Thursday, December 19, 2013

Using Hydrating Water As Part Of A Wholesome Diet

By Cornelia White


It is important to take in the correct amount of fluids each day, but there are times when one needs more than just water. When there are heat waves, or when one is training, it's possible to take in too many fluids and too few salts. When salt levels are imbalanced, it can cause sickness and even death. Hydrating water with the right electrolyte quantities is thus a core part of staying healthy.

Potassium, glucose, sodium, and calcium are all important to keep in balance if the organs are to function well. Any one of these salts, when imbalanced, can lead to too much fluid in the brain and organs. Fluid intoxication causes fits and concentration problems. This is most likely in those who have a co-existing imbalance of anti-diuretic hormone, which causes cravings for water while preventing the kidneys from excreting fluids.

Those who develop low sodium levels tend not to have dietary insufficiency. Instead, this tends to happen because too much liquid has been taken in, which can happen when there is a hormonal imbalance. Those with heavy exercise programs are particularly prone to this problem, and should add sodium and other salts to their drinking fluids to prevent it.

The body has an extremely delicate balance of electrolytes, which affects health at a cellular level. The most important of these are potassium, sodium, chloride, calcium, sulfate, and magnesium. Hydration preparations that contain these and additional salts are the best way to correct imbalances while increasing fluid intake. Excessive thirst during exercise is best met with liquid that contains the correct salt levels, since pure water dilutes the body's salts to cause negative side effects that are potentially dangerous.

Salt imbalances can also be caused by excess perspiration during exercise. Short training programs generally cause reduced sodium and potassium levels. Extended training such as marathons more commonly cause extreme thirst, too much water ingestion and thus a reduction in all electrolytes.

When food poisoning or similar illnesses are suffered, water and electrolytes must be replaced. Sports drinks tend to contain high levels of sugar, which are not healthy when nausea and diarrhea are an issue. Instead, it is best to use sugar and glucose-free preparations that supplement fluids and salts.

Each salt keeps the body healthy in a different way. The health-consciousness movement has led many to eliminate salt from their diets entirely but sodium is core to health. When there is an imbalance, it leads to hyponatremia, which can cause seizures and even death. Sodium prevents muscles from cramping and helps to keep the rest of the electrolytes in balance.

The cardiac cells are reliant on potassium to keep the heart beat regular. It is also an important part of electrolyte balances and muscle health. When there is insufficient potassium intake, neuropathy is a common complaint.

When perspiration increases due to heat waves, hydrating water combats several resultant symptoms. It helps to increase blood pressure when it is too low while at the same time restoring a balance of electrolytes. The delicate salt balance needed is best achieved with fluids that are medically formulated, rather than with pure fluids.




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