It’s been so hot lately that the sweat is just pouring off us by simply standing there looking pretty. Although we crave the heat in the winter months, this humid heat often this leaves us feeling lethargic and a little grumpy. To beat the heat is vital you hydrate and restore your electrolytes.
What are electrolytes?
“Chemically, electrolytes are substances that become ions in solution and acquire the capacity to conduct electricity. Electrolytes are present in the human body, and the balance of the electrolytes in our bodies is essential for normal function of our cells and our organs.” – medicinenet.com
Notice it mentions electrolytes conduct electricity. Electricity is our energy, so if our electrolytes are off, so is our energy. As noted, we need this electricity/energy for normal function. It’s essential to our bodies, health and our vitality. Therefore, it is so important we keep our electrolytes balanced and happy in this hot weather, so we can continue functioning as our optimal selves!
Electrolytes are stored in our bodies as a balance between sodium, potassium, chloride and bicarbonate. Without going into detail about these, and the functions they each have on our bodies, let’s just say when these are out of balance it can have some pretty serious consequences on our health. Depending on the severity of your electrolyte imbalance, health concerns can range from congestive heart failure to dehydration, dizziness, heat stroke, kidney failure, kidney infection, liver disease, low blood pressure, and muscles cramps. Pretty serious right!?
How can you ensure your electrolytes are balanced and happy in this weather?
Consume food and drinks that provide you with potassium and sodium.
Naturally, when people think of restoring their electrolytes they think of Gatorade. Unfortunately this drink is far from healthy, and was actually featured on the Dr. Oz show for having flame retardant as one of the ingredients. Although this has been challenged by Pepsi Co (of course, because they own it!) the message and investigation must have come from somewhere. Whether there’s truth to it or not, why not make your own at-home electrolyte drink so you can ensure you’re restoring your electrolytes in a healthy and natural way.
Check out a couple of these websites for at-home and healthy electrolyte remedies:
Stay hydrated, feel good, and enjoy the heat!
Showing you the difference between liking and loving your body,
Ashley Dale Roy
