Dehydration can occur quickly during exercise. Your body needs to replenish water during and after exercise to prevent dehydration. But over longer periods of physical activity the body also loses electrolytes. These need to be replaced as well, and water does not contain them.
Your body needs electrolytes at all times. They are molecules that contain free ions and help to regulate many processes in the body, including nerve and muscle function, hydration, blood pH, blood pressure and healing damaged tissue. Electrolytes are obtained naturally through many foods and are usually not a concern to individuals adhering to a casual exercise routine. In more extreme cases, though, your body's electrolytes need to be taken into consideration.
Doctors recommend drinking small amounts of water every 10 to 15 minutes during exercise. This helps to immediately replace the water lost through perspiration. For exercise lasting more than 60 minutes, other nutrients must be included. Drinking a beverage that features a carbohydrate content of 5 to 7 percent allows the body to absorb the carbohydrates at a quick rate, providing quick fuel and helping to replenish electrolytes to the body.
Many sports drinks, including Gatorade, Powerade and Vitamin Water all feature carbohydrates and electrolytes that are valuable for people exercising in excess of 60 minutes. You can also make your own sports drink featuring electrolytes by adding a small amount of orange or fruit juice to water, or mixing 5 tbsp. table sugar and 1/3 tsp. salt into a liter of water.
Not only is drinking water important but so is replacing lost electrolytes. For clean and healthy drinking tips please call Eagle Industries Corp(distributors of Eagle Water Treatment Systems) at 1-866-222-9308.
