Electrolytes - Part 1

Hydration, muscle function, and more.

The impact that proper hydration has on our health has been hammered home in mainstream media as well as here on HIB. To pound it a little more, fluid intake impacts every single organ system in our bodies in a MASSIVE way.

Simply put, proper hydration plays a key role in your digestion, mood, muscle function, and well beyond.

Until recently, the various factors that contribute to optimal hydration have been less advertised. You might be thinking “it’s quite obvious, drink more water” and you’re partially correct… although there’s more to the equation.

One huge player in the realm of optimizing hydration is electrolytes – particularly giving attention to sodium in this discussion but also important are chloride, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

These charged particles play a pivotal role in maintaining fluid balance within our various tissues and contribute to muscle and nerve function in a substantial way.

Without them, we wouldn’t survive.

It’s important to first highlight that while electrolytes are critical, most people just simply aren’t drinking enough water.

Let’s address this first and foremost.

It’s quite simple. Try to consume roughly half of your bodyweight (in pounds) in fluid ounces of liquid per day. This can include tea and coffee but in moderation!

This equation does NOT consider fluid lost during activity which will also be addressed in our conversation today.

Let’s get into it.

Electrolyte Imbalance – How & Why?