Hydration is essential for all individuals. However, if you’re working out for extended periods of time (e.g. greater than one hour) or at a high intensity in the heat, the need for fluid replenishment is significantly greater. In these situations replacing lost electrolytes is a necessity.

Electrolytes are paramount in maintaining whole body and cellular water balance as they influence the ability of your body to hold onto water. During exercise we also call on electrolytes for muscle function, energy synthesis and nerve impulses to maintain maximum endurance and muscular strength.

An average individual should be drinking at least 2 litres of water throughout the day, and this need increases if you’re very active. Subsequently, if you are low in electrolytes, hydration will be compromised, as will performance and recovery. Consuming a quality hypotonic electrolyte formula that contains a full range of electrolytes lost during exercise is an excellent way to feel hydrated quickly.

If you’re looking for a great source of natural electrolytes, coconut water can be a nice addition to your hydration practises as it provides essential electrolytes (potassium, sodium, magnesium and calcium), other minerals (iron and phosphorous), vitamins (vitamin C, folate and B6), carbohydrates and protein. 

About the author

Belinda Reynolds

Belinda Reynolds graduated with an Honours Degree in Nutrition and Dietetics in 2003. She has been involved in the complementary medicine industry for nearly 15 years - 10 of these working for BioCeuticals as a Practitioner Sales Consultant, Team Leader, Presenter, Educator and Writer, with an involvement in Marketing and Product Development. Outside of this Belinda has spent time working in hospitals and lectured at the Australasian College of Natural Therapies.

Belinda’s greatest passion is assisting practitioners in developing their knowledge by presenting new research in the area of integrative medicine. Now a mother of two, pre- and postnatal, infant and child health have evolved as subjects particularly close to her heart.

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