when soup really isn't on the menu, there are other ways (thanks to science) of getting the perfect balance that's VERY convenient.
Beware of Electrolyte Mixes!
I've seen powdered mixes of so called electrolytes. There are salt tablets, minerals, vitamins. None of these will replace and balance your electrolytes.
The essential minerals for electrolyte replacement drinks are: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Phosphorous and Sulfur.
Individually these electrolytes cannot provide CONDUCTIVITY necessary to transmit the electrical pulses that operate the nerves, muscles and heart! Together, in the proper ratio, they regulate the nervous system, muscle function, maintain the body's acid/alkaline balance and regulate the amount of water in body fluids and cells!
That's important stuff!
People have tried everything and will try just about anything. For the athletes reading this, Endurox and other mixes are not electrolyte replacement drinks. They are for recovery after training and while I use such formulas, I've never gotten the results that I've had with the Vitalyte.
In the "old" days people used to get their electrolytes from cooking down animal bones into soups and broths. Even though it's not a perfectly balanced way of getting electrolytes, electrolytes can be replaced this way.
Even though drinking a bone soup broth may be hard to swallow after a hard workout or during the summertime when soup really isn't on the menu, there are other ways (thanks to science) of getting the perfect balance that's VERY convenient.
Beware of Electrolyte Mixes!
I've seen powdered mixes of so called electrolytes. There are salt tablets, minerals, vitamins. None of these will replace and balance your electrolytes.
The essential minerals for electrolyte replacement drinks are: Sodium, Potassium, Calcium, Magnesium, Chloride, Bicarbonate, Phosphorous and Sulfur.
Individually these electrolytes cannot provide CONDUCTIVITY necessary to transmit the electrical pulses that operate the nerves, muscles and heart! Together, in the proper ratio, they regulate the nervous system, muscle function, maintain the body's acid/alkaline balance and regulate the amount of water in body fluids and cells!
That's important stuff!
People have tried everything and will try just about anything. For the athletes reading this, Endurox and other mixes are not electrolyte replacement drinks. They are for recovery after training and while I use such formulas, I've never gotten the results that I've had with the Vitalyte.
Good Health = Electrolytes
Replace The Electrolytes You Use Everyday!
Not enough health advisers/practitioners talk about electrolytes and yet so many health issues can be resolved by keeping an electrolyte balance.
Electrolyte replacement is NOT just for athletes. It is critical for athletes but still imperative for everybody. Just about everyone is running around deficient in electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for active bodies...this means shopping, working, driving, sleeping...you're losing electrolytes all day and all night long.
Feeling Fatigued? There's A Good Chance It's Because You're Deficient In Electrolytes!
Electrolytes give the body the electrical charge that keeps the heart, muscles and nervous system working properly. Fatigue, heavy sweating (or not sweating at all), cold hands or feet and susceptibility to colds are sign of a really bad imbalance.
When your electrolytes are truly balanced, there are all types of little health nuances you may have that will just go away. Let's face it, we all have little health issues and we aren't sure what causes them. Anyone with any type of illness, disease or major health concern should start taking electrolytes immediately.
The Usual Misconceptions About Electrolytes!
Usually if someone feels dehydrated, they drink water or a sports drink. I used to do the same. Sports drinks provide carbohydrates, which are important for active people. Sports drinks have lots of glucose in them. Marathoners, endurance athletes, hikers and bikers crave quick energy when working, so it's easy to see why they would grab a sports drink.
Water dilutes electrolytes and creates a greater electrolyte imbalance. Drinking water is very important and honestly, most people don't drink enough. Drinking water unfortunately makes people with electrolyte imbalance worse off. Mineral water contains a variety of minerals that upsets electrolyte balance.
Not enough health advisers/practitioners talk about electrolytes and yet so many health issues can be resolved by keeping an electrolyte balance.
Electrolyte replacement is NOT just for athletes. It is critical for athletes but still imperative for everybody. Just about everyone is running around deficient in electrolytes. Electrolytes are essential for active bodies...this means shopping, working, driving, sleeping...you're losing electrolytes all day and all night long.
Feeling Fatigued? There's A Good Chance It's Because You're Deficient In Electrolytes!
Electrolytes give the body the electrical charge that keeps the heart, muscles and nervous system working properly. Fatigue, heavy sweating (or not sweating at all), cold hands or feet and susceptibility to colds are sign of a really bad imbalance.
When your electrolytes are truly balanced, there are all types of little health nuances you may have that will just go away. Let's face it, we all have little health issues and we aren't sure what causes them. Anyone with any type of illness, disease or major health concern should start taking electrolytes immediately.
The Usual Misconceptions About Electrolytes!
Usually if someone feels dehydrated, they drink water or a sports drink. I used to do the same. Sports drinks provide carbohydrates, which are important for active people. Sports drinks have lots of glucose in them. Marathoners, endurance athletes, hikers and bikers crave quick energy when working, so it's easy to see why they would grab a sports drink.
Water dilutes electrolytes and creates a greater electrolyte imbalance. Drinking water is very important and honestly, most people don't drink enough. Drinking water unfortunately makes people with electrolyte imbalance worse off. Mineral water contains a variety of minerals that upsets electrolyte balance.
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