What Really Happens When You Sweat
Whenever we do an action that requires a certain amount of effort, we sweat. Given the heat that we have to deal with here in the country, even on rainy days, we sweat all the more.
We usually don’t like that — sweats are sticky, uncomfortable to the skin and they aren’t exactly pleasant to smell. However, sweating is inevitable as it is a natural body process, it helps regulate body heat and flush out toxins. But every time we sweat, we also lose small bits of carbs, salts, and other minerals.
Let’s break down the components of sweat first. It is composed mainly of water, urea (waste products), and minerals commonly called as electrolytes such as sodium (0.9 gram/liter), potassium (0.2 g/l) and small amounts of calcium (0.015 g/l) and magnesium (0.0013 g/l). This is what your body loses when you perspire.
Inability to replenish lost water and minerals can lead to dehydration, which can cause headaches, cramps, fatigue. Improper rehydration can even lead to fainting, cardiac arrest, or coma. One of the easiest way to determine if you’re dehydrated is to check your urine color.
Fortunately, this can be easily avoided by making sure to replenish lost fluids and minerals.
Here are 3 steps on how to Rehydrate Yourself
1. Drink Water
If you’re feeling low, H2O is the way to go. Most people need to be reminded of the importance of water. Not only does it hydrate us, it can also energize our muscles and it flushes out impurities in our body. To know that you’re drinking enough, your urine should have a clear color.
However, waster does not replenish all the lost minerals that your body needs, especially if you sweat a lot.
2. Fruits and Vegetables
Many fruits and vegetables are a great source of both water and electrolytes. Bananas, being one of our favorites contain high levels of the electrolyte potassium. For fruits, besides bananas, oranges, and avocados are good options; spinach, beans, and potatoes for vegetables.
3. Grab a Sports Drink
Now if keeping track of what you drink and eat seems complicated, and we don’t really have the luxury of carrying nutritious fruits and vegetables all the time, especially when we go out to travel or run a marathon, then the best solution is to simply grab a sports drink like Gatorade.
Gatorade is formulated to optimally replenish the minerals lost in sweat; it is also the most researched beverage on the planet when it comes to sports hydration. Each bottle is designed to replace lost electrolytes that you can lose after a “sweaty” activity or even in the middle of a good workout.
Dehydration is a serious matter, especially when you’re active. It’s also recommended to take an annual health check to know where your body is every year. A complete blood work can easily quantify your levels of electrolytes and a good way to know how your body is responding to your physical activities.
It’s always good to perspire. But always make sure to rehydrate properly after.
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