supplements
Water
the most
crucial
nutrient
A
s we approach the summer months and are spending
more time out in the sun, it is important to be aware
of how much water you are drinking. We all know that
water is essential for life. Humans can live for weeks without food,
but only a matter of days without water. Performance, healthy
blood flow, kidney function, body temperature regulation, digestion,
muscle contraction, and joint lubrication are just some of the bodily
functions that are impacted by hydration. The body works better
with an abundance of water, and being dehydrated makes your tissues work harder and expend more energy. If you are concerned
about performing at your best, you probably know that hydration
status has a major influence on performance and factors that affect
performance. Dehydration can lead to significant decreases in both
mental and physical performance. Although just 2% dehydration
leads to significant changes in physical performance, it is not
uncommon to lose 6-10% of body weight via sweating during
intense exercise! This hydration deficit leads to major performance
decreases not only for high intensity and endurance sports, but for
weight lifting as well. In addition to the physical disadvantages of
dehydration there are significant effects on mental performance.
Mood and cognitive function, especially in the heat and during
exercise can be greatly affected by dehydration. Even mild
dehydration can produce declines in concentration, alertness, and
memory; all of which are important not only for competition, but
everyday life.
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Natural Muscle Magazine
Electrolytes
Although drinking a lot of water is obviously important, there is
much more to hydration than just the water itself. Water contains
micronutrients that are crucial to cell health. We often hear about
these micronutrients, commonly referred to as electrolytes. The
major electrolytes include sodium, potassium, calcium, chloride,
magnesium, phosphate, and bicarbonate. Electrolytes conduct
electrical impulses that allow us to survive. They promote water
balance, conduct nerve impulses, and maintain efficient muscle
contraction. When electrolyte levels are low, muscle contraction
becomes dysfunctional, leading to muscle weakness. When an
electrolyte imbalance is present, muscle cramping also occurs.
Additionally, electrolytes work to maintain pH and prevent our
bodies from becoming too acidic. For these reasons, people turn
to sports drinks rather than plain water to ensure electrolyte intake
while exercising. Unfortunately, sports drinks aren’t a healthy
choice either.
The answer to your hydration
needs
So, in a world where ingredient lists contain unpronounceable
names and a simple sports drink consists of over 15 components
including high fructose corn syrup and artificial sweeteners, how
can you give your body what it needs without a bunch of ingredients it doesn’t need?
June/July 2015
Pure Solutions HydroSport is an all-natural water additive that
turns regular water into electrolyte water! HydroSport keeps your
body performing optimally by providing electrolytes, trace minerals,
and plant extracts to hydrate the body, keep a proper acid base
balance, and fight fatigue. And, HydroSport doesn’t have any of
the sugars and artificial ingredients that other products contain.
Try HydroSport today for a healthier, less expensive alternative to
sports drinks.
Nevine Duncan, Lead Researcher at BioLab Naturals, became an
ACE certified personal trainer and published several publications
in peer reviewed journals while earning her Bachelor of Science
degree in Exercise Science from the University of Tampa. She
is currently working on her Master of Science degree in Human
Nutrition at the University of Bridgeport, Connecticut.