While many health issues are commonly discussed, dehydration is often ignored. Considering how vital maintaining proper hydration is, the matter should be at the top of any list of essential health concerns. Here are a few strategies to maintain a healthy fluid and electrolyte balance:
Why Maintaining Your Fluid & Electrolyte Balance is Important
The human body is roughly 75 percent water, and that water is vital for sustaining life. In addition to water, the human body requires several minerals. Potassium, magnesium, calcium, and sodium are examples of essential minerals.
However, the quantity of those minerals is also significant, as each plays a specific role in maintaining your health. To further complicate matters, some of those minerals won’t be effectively absorbed and used by the human body unless the others are present. For example, magnesium will only be effectively utilized with calcium being present.
And all of the minerals require a sufficient hydration level to provide the maximum benefits. That’s why anyone who’s dehydrated will need an electrolyte drink to restore their body’s mineral and hydration levels.
Strategies to Maintain a Fluid & Electrolyte Balance
Health experts generally recommend specific ways to maintain proper hydration and electrolyte levels. Here are some essential steps anyone can take to control their fluid and electrolyte balance:
- Minimize the Use of Salt. While it’s difficult to avoid using salt, there are ways to keep the harmful effects of consuming salt to a minimum. First, avoid processed foods, as most contain far more salt than necessary. Pass on drinking sodas. Stick to water as a source of hydration.
- Drink Plenty of Water. Developing healthy habits like drinking enough water every day is always a good idea. Avoiding dehydration is always better than trying to recover. Drinking plenty of water helps people to maintain their metabolic rate and improve digestion.
- Plan Your Diet Carefully. Eating the right foods goes a long way toward ensuring your body has the nutrients it needs. Focus on whole foods, including fresh fruits and vegetables, healthy fats, lean protein, and complex carbohydrates.
- Consume Drinks with Extra Electrolytes Following Strenuous Exercises. Drinks that include electrolytes help your body recover after sports activities, working out, or heavy manual labor.
In many instances, drinking water is sufficient, but following strenuous activities, your body will need an extra boost to restore fluid and electrolyte balance.Â
Health experts recommend the strategies listed here for anyone exploring ways to maintain their overall health.
Identifying an Electrolyte Imbalance
In many instances, people suffer from electrolyte imbalances without realizing what’s happening to their bodies. Recognizing an issue makes recovering easier and faster. There are a few symptoms people cite experiencing when an electrolyte balance occurs.
Some people report feeling nauseous following strenuous activities. Others recall feeling lethargic or sensing a rapid or irregular heartbeat. Still, others experience seizures or chest pains. These symptoms should never be ignored, as they can signal serious health issues.
However, in many instances, the problems will clear up without medical intervention if fluids and electrolytes are consumed. See a doctor if the symptoms are severe or don’t quickly resolve themselves.
Plan Ahead
Before engaging in any exercise routines, sports, or strenuous labor, plan to drink enough water, eat the right foods, and have electrolyte powders available to restore your body’s fluid and electrolyte balance.
