You’ve heard it before: Adults should drink eight cups of water per day.
In reality, the amount of water you need depends on the individual.1 But most experts agree that 44 ounces—the average for American adults—likely isn’t enough, especially if you lead an active lifestyle.2 Dehydration can lead to various health issues, both short-term and long-term. So, how do you optimize your hydration?
This is where electrolytes come in. These minerals play a crucial role in many bodily processes, especially hydration.3
What are Electrolytes?
Electrolytes are minerals in your body that have an electric charge. You’ve probably heard of these:
- Sodium
- Potassium
- Chloride
- Magnesium
- Phosphate
These play a crucial role in various body processes. But our body doesn’t produce these minerals naturally, so we need to get them from the foods we eat and beverages we drink.
Why Prioritize Electrolytes for Hydration?
Electrolytes help regulate the balance of fluids inside and outside our cells. This balance is essential for maintaining proper hydration levels and ensuring that cells function properly.
Maintaining a balanced intake of electrolytes through a healthy diet, and supplementing when necessary, especially during heavy exercise and hot weather, supports overall hydration and health.
What is the Best Way to Get Supplemental Electrolytes?
For years, the main option consumers had to supplement their electrolyte intake were sports drinks, which are typically high in both sodium and sugar.
Lately, more options have hit the market and become popular. Electrolyte drink mix powders for hydration, such as Zhou’s Hydro-Fuel powder, are a popular way to support hydration on the go.
Recently, Zhou introduced another easy option for electrolytes: Hydro-Fuel Gummies, which deliver the same advanced hydration formula of our powder in a tasty gummy — no shaker bottle required.
However you choose to supplement, getting the right electrolytes for hydration is crucial in maintaining healthy energy as you power through your day.
Follow @zhou_nutrition for more fitness and wellness tips!
References
- Mayo Clinic Staff. Water: How much should you drink every day? Mayo Clinic. 2022; Mar 12. https://www.mayoclinic.org/healthy-lifestyle/nutrition-and-healthy-eating/in-depth/water/art-20044256#:~:text=So%20how%20much%20fluid%20does,fluids%20a%20day%20for%20women
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Get the Facts: Data and Research on Water Consumption. CDC. 2022; June 7. https://www.cdc.gov/nutrition/data-statistics/plain-water-the-healthier-choice.html
- National Research Council (US). Water and Electrolytes. Recommended Dietary Allowances: 10th Edition. National Academies Press (US). 1989. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK234935/
